Extended 1930’s downstairs layout change needed!

2 years ago

New home for a few months now and really struggling with the space and what to do with it. It feels like it needs a total rethink, despite the bifold and velux it feels dark, there is so much dead space, the utility is way too small, the huge bathroom is a total wasted space. Looking for some suggestions of what to do to improve it! It’s previously been extended downstairs at the back and side. I think there is lots of potential but I just can’t get to grips with it. I would like some suggestions and have included the downstairs floor plan and photos from when it was up for sale. Many thanks

Featured Answer

Jonathan

2 years ago

To me this doesn’t need replanning to make it lighter. It’s a decoration issue. Personally I think the floor and brown wood kitchen cabinets and dark work surface are what makes this seem gloomy. I wonder if other Houzzers will agree that pale worksurface and a plain large format tile floor will make the biggest differences.

You might also be relying too much on the spotlights at night- having additional light sources at different levels is easier to live with. Consider adding a standard lamp, table lights, above cabinet lighting, plinth lights, lights in plants etc etc.

Separately the utility room is small- to avoid unnecessary construction consider treating it as a pantry and put your laundry facilities in your oversized bathroom instead

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Comments (8)

PRO
Proyectoszeza
2 years ago
Hello, you need to visualize your spaces, even without having renovated, I advise you to contact me and I will make you a 3D design.

But first I invite you to visit my Instagram, where you will find some of my 3D designs

Do not forget to visit my "Portfolio", where you will find important information on the different ways of presenting a realistic design, with its textures and models.

Instagram

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HU-575697536 thanked Proyectoszeza
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siobhanmcgee90
2 years ago
It depends on your budget but if funds are limited, Johnathan’s suggestions are all good. There are a lot of doors at the kitchen entry so suggest you remove the living room, move the entry back to include the store if that wall is not structural and either extend the utility into the bathroom or use as a pantry as Johnathan suggests and rejigged the bathroom to house washing machine and dryer.
siobhanmcgee90
2 years ago
Meant to say, your new home has loads of potential and you should consider revamping the decking, handrail and fence as this could brighten the interior also. If funds are limited, painting and treating the deck and handrail would help enormously.
move435
2 years ago
My house is a very similar layout. But we have the dining area (open to the rest) where your living room is - this is the darkest part probably so put it as a room you would mostly use at night. Also I would definitely remove the awning outside as that will be a huge light blocker. I can't see if the velux need cleaning but they are often hard to reach and might not have been cleaned by the previous owners. I agree the dark cabinets and worktops will not help, something light and bright will help reflect the light.
HU-575697536
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago

So weve painted tbe kitchen and used a kallax unit to break up the open plan and put a big dinning table in the middle space, i am desperate for a bigger utility, a much smaller wc, and a little study/playroom in ita place. the tile floor is also too extensive to take up so we will have to cover it, just cant deside what with!
Jonathan
2 years ago
Consider covering the floor with an LVT….. because it’s an ultra thin option
PRO
Pennine Kitchen Designs
2 years ago
I agree with Jonathan, that its a decoration issue really, which is a good news as a lot less expensive than anything major. Immediately I thought the dark high backed chairs are too dominating. I would consider replacing them. I think I would consider the space as a whole and a consistent colour scheme throughout tied in with furniture and wall colours. Good luck!

Extended 1930’s downstairs layout change needed!

Jonathan

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Extended 1930’s downstairs layout change needed!

Jonathan

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