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Renovating Design Dilemma

floor plan help

13 days ago

Hi Houzzers!

I am renovating a home and the plan was to modernise, but largely keep the existing floor plan and open up the living / dining area.

As we have started, we have found a previous extension wasn't exactly built to standards, so we need to remediate. It has meant that the walls of the back half of our house have come down, to be rebuilt.

Of course now I have an open canvas, and I've got analysis paralysis. We are engaging a draftsperson to assist, but would appreciate some of your thoughts before we have that meeting.

Basically everything from the second bathroom / formal dining to the right can be reconfigured. There is one structural wall, but that will likely be removed / replaced also (still in black bold). The only other crinkle is trying to leave the window locations untouched (but suspect we may need to block a few up).

The space needs to fit:

A family bathroom (with bathtub)
Extra bedroom
Kitchen
Laundry
Living / dining space

Would love to have some extra storage too, like a walk in linen. I'm neither here nor there on a walk in pantry - nice if it works in the grand scheme of things, but not necessary.

Would love your thoughts and ideas. Really struggling here!

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Comments (10)

PRO
Jean L
12 days ago
Hi Lucy, is the bed 3 use to be the formal living with a fireplace if the wall removed? Any thoughts on 2nd living space as nice to have?
dreamer
12 days ago
A quick sketch of my thoughts. Keeping plumbing all on one side of building.
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dreamer
12 days ago
Also another change. The current bathroom in front of home is small. Since you are having a large walk in linen/storage cupboard, then enlarge that front bathroom to a decent size. Change access for bed 4 to hallway.
Lucy C
Original Author
12 days ago
@Jean - I think Bed 3 was part living / part kitchen in the original house when it was built. That’s the only wall in plasterboard - everything else is in brick! We did think about making the formal dining a second living space or even bed 4 - but we have too many kids now and need to find some space for them! Lol. As they are young we may make one room a playroom for the moment and transition them when they are older.
oklouise
12 days ago
do you plan to replace the floor of the old extensions, have you considered a slab on ground to avoid steps at the rear, what is the purpose of the wall you want to save, what is that wall built out of, what are the walls, roof and floor of the original house built out of...what is the shape of the original roof, what is the width and length of the block, are there any views and is there a side driveway and/or space for a garage/carport we need more information please share a site plan, some photos and a view of the roof
Lucy C
Original Author
12 days ago
@dreamer - you’ve basically outlined what I was thinking! My only concern is there isn’t enough space for the dining - either side by side with the living or moving it adjacent to the kitchen somehow. I’ve read you need 1 metre as circulation space around the table - so that would make the living space quite small. Other option would be bench seating of some sort.

Agree with the comment re the other bathroom - already on the cards to do exactly that!
dreamer
12 days ago
Understand your challenge. Have you thought about having a full L shaped kitchen and the dining table in the middle as a prep area and eating area. Then with more room for lounge area. Or have an L shaped kitchen and an island for prep and a dining table attached to island.?? Need to be creative in your furniture placement. Your room is a good width for any configuration with an extended island.
PRO
Jean L
12 days ago
Thanks for you comments Lucy. Understood completely. Hence proposed plan, suggest to reinstate a missed opportunity for period features & sideway natural light. Hope this this assist, good luck!
siriuskey
12 days ago
I think you need to keep more space for your family room, how many kids do you have.
siriuskey
12 days ago

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