help to rethink my ground floor layout
I’m trying to rethink my ground floor because the current layout just doesn’t work for how we actually live.
At the moment the kitchen feels quite cut off from everything else, and the whole space feels a bit awkward and disjointed. There’s also a fair amount of space that isn’t really being used properly.
I keep going back and forth between two ideas- either moving the kitchen to the front of the house and opening everything up, or keeping it at the back but reworking that area to make it bigger and more functional.
One thing that’s non-negotiable is having a proper utility area as we have loads of laundry, and I also need a lot of storage built in somewhere.
I’m open to knocking down internal walls, I just don’t have a good sense yet of what layout would actually work best, so would really appreciate any ideas before I commit to anything.
(Floor plan
attached)
Comments (11)
PROlast month- last monthlast modified: last month
sorry, front door is at the bottom of the sketch, to the right!
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Comments (19)We did love some of the suggestions above… but stuck with our original plan! Although we did change the kitchen layout from U-shaped to ”farmhouse” style, with the table in the middle and sink under the window overlooking the garden. The old dining room has become an office with two desks - partly due to COVID and the need to work from home and homeschool etc! We have also moved a lot of the children’s toy storage in here although they still bring things into the main lounge to play where there’s more room. At 8 and 5, they also actually now keep and play with a lot of toys in their rooms, so I think the old dining room will remain as more of a computer and homework room - it’s nice being able to shut the door! The ”study” on the plan is very much a workshop/gym/play room for my husband! We didnt want to sacrifice that space. It might turn into a teenage den later on perhaps, or even a downstairs bedroom for my Nan. The small upstairs bedroom has become a second office as I’m also still working from home (and my husband has too many meetings downstairs!). It houses our sofa bed too so acts as a spare room and my space to do yoga and sewing. Overall, we are pleased with how everything turned out. We quite like the option to have space away from each other and the flexibility to change the use of the different rooms. We do all spend a lot time together in either the kitchen or main lounge as plenty of space in both....See MoreHelp with ground floor layout (not helped by staircase up the middle!)
Comments (2)Hi Sarah, You can modify an existing extension, but in your case, as you said, you might need to replace the spanning beam - unless the structural engineer finds a way to extend this, but you will have a column inside the space, which might not be preferable. Full length bifolds, again depends on the structural design. You could probably have them, but not necessarily. There's plenty of design tricks with glazing to ensure it looks great and brings the right purpose. I wouldnt necessarily block the second entrance if I could. Relocating the toilet will be a game changer in my opinion, as it will open up the space even more and allow you to have a living area with dining as well. Also if you are hiring an architect, check with them the option to not extend the current side return, and modify the glazing & layout only, i think there's some potential there too. You can do plenty of awesome things with your space, the key is to have the right people on board. Hope this helps. Cristina....See MoreChange of ground floor Layout, help
Comments (8)Hi Nana, once you have decided on a layout, we can provide you with a budget cost estimate. The budget cost estimate provides a detailed breakdown of works and expenses as well as highlighting potential areas where you can save money. If this is something of interest please send the plans and photos to hello@nestestimating.co.uk and we can provide you with a quote...See MoreReview my Ground Floor Layout - London Terrace 1930s Property
Comments (6)Had a bit of fun with your floorplan: These two layouts have a separate utility-mudroom, so you wouldn't have to walk into the kitchen coming from the garden (wet shoes, cold air, etc). Since the space under the stairs is likely too cramped to fit a wc in (plus structural wall and soil pipe business), i'd suggest moving it over a tad bit and keep the storage space under the stairs as is. Then either a compact kitchen in the extension, or a slightly bigger one if the opening can be enlarged (likely costly). And these two have their utility without garden access. Again a compact kitchen and the light open sightline front to back. It even leaves a 'play area' in case you have small children, or simply enjoy the garden views from a comfy chair....See More- PROlast monthlast modified: last month
Plan A if you can move the WC
Plan B
Plan C
Plan D
I suggest you use storage bench as dining chair for more storage and use sliding door on WC or utilityshiri biri thanked Devyra Atelier 
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Because it’s a healthy budget I think you should replace the conservatory with something bigger and more substantial. Adding square meterage is often the best way to add value
shiri biri thanked Jonathan - last month
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Personally I don’t think that there is enough square footage for a utility room if you don’t extend. My last comment had a plan with a very modest 1.2m intrusion into the garden. If you really don’t feel that is possible then I would do this and have a laundry area to one side of the kitchen
shiri biri thanked Jonathan - last month
Using the current footprint only. The hall 'wall' would be open for shoes (bags? sports gear?) as you come in the door but can be seatng from the dining room. I'd make it a full wall above this and add a door into the kitchen but you may prefer an open or slatted wall. The dining room storage could include a desk / toy storage / glass display.
Having the kitchen in the middle may be dark but a well dedigned lighting scheme should sort out plenty of task and background lighting. It would make sense for your laundry to go in the old kitchen and access the loo from here too. I would suggest a dehumidifier and hanging rail over the worktop for air drying.
PRO7 days ago
Jonathan