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Design Dilemma Dining Rooms Kitchens

Hi all, I’m designing my new kitchen and looking for advice

23 days ago

Hi all, I’m in the process of designing my new kitchen and looking for some advice/options from anyone. I’ve attached a picture of the layout I made using the DIY planner, plus a couple of photos. Any general advice would be really appreciated!

The layout was taken from a previous appointment I had with Howdens with the aim that the kitchen feels more open. I mentioned that my sink isn’t perfectly central with the window, and they said this could make the corner cupboard door too small to use well and also make the sink awkward to use when cooking. The cupboard door is 60cm at the moment. I’m wondering if the off-centre sink is actually going to be that annoying in practice, or if it’s better to just leave it for the sake of usability. What do you think—symmetry vs practicality?

Also, for the island area, it's the main prep space and currently 1600mm wide, which gives me a 1089mm walkway around it. It was originally 1200mm, but I’m not sure if this is the right size now. Does this sound good, or would you recommend adjusting it?

Is there anything else people feel would work better? not work well? Do you think feature lighting would work better on the island or above the dining area?

Thanks so much for any tips or feedback.

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Comments (4)

Isla Cherry
23 days ago
I don't like the position of the peninsula. Do you have your heart set on a breakfast bar with seating? It also needs to be quite wide with an overhang for the stools. This is about 900mm which is quite dominant. Would you consider turning it through 90 to sit against the wall? You could use the storage units for end supports and have the worksurface oversailing it all. The stools could now be positioned in the middle of the run and pushed in when not in use. You may be able to add more storage this way. The sink under the window rule is a bit outdated. If symmetry bothers you and it would bother me then rather have a smaller unit so that the sink is centred about the window. The current unit sizes give a peninsula size of 1400mm not 1600mm. If you would like it more open then try turning it and see if you like it. I'm sure Howdens kitchen planners have very little in the way of design qualifications.
Sarah L
23 days ago
I don't like the peninsula either, or the boiler cupboard next to the extractor hood. I wouldn't worry about the sink being slightly off centre from the window (mine isn't centred). Try rotating the peninsula 90 degrees to create an island with a hob, and have a tall oven housing next to the boiler with a 300mm wall unit. You may have room for a deeper island worktop. An L shaped corner base unit would also be better for access.
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Thanks for your comments so far; it’s really helpful to get other points of view. Maths Wife, I’m with you on the pantry idea! In fact, I spent a long time trying to work out if we could put one there by getting decent-width access to the garden via another route. But coming through from the front door involves a narrow hallway and getting through several internal doors, and coming via the utility room would involve losing washing space to add a door, and a sharp right-hand turn. Apart from the fact that we’ll ultimately re-landscape our entire garden, which will all need to come through the house, I also sometimes use a mobility scooter, and although I don’t intend to take it into the house, I’d rather be safe than sorry in terms of access. We’re compensating for the lack of pantry by planning on turning the area outside those doors into a little shaded patio with small table/chairs. So in theory we could have those doors wide open in the summer, and have garden views from both ends of the kitchen. minnie101, I didn’t explain the meals for 30 very well . We set up another table in the playroom in those cases, so about half the people in each room. So in the kitchen I just want to make sure that we can have table fully extended whenever we need it, which seats about 14. For the drinks area, yes we’re debating having bifold doors so there is max countertop space for a small sink, kettle etc. As you say, it makes sense and saves the countertop space elsewhere, just makes for an expensive cupboard The roof lantern size is indeed limited by the fact that’s the only area of the kitchen that isn’t double storey. Other than squaring out a corner, we are keeping to the current footprint, as it’s just about on maximum extension already. That area, in a bizarre design choice by the previous owners, is currently the utility room, which just about blocks any view onto the garden - we need the lights on even in summer, despite that being a south facing view. I’ve spent most of the last 6 years trying to understand WHY someone would choose that layout as part of a fairly substantial extension, even going so far as to move the kitchen, which was south facing, to the other end of the room. I’ve yet to think of a sensible explanation…. We are going for a fairly timeless/modern country look, hence the orangery rather than bifolds, and also want to maximise the light as it’s a long room. Fingers crossed, it will look something like this, although with a lot more planting around it and step-free patio.
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Oraanj Interior design
21 days ago
Hello Hannah

Island Dimensions

Walkway Width: A 1089mm walkway is a good compromise for comfort and functionality, especially in busy kitchens. However, ensure the island is proportionate to the room’s size and doesn’t obstruct flow. If possible, test the 1200mm width virtually or with temporary markers to visualize space utilization.

Lighting Recommendations

Feature Lighting: Consider placing statement pendant lights over the island to create a focal point and enhance functionality. In the dining area, go for softer, ambient lighting to set a cozy tone.

If you'd like a professional review of your layout or tailored feedback, feel free to share additional details or get in touch!

Warm regards,

Oraanj Interior Design
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minnie101
21 days ago
What is the door next to the oven? Given you have garden doors I might lose it, remove the cupboard and have the tall units on that wall (the FF is blocking the light and view from the doors atm). That layout may make more sense of the peninsula aesthetically although from a practical perspective I’m not keen on it being so close to the door if you plan on that being your prep area

Alternatively move the kitchen to the dining end. Do you have a house plan?

I’d have pendant/s over the table (which looks a little big). I’m not sure what is in the peninsula but if possible maybe 2 sets of drawers and the original 1200mm length
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