Thanks for these. Im not sure if we can do the extra corner bit for number five, but I do like the layout, it will depend on cost, also don't need two tv areas, as we have a front lounge in the house anyway. the office was supposed to be a mixed use room, as a playroom with kids storage and also an occasional bedroom, so sofa bed In there. I know many people have hobs and sinks on islands, but I just think i'll end up dumping things on there.. I have four in the family, two adults, two kids, but we have a lot of people round for entertaining and parties, so space is what I'm after, but was also looking for somewhere the kids can go out of the way from adults if need be. As for kitchen, the reason for having large larder is to put not only food/drink spare fridge in there, but also things we don't use all that often in the kitchen, equipment etc.. I like everything clean and hidden away. The office on number 5 would be separate anyway as this concept includes sliding doors, which fold into the wall, so only entrance would be from outside, not sure if I can afford these yet though. Please keep suggestions coming, or alternatives, all welcome as I can't visualise.. thanks

So I just went outside to actually measure the full width of the house, the estate agent plans from when we bought said it's 5m wide so I was quite surprised to find its actually 5.65m and we can extend a further 50cm out so a total external width of 6.15m. Even subtracting the wall thicknesses there's more room to play with than I had originally realised! Have been fiddling with the plan. If I were to lose the raised oven and possibly the pantry the design does look more open and means I could have some open shelving too. Its just whether that ends up being form over function in terms of how I use a kitchen. Hmm decisions decisions! Thanks again for all the help though - much appreciated!

I think that what you want is achievable with very careful planning. A separate utility room is an absolute godsend and you won't regret it. I would definitely use sliding or folding doors as someone else suggested, otherwise you won't fit washing baskets etc. in there. In the kitchen, you need to plan the layout of units really carefully to make the best use of the space. I've given a suggestion but it depends on your priorities. I'd push the dining table as far against the wall as possible, using a bench to maximise seating. You should manage a couple of seats at the island, although you'll have to sacrifice storage space for them. Then try having the couch at a right angle as shown - I know it might seem strange that it has its back to the door, but I think it makes sense. The children's play area is self contained, with a large rug and maybe a couple of bean bags. The couch itself should be as slimline as possible while still being cosy. A whole wall of storage will help to keep all of the toys and games tidy. The only thing I haven't managed to include is a tv- I think the wall facing the couch is all glass? You could possibly put one in the storage unit but it would be at right angles to the couch, so not the best position. Maybe go without?

Thanks both of you for your feedback. Just on a couple of points... we prefer to have the kitchen in the middle of the house so we can keep the extension space for dining/living. It's not meant to be our main TV area, but we woukd prefer seating areas at the back to socialise and take in the garden vires. Prefer not to have the sofa or dining area in the centre. Re the corner pantry, if it's just the look that's the main criticism and it doesn't affect the flow, I'm yet to have my head turned against it. I'd prefer that to avoid a corner base unit. Regarding the bedroom config, we will probably tweak. Bedroom 5 is currently the study and thought we wanted the 2 loft bedrooms as kids rooms, leaving 1 and 2 as master and guest bedroom/playroom/study. It'll probably change when we get the space, but for now nothing structural is changing so we are not set in anyway, apart from 2 beds in the loft. Agree about the cupboards by the front door, it was just put there as a place holder, so we haven't really confirmed that space layout yet. With regards to the kitchen/living/diner layout, we have used the instagram account the_reno_project as our inspiration (after months of trawling, we liked this one) so maybe that's a good idea of our vision. Thanks again