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Design Dilemma Dining Rooms Kitchens

We need help with 1930's kitchen/diner design

4 months ago

last modified: 4 months ago

Hi all 👋
We have recently bought a lovely 1930s semi detached house in need of some modernisation. We would love to create a really nice kitchen diner that is suitable for entertaining guests, while also letting the kids galavant around the garden. We honestly don't know where to start with this. It already has a rear extension across the whole rear of the house which is a bonus.I would be really interested to see if anyone has any lovely ideas on how to transform the space. We currently have around 80k for the work. It's all very new and exciting but we want to make sure we do the best possible job.
Thanks,

Featured Answer

siobhanmcgee90

4 months ago

Agree with Isla, Daisy and Sonia. Combining the space into one will transform the space.

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Comments (9)

Jake Barrett
Original Author
4 months ago
0
Isla Cherry
4 months ago
last modified: 4 months ago
I would take down the wall between the kitchen and the living room if not loadbearing? If it is you will need a steel support beam to replace the wall. If you post the upstairs plan then it will be more obvious whether is it or not. This will mean you lose a lot of storage space but it should be possible to claw it back with a large island and combining the two rooms to have more wall space. The dining room now becomes your living room unless too small in which case the wall could be moved back in line with the kitchen door. You have so many options but the most cost efficient would be to do as little structural work as possible.
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We had a similar project and gutted the house. Rewire replaster all walls and ceilings. We restored the original parquet flooring and then new carpets everywhere else. Knocked through between kitchen and dining room, new garage roof. New doors and work surface but kept the original kitchen units. Kept the bathroom but put in a new floor. Did this for about £10k. Now 18 months later we're looking at extending the kitchen diner into a big open plan room going out the back as you have suggested but also out to the side. Our neighbours have done similar and we think we can get it done for about 30-40k not including the kitchen. The side extension means a fair bit of structural steel so if you don't do this then it saves a fair bit - our other neighbours have done this. We want an open but defined space so we're looking at keeping a pillar (also cheaper) then having an L shaped kitchen diner around a more relaxed sitting and entertaining area. The idea being that for dinner parties you mill around and have drinks in here before going to eat. Also can have friends round for coffee etc while the front living room remains the primary TV watching area. We'd keep a small boot room off the back for the dog, a pantry in the middle and a toilet at the front. See below for some pictures that illustrate our plans. These are mine and just awaiting our architects plans. In summary I'd get it up to a basic standard until you've got a bit more then go big, although as you say with your cheap labour you might get what you want for the money!
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I’m struggling to find a way to have a kitchen/island (really would like an island to have useable counterspace), generous dining table (seating for at least 6 people) and a sitting area in the same room if we don’t open up the wall between the current front and back living rooms. Would it make more sense to have part of the garage incorporated into the kitchen? There is a slight difference in floor level though between the garage and kitchen (Step down into the garage). Or block up the current kitchen door and have the access to a dining/kitchen through the current back living room space and then somehow fit in a dining table and seating area?
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Congratulations on your new home! Great plan. My house is 1930s and the kitchen was minuscule! One day we decided to knock down the wall between the tiny kitchen and the living/dining room. Best thing we ever did. We blocked up the wall (apart from the door) creating a kitchen/diner at the back and the living room at the front. I sometimes wonder if we should have left it open plan? That’s a thought. I think swopping the kitchen and dining room over would be better. Of course it will cost more due to moving all the pipe work, but it would fit better. Finding a really good builder is the hardest part. You could ask for recommendations from family, friends and neighbours. You could also ask for recommendations on your local Facebook Town Group. There are groups like Trustatrade.com but I’ve not heard good things about such groups. Once you have a list of builders 🙏 you can draw up a list of work you want them to do and get three quotes. The cheapest isn’t always the best though. Wishing you every success.
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Daisy England
4 months ago
I was thinking exactly the same as Isla.
Oraanj Interior design
4 months ago
last modified: 4 months ago
Hi Jake,

It sounds like you’ve got a fantastic project on your hands! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to design a functional and stylish kitchen/diner in your 1930s semi-detached house, with your entertaining and family needs in mind:

1. Maximise the Space & Layout
- Open-plan: Utilise the rear extension for an open layout with distinct cooking, dining, and lounging areas. Place dining near garden doors for easy indoor-outdoor flow.
- Bi-fold/Sliding Doors: Great for connecting the kitchen/diner with the garden for seamless entertaining.
2. Style & Character
- Blend Old & New: Incorporate 1930s features like shaker-style cabinetry with modern accents. Maintain original charm with updated finishes.
- Warm Materials: Use wood, stone, and marble for timeless style and warmth. Add layered lighting for ambiance.
3. Functional Kitchen Features
- Large Island: Central for cooking, prepping, and casual dining with extra storage.
- Integrated Appliances: Keep the look sleek with hidden appliances and maximise storage with clever solutions like pull-out pantry units.
4. Dining Area
- Flexible Dining: Use an extendable table for everyday and hosting. Built-in bench seating works well in family spaces.
5. Outdoor Connection
- Seamless Flow: Create an outdoor patio or deck for entertaining, with access from the kitchen/diner for family and guest gatherings.
With your £80k budget, you have plenty of room to create a beautiful, functional kitchen/diner space. Focus on maintaining a balance between the home’s original charm and modern functionality, with a strong emphasis on natural materials, flexible design, and lots of light.

Good luck with the project—I'm sure it’s going to be a fantastic space!
0
Sonia
4 months ago
You’ve got lots of lovely space there and I agree with Isla and Daisy. That is remove the wall between the kitchen and living room, creating a lovely big kitchen/diner. You can then turn the front dining room into a cosy snug with a tv. So much potential and a very good buy!
PRO
Nordikka - Bespoke Furniture & Steel Doors
4 months ago
Hi , Exciting times ahead ! :) I'll be mor than happy to design the space with you . I run a local bespoke furniture business in Hertfordshire www.nordikka.co as well as https://www.diy-kitchendesigner.co.uk/

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Jake Barrett
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2 months ago
Thank
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Devyra Atelier
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