Before you go down the route of any plans at all just note that as you own a share of the Freehold that's great, but you still require planning permission and permission from the other Freeholder / party wall agreement etc for any structural change on Flats. They don't come under permitted development rules. It's difficult to comment without knowing the layout of the upstairs and what is / isn't a structural wall. Removing chimneys is structural as you need to put in 'ghost hangers' to support the portion of the stack above the bit you're taking out. You also want to re-route the plumbing as it's all currently at the back, so you need to know if there is another drain nearer to the front if you want to move the kitchen and bathroom. Having bedrooms split by the kitchen and neither near the bathroom is not a good layout. This is not a cheap job, and at the end of the day, you've still got a two bed flat. Unless you can cover in / extend into the area to the right to create a hallway, then i'd say it's not worth it. By creating the hallway to the right, you don't need to disturb the Chimneys, you make more room and possibly add value. You will still have the problem with the drains, but that may be more easily over come. By doing that, it does make for a hugely improved layout, but does create another problem and that's light. I'd advise making the new Hallway Glass roofed, and keeping windows in the bedrooms for diffused light.

Can you fit a door to the dining room in between the front door and the stairs? If so then that opens up a lot more options. assuming you can: I would keep the existing side entrance, make the side section into a boot room with lots of hooks etc and a place to keep bikes scooters sports kit shoes etc. This second “muddy” entrance is absolutely invaluable, if I had any way of doing this in my house I would! This boot room/coat corridor then continues around the back of the dining room to lead to the hall. The WC comes off it in the existing location, this is then accessible to guests from the hall rather than via the dining room. Utility I would do as per Jonathan’s layout, with the door opening inwards, or a pocket door if you have enough wall space. I see you are retaining the dividing wall between kitchen and living room, I imagine this is to reduce cost but you could consider putting some glazed panels in to that wall to make it feel more open to each other. I also see you have a level difference between kitchen and the rest of the house, I would recommend raising the kitchen level to match the rest as it’s only one step, allows more flexibility in furniture placement and is generally more practical. Also gives room to lay underfloor heating in the kitchen.

Good Morning, Plenty of potential there! I agree that the space could be utilised better. Jonathan shows one great idea. I really recommend considering the natural light, wind, noise conditions, as well as creating a brief on exactly how you would like to live in the space first of all. It may be preferable to have an open plan concept allowing the family to spend time together or a more cellular layout keeping warmth in and allowing for privacy and separation. Where possible it is useful to provide spaces to include your own character such as art, books or hobbies. Also research into the property and area can also provide guidance on what fits in terms of architecture. If you would like us to create a floor plan for you we can offer this service remotely. The first step is to get in touch for a cost - either private message or phone call is great. Thank you for sharing, this is an exciting project. Kind regards, Sophie Ellen Ellen Utley Interiors

Hello, We live in 1900 end of terrace property which has already been extended. We would like to replace the kitchen and let some more light in with sky lights/bi-fold doors. We want to move the utility room and combine it with the under stairs cupboard (also removing the chimney breast) to open up the space at the rear of the house. Our concern is the waste from the bathroom as the drain is at out the back of the existing French doors. The roof above the utility room is pitched and has a small loft space which we do not use. Can anyone help with some ideas of how we could make his work? Ideally we would install a small island and have the dining table at the back of the house before the bi-fold doors. Thank you!