Kitchen Design Dilema!
Hi - hope you're keeping well!
My other half and I have started putting together ideas for our house renovation. The plans involve opening up the ground floor to create a kitchen / diner / lounge. On the absolute top of the list is the kitchen!
We're put together some initial ideas for the kitchen design and arrangement using a free piece of software (existing and proposed pictures attached) but just wonder if we're making the most efficient use of the space or whether there are any other ideas or layouts that would most suit the space. We're also conscious that we want to ensure we have enough cabinet and storage space whilst not overproviding! I think we are also concerned about making the space feel too cramped - due to the restricted width.
We're working with quite a narrow and space c. 2.4m by 4.5m. At the moment we are considering a U-shaped kitchen with a breakfast bar at the end.
We would ideally like a oven and microwave eye-height in a tower but also wonder if it might be a nuisance if it's located behind the hob? We might be pushing our luck here!
We would be very grateful if anyone has any suggestions / recommendations and even ideas on where to add appliances to make the most efficient use of the space.
Thank you all in advance.
Many thanks,
Dan
Comments (29)
Dan H
3 years agoRelated Discussions
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Carolina
3 years agoI'm not a pro, but I like what you've come up with. The only thing I'm unsure about is the two upper cabinets flanking the cooker hood. I'd go without those. Can you put windows in that long wall above the cabinets? That would make it less corridor-like, more spacious.
Just some tips: think about where your bins are going. And your dishwasher, so that you can open it without it being in the way. Also, use the nifty turny thingies (technical term) in the corner cabinets to make optimum practical use of them. And drawers. Where possible, use drawers. They are so much more practical than shelves behind doors. Don't forget to plan for lighting. I'd put in wall lights.
To show the effect of windows
Victorian Terrace House Kitchen · More Info
Dan H
3 years agoDan H
3 years agoCarolina
3 years ago
PRORiches Interiors
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoHi Dan, apologies for the delay it has been a busy few days. In terms of the layout you have come up with, I think it is good, however in a width of 2.4, it is definitely going to be a squeeze having units down both sides. I would be inclined in this case to have a more linear kitchen, and have the units running down the outside wall (including cooker/microwave) with wall units following this, and place under unit lighting along with the spots you have mentioned.
I would also use the opposing wall for a more shallow pantry storage unit so that it doesn't stick out so far into the room but still gives you a wrap around kitchen feeling.
With regards to the breakfast bar, is it something you have always wanted? Only that in a space like this it could make it feel more cramped than it actually is. If it is a feature you can't go without, maybe extend the linear kitchen length down past the kitchen door - closer to where you have laid the dining table - and make it more of a feature in the social space. This way
you prevent having a smaller gap right where the main walkway will be as with your plan you enter the room at the same place as the breakfast bar. It may become a frustration if you have children or lots of people trying to go in and out of that doorway!
My suggestion here is maybe a little more unconventional, but I have seen some really beautiful linear kitchens. Just as a really quick and slightly bright example this is what I mean! You could also then have a built in corner bench attached to the bar and going along the wall for your dining seating.
Below is a little example from pinterest of what I mean for the bar/seating.
Happy to discuss further, either on here or direct.Dan H
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoNot a problem at all @Riches Interiors! I appreciate you taking the time to get back to me.
That is an interesting concept - without cabinets on one length this would make the kitchen feel more spacious. We love the idea of an island / breakfast bar but in perhaps with an open plan living space it's not completely necessary - particularly with our restricted kitchen width. I think we would ideally like to keep the kitchen separate from the dining and living spaces if we can.
I don't suppose you have any example images of the type of layout that you have suggested? If not - no problem! I'll revisit the design programme and will put something together as per your comments to see how it looks! I'll post what I come up with on here.
I guess what we were originally going for is something like the image below, but unfortunately I haven't been able to confirm the kitchen width / length for a proper comparison! Thinking back to @Carolina 's comment - the design below actually reflects your suggestion of removing the two upper wall cabinets that flank the cooker hood!
Dan H
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoHi all,
Thanks for your feedback so far! I've mocked up two alternative layouts which might make the kitchen feel more spacious.
In this layout, I have left the internal door opening where it currently enters the kitchen (as seen on existing plan above). This has enabled me to clear the cupboard on this elevation and add a little breakfast area on the left hand side. However, I fear that we may be lacking in cupboard space without a larder cupboard. The fridge being located at the rear of the kitchen also seems to block the clear straight line down the kitchen.
I think that's my main issue - figuring where to add a larder cupboard and fridge without blocking line of sight down the kitchen.
2.This layout removed the concept of a breakfast bar altogether in place of a fridge and larder cupboard. There are no units down one side of the kitchen which does give a more spacious feel.
We don't have the clear line of sight down the base cabinets from the diner table but the open plan nature might counter this?
As a basis for comparison, this is what we had thought of doing previously:
Sorry for the lengthy reply! Any feedback greatly appreciated!
Many thanks,Dan
Carolina
3 years agoCarolina
3 years agoDan H
3 years ago
I
3 years agoDan H
3 years agoCarolina
3 years ago
FM Lorenzo
3 years agoDan H
3 years agoNicky C
3 years agoUser
3 years agoI prefer the first one as said by previous commenters. The bar areas where you all/both sit looking at a wall are pretty miserable to sit at :(
Also, would you be happy to tell me what you used to create these please?
MT
Dan H
3 years agoUser
3 years agoFM Lorenzo
3 years ago- PRO
Riches Interiors
3 years ago Dan H
3 years agoThank you @rinked!
Thank you @Carolina amd @Riches Interiors for your input too! It’s been great to discuss the ideas and get feedback.
As suggested, we’ve removed the wall cabinets - in the design I have added some small open storage but I think we will start with none and see how we use the space. If we need additional storage we can add shelves or those like in the below.
I couldn’t find a specific breakfast bar in the software so it’s just another cupboard. It will have space for two stools / chairs.
Next step is to get the professionals in to design the kitchen formally!
Reload the page to not see this specific ad anymore
Nicky C