Side return with additional bedroom layout help
We have a two bedroom ground floor flat and will either need to add one bedroom or move! Since we do love our area, we'd prefer to make the flat work with an additional bedroom. We could do a basement conversion, however costs seem prohibitive at the moment, therefore we are thinking about a side return extension to accommodate an extra bedroom. Below are floorplans of the current flat, the space total space we could get with the side return and two ideas of how to add a bedroom. Speaking to builders and architects so far, they do seem to advise against it, as it is not conventional and would disturb the balance of the flat. However we are still keen to make it work. Any advice or other ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Comments (11)
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Main bedroom dilemma: Bedroom layout, walk in wardrobe(?)
Comments (9)Just a thought, what about putting the bed against the wall of the walk in wardrobe and you can still have your headboard, no need to change or move a radiator and the wife's side of the bed would be next to the wardrobe entrance. It's all a bit cramped by the looks of things and while you'll have your ensuite and your walkin wardrobe you'll still be walking into a box room. Another thought I had to to lose the bedside cabinets and increase the appearance of space would be in to have the bed side lights on the partition wall and the storage built into the stud wall with pull out shelves for those breakfast in bed moments and cups of tea. Change the door to open onto your landing as well!!! Good luck...See MoreBedroom Layout and Design Help Needed
Comments (5)Hi Clara, this is an interesting one for you since the shape of your bedroom, door entry points and placement of radiator dictates the room layout. Even if there was room to flip the bed in the other direction and have it against the window wall, I don't think this would be wise. Firstly, you have the radiator to consider, which will block all that heat or make you very uncomfortable when in bed (!), and then you have the draft to consider when heat isn't on and you're right under a large window. I feel like you did a really great job with the existing layout and I understand that you want to change things up but feeling limited with options. To maximise space, I would suggest a built in corner wardrobe on the wall where the existing wardrobe was placed and wrap it around the returning wall. At the end of this wardrobe unit where it meets the foot of the bed, I would suggest softening that corner with some shelves to place a few books/ ornaments/ framed pics - makes it interesting and more personal. Depending on the gap between bed and end of wardrobe unit, you might be able to fit a mounted narrow desk to the wall which would double over as a contemporary vanity unit. I feel that you have a lot of space where the radiator is placed and have the potential to hide the radiator and maximise this space with a sleek storage unit. Naturally, there are clever ways for the heat to still radiate the room. I've attached an inspiration pic for you. If that doesn't feel right for you then why not centre your vanity table so that it obstructs the sight of the radiator? I'm all about balance and symmetry, this could work quite well! In terms of design scheme, the inspirational pics that the other responder sent you are fantastic. An indigo blue wall would make a bold design statement in the room (check out dulux denim drift blue paint for a softer hue), and pairing this with greys and stark mustard accents (cushions) will really funk up the space. Also consider a colourful contemporary abstract painting to hang against that gorgeous blue! Good luck Clara!...See MoreAdd bedroom layout help
Comments (1)Can’t see a picture? You can add in comments as long as there is some text....See Moreneed help with layout of master bedroom
Comments (3)That wardrobe is the problem - replace it with storage that only comes ouf flush with the wall and goes to the ceiling. I'd go for shelves for shoes at the bottom, boxes of small items / accessories above, makeup shelf with mirror and lighting, keepsakes on the wall. Your bed should then fit centrally on this wall ( it may partly cover the new shelves). Wardrobes facing the bed....See More- last year
Thanks a lot for your input both! The trouble with 3 bed flats in our area is that a lot a seem to have been converted and one of the bedrooms is usually very small. I’ve attached some floor plans of flats I’ve seen on the market which gave us the idea to convert. Do you see the same issue with those flats or do you think they work better?
PROlast yearHello,
I had a look at your plans and I came up with this idea. It's only an idea at this point as it's not to scale, but with the right execusion I think it could work.
As you see I have moved the kitchen to the other side creating a galley layout which ends with those big lovely garden doors.
I have created a new bedroom where the old kitchen was. I know it's not huge but a kingsize bed and some wardrobes would fit into it nicely. If you have tall ceilings you could create some kind of glazed panel in the wall between the new bedroom and the lounge area to give it more natural light.
Remember to use as much glazing as you can for the light well - you could clad it in mirror to further reflect the light and the planting.
What do you think about this idea?
Jarek- last year
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Love the idea of a courtyard but like you and others have said above, you need to be careful not to eat into your living space. Converting the cellar if it’s big enough could be your best bet to get an extra bedroom without moving…
But if you’re ok having a smaller third bedroom this could be an option (quickly sketched on my phone sorry!)
The main challenge is getting light to the second bedroom. Instead of a courtyard which I think would take up too much space you could extend the second bedroom slightly into the side return extension to add light from above. Then a third bedroom could be squeezed in although it would smaller. This could be attractive as an office if you came to sell at any point.
For the living space, a narrow l-shaped kitchen in the side return might fit (not sure). You could separate the kitchen and living room with a wall or part glass divider to give a more open plan feel. I’ve seen someone do this before with a movable partition to separate the kitchen and living room but couldn’t find the picture anywhere (annoying!).
In the living room, you might be able to fit a small round dining table near the fireplace (possibly). You could also add a glass box window seat to give extra seating/perch spot or just go with big windows / doors.
Just some ideas. Had fun trying to think around this problem so thanks!
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I have been thinking to make the inner courtyard slightly smaller to leave more space for a larger living area/kitchen. The bedroom really just needs space for a double bed and desk. The resulting living area might still be nicer than the current long layout we have at the moment. What do you think?
PROlast year
Isla Cherry