Hi Isapa Bwe, You have such an amazing space to work with and what a great idea to knock through and make better use of the space you have! I have quickly put this together as just an idea to consider. I actually think with the right planning and getting the right dimensions that the front room that currently forms your current kitchen could be a dual purpose room to save the cost of knocking through/separating the space. Boot rooms are such a beautiful way of holding all of your families coats and boots you could even get a carpenter involved in building something for you or even have a look at Ikea hacks for this - There are lots of ideas on Pinterest! I have added another room (again this would be subject to space availability and how much room you would need in your garage) But I think you could even get a walk in pantry in here as there would potentially not be a lot of storage/work top space in the kitchen. I have added some pinterest inspo for both rooms below. I do really like Jonathans above idea about moving the stairs round I think that while this might be costly it would really open up the hallway and allow for a large door to give that real wow factor when you walk from the hallway into your new kitchen! p.s Im also obsessed with bifold doors or any door that allows you to open a whole side up - Not only does it allow for so much natural light but its great for when you're entertaining! I hope that helps - I absolutely love layout and floor planning so happy to answer any questions or give any further assistance if you need it! Good luck! Danielle xx

Would love your thoughts and advice on how best to plan this space. We want to keep the front living room as it is, and the stairs lead down to the cellar so can't add storage/loo under there. Overall we want to fit in a kitchen, separate utility, downstairs WC, dining and ideally a second living area for the kids to sit and watch tv so we can keep the front room a more grown up space. The wall between the kitchen and WC is a stud wall so can be moved and all plumbing is currently on the outside of the house (we're semi-detached) so where the WC and kitchen are currently. The downstairs loo is v long and we'd like to ideally use some of this space for the utility/hall storage but open to any ideas you may have.

This sort of tricky problem is exactly what we cover at My Bespoke Room and we can help you design your space with one of our expert designers. We can explore multiple layouts to ensure you’re getting the most from your space, define the colour scheme and design direction that suits you perfectly, source all the items within your budget, create 2D visuals to visualise the space, and more! If you’d like to know more about our service, you can book a call with me here and we can go over your project in more detail :) In the meantime there's loads of helpful tips to get you over loads of interior hurdles over on our blog! All the best, Paula & The MBR Team

Designing an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining room extension can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some advice and ideas to help you make the most of your space: Create Zones: With an 8.5m long lounge, consider dividing it into zones to make the most of the space. You can have a TV-watching area, a reading nook, or even a play area if you have kids. Use furniture and rugs to define these zones. Furniture Placement: Since you have a large L-shaped sofa, place it strategically to create a cozy seating area. You might position it to face a fireplace, TV, or a large window with a beautiful view. Flexible Furniture: Consider modular or flexible furniture that can be rearranged easily to adapt to different needs. This can help you maximize the use of your lounge space. Built-In Storage: Incorporate built-in shelves or cabinets along one wall. This not only adds storage space but also serves as a design feature. You can display books, art, or decorative items. Utility and Study Space: Ensure that the utility and study space are located in a way that they don't disrupt the flow of the open plan. Perhaps consider placing them nearer to the kitchen for convenience. Natural Light: Make the most of natural light by placing your lounge area near windows or adding large sliding doors that open to the outdoors. This can create a seamless transition to your outdoor space. Lighting: Invest in a variety of lighting options, including ambient, task, and accent lighting. This allows you to create different moods and highlight specific areas of the room. Color Scheme: Use a consistent color scheme throughout the open plan area to maintain cohesion. However, you can add pops of color through accessories like cushions, artwork, or rugs. Flow and Traffic: Ensure there's enough space for comfortable traffic flow between different areas of the open plan. Avoid overcrowding with furniture. Professional Design Assistance: Consider consulting with an interior designer or architect who specializes in open-plan spaces. They can provide tailored solutions and ideas based on your specific layout and needs. Personal Touch: Ultimately, your space should reflect your lifestyle and preferences. Add personal touches that make the space uniquely yours, like family photos or artwork. Remember that the key to a successful open-plan design is versatility. Your space should be adaptable to different activities and functions while maintaining a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. Take your time planning and experimenting with different layouts until you find the one that works best for your family's needs.