Thinking about switching rooms

last month

Hi everyone,

I'm buying a house (it's 7 years old) and currently it has a separate kitchen and a large lounge/diner. I'm contemplating switching it around so that it has a small lounge and then turning the larger room into a kitchen/diner because I feel like that will have a better flow and a nicer feel. However I know that moving all of the services is an expensive business... (I will probably leave the boiler where it is). My thinking for this is 1) I like to be able to talk to people when I cook, and the isolated kitchen makes it more difficult and 2) I plan to get a flatmate and so like the idea of having a lounge that can shut off if one of us is entertaining friends. For context I will replace the kitchen anyway, so thought this switch would be a really nice option. I also plan to live in the house for a long time, so want to make it work for my needs. But also don't want to make a mistake! Attached are a couple of floor plans (before & after).

The other (cheaper) options would be to add in a lovely big 'hatch' with a breakfast bar that can be shut off, or adding a small table / bar option in the kitchen.

Would really appreciate some thoughts and other perspectives!

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Comments (4)

Jonathan
29 days ago
last modified: 29 days ago
I worry that should you later sell the living room will appear too small and spending money in this way now could actually reduce its later resale potential and value. I think perhaps you have failed to envisage the size of the new living room and that when sat on the sofa you will be able to touch the TV with your toes!

Assuming the idea is to get a bigger kitchen and more than one place to sit downstairs could you extend into the corner of your L shaped house?

Or assuming that corner of the L is your hallway can you take down the wall in order to make the kitchen feel bigger? (please note that if its a three storey house you will need a plan to deal with fire regs)
Sonia
29 days ago
I like your idea, especially as having a big entertaining kitchen will suit your lifestyle. My sister did this and she kept a small snug tv room which suits them very well. Very cosy. If budget allows for the extension as Jonathan suggests that would be great but not a cheap option.
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Anna G
29 days ago
Build in bench seating where the kitchen sink is with a small table and pinch space from the lounge/diner so you don't lose kitchen space?
rinked
29 days ago
last modified: 29 days ago
2.45 is way too narrow for a lounge. If you want to socialise, add a doorway or window bar between the rooms. Benefit of a doorway to lounge would be that you can place units on both sides of the kitchen, and/or a small breakfast/bar-table. What does the kitchen look like as it is now (i mean plumbing, gas, window height and so on?

Thinking about switching rooms

Comments (4)

Jonathan

Sonia

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Anna G

rinked

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