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Design Dilemma Kitchens

Kitchen Diner & Knock through - with pictures

4 years ago

Hello all, we've just performed a knock through in our house to increase the size of the kitchen. In summary we've used part of a large lounge and knocked through into the conservatory. We are struggling to make best use of the space in the design of our kitchen. Can anybody help with flashes of inspiration? I've attached a couple of pictures of the space we have created and a google sketchup of a potential layout.

To help orientate - the second picture is looking into the new space

I've jotted down our thoughts.

- We are strugglying to make best use of the old kitchen space (clearly visible in the photos). In the sketchup, I've split this space into a small utility and a nook to locate a dining table. I'm not 100% on this space.

- u shaped kitchen - we want a dining table but I don't think we have space for a dining table and island - hence the inclusion of the island.

Thanks for any help.

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Comments (6)

Jonathan
4 years ago
I think so far you have done a great job.
Given the window to the side likely won’t have much view I think this needs some thinking about- perhaps no window or two small windows either side of a hob?
Secondly I think the kitchen would be better with an island rather than the peninsula.
And for me the wood burner has no obvious position and in my opinion right next to your kitchen cabinets is not safe.
You might also consider swapping the living and dining area to put the sitting in an area near a wall for a tv
PRO
OnePlan
4 years ago
Wow - fab space to work with!

Woodburners and kitchen extractors have clashes in their installation guidelines - so be aware of this when it comes to getting each signed off.

Also in general ( although I assume you’ve looked into this before pulling down the wall ) the thermo efficiency of a conservatory isn’t usually up to indoor living conditions - hence most have an outside grade door between inside and the conservatory... so anyone inspired to do this too, after seeing this thread - please get this checked before you start !

Looks a great space and looks like you can still use your kitchen in the short term while you get it planned.

I’d echo what Jonathan said re an island - as this can be a good option in a space this size ... but there are also lots of other ways - my advice would be seek out some professional help to create a design that suits the purpose its required for ( ie to be on trend if this is a house you are flipping - or be tailored to your family if this is a long term home etc)

There’s a few of us freelance designers on here who charge to design but then you can shop around with ease - or you can approach several shops to get free designs done, but it is harder to compare like for like that way.
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Danny Jay
4 years ago
I am a specialist indépendant kitchen designer and I can help get this right for you. Please have a look at my bio to get in touch.
Mark R
Original Author
4 years ago
Hello and thanks for the feedback and comments. I've done a couple of enhancements taking onboard some of the feedback and our own thoughts.

1. Extending into the conveservatory. This certainly was a pain and additional enhancements to the house were required to offset the themal losses of the conservatory (including additional thermal calculations)

2. Wood burner location. Certainly a challenge - we'd like to retain it but clearly in a safe and usable position - this is the best I can think of.

3. Dining room table location. We like to keep a dining table and this seems like the best compromise location. The area in front of the bi-fold has the best view so we are planning on using this as a relaxing area.

4. Island or peninsula- this is the question we've not fully answered. We intend to mark it out on the floor to get a sense of space. The dining table will not be in daily usage so I envisage it moving closer to the utility room when not in use (creating a little more space to the island or peninsula)
PRO
Seasons in Colour
4 years ago
Do not underestimate the space needed around an island and also you need to leave walkway clear of furniture (dining chair seems to be inside this). Get some paper tape and mark everything on the floor!
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Johnson Bespoke Ltd
4 years ago
In order to keep enough space around either the peninsular or island, would a circular table work better in that nook area? or some kind of fitted banquette seating on the window wall/corner? keeping the dining table set back a little from the central path.

Or going down the bespoke furniture route could work, a multifunctional kitchen island that serves as an island and extendable dining space?

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