Keep the arch or remove it?

last year

This is a chalet bunglow and we are doing some basic renovation before moving in. The wall between the dining and kitchen has been removed. There is a arch that divides dining space from lounge space. Looking for suggestions from experts and those who have faced similar dilemma
1. Should I remove or retain this arch (a structural element of 1960 bunglows)? The issue is it doesn't allow enough light from the garden side.
2. My builder is recommending against it because he is not sure what is inside it and it may be expensive to reduce the width and height of the arch. Is that true?
Pls note picture one shows the arch but before the wall between dining and kitchen was removed.
Picture 2 is after the wall between dining and kitchen is removed and it has allowed light to come from the kitchen window. However, the arch looks very dominant.

Featured Answer

Mandy k
Original Author

last year

Thank you, everyone. The builder did some more investigation and said there is a steel beam inside (like a joist) so even if they take it out, the width won't reduce much. I am thinking of retaining it as its the only element of that period. @cwd thank-you for the suggestion. I had been thinking the same to paint the inside of the arch as yellow to energise the room.

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Comments (20)

Daisy England
last year
I would get rid if it. As you say it dominates the room and also makes it look very dated.

If the builders are already there carrying out work why can’t they investigate this at the same time?
CWD
last year
I'd keep it. It's got character and is actually quite on-trend (not that you should try and have a trendy house, but it'll make you feel better about it if you see trend pieces supporting the use of arches and more generally incorporating more curves into your home). Finish off what you're doing and live with it for a year and then see how you feel. To give greater illusion of light, you could paint the internal bit of the arch in a yellow to make it feel like the sun is shining from it. Or highlight it in a colour that ties in with both of the other rooms it touches to make it all work.
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Sonia
last year
I think it’s dated. Removal does depend whether that wall is load bearing. If it is then there should be a lintel in place. I’ve read that you can follow the wall upstairs and see if it carries on up there, in which case it is load bearing, but a good builder or structural surveyor could advise.
Donna
last year
I got rid of mine which was fairly similar. For me, it went with the artex ceiling and the tiled hallway walls (yes, tiled walls, brown and orange, kitchen type) and it all had to go.
It’s personal choice. Do you like it? Would you rather that or a slatted divider like the popular ones people have these days? Or just open it right out and let the light bounce around?
PRO
APk.r
last year
It is bery dominant but I do really like it . i could imagine a polished plaster finish and stone floor to reflect light .

a quick look in the roof space should tell you wether or not it is structural
Donna
last year
I think the actual curved bits will be made from curved bead and board but even if there’s a joist or lintel there taking the curved corners away will still open the space up a bit.
PRO
APk.r
last year
Dies the steel in the roof support a wall or roof structure ? check which way the ceiling timbers st ceiling level are orientated and see if there arevany veryical supports off the steel beam . get a photo of tge beam in the roof space if you can
Mandy k thanked APk.r
turquoisetree53
last year
Curves are great. Celebrate them. everyone is going to get sick of the sharp edge rectangulars dominating interior designs at present.
Lizabeth
last year
Keep it x
Juliet Docherty
last year
You might be able to just reduce it - we did this with an arch in our small lounge. Knocking the plaster we could tell where the steel was and how much we could reduce it by. Curves are currently trendy but even so, it depends on your style. Skimming the chimney breast would also allow more light in.
Mandy k
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
@Juliet DochertyWhat is skimming the chimney breast? Sorry, this is my first house so i am still on the learning curve
Daisy England
last year
last modified: last year
Skimming means plastering, so you would get rid of the brick effect on the chimney breast so it would look like the walls.
Mandy k
Original Author
last year
Ok, got it !!, I actually love the brick wall, it is a traditional fire place. That place is also the lounge (not the kitchen). I did ask the builder if he could reduce the width of the brick wall, but it means getting building regulations involved. So just keeping as it is.
PRO
The Living House
last year
Hi Mandy k, removing the arch would modernise the room. If you do keep the arch we recommend painting the inside of it the same colour as the wall to help blur the edges and to look softer.

If you would like any help with your renovation, we are an online interior design company and would love to support you to achieve a room you will love! It would be great to have a chat with you to discuss how we can help you, feel free to drop us a message. You can also find out more about us on our website here - https://www.thelivinghouse.co.uk/
jillyhilltop
last year
I think the suggestion that you live with it for a year is good advice. A pale wood or wood effect floor would instantly lighten the space. A sleek sofa and/or chairs with with legs rather than a solid base would allow light to flow underneath and add a greater sense of space as the room looks quite narrow. Personally I'd avoid painting the arch yellow - it would make it stand out rather than blend in. I'm a big fan of painting everything white until you've lived with it for a while and see how the light changes with the seasons. You can add colour with accessories until you get a feel for how it looks and feels. I hope despite the chaos you'll have fun doing the work and will be very happy in your new home.
Mandy k
Original Author
last year
@jillyhilltop thank you for your suggestion. Makes sense. Yes, installing engineered wood flooring in parquet style. Not yet progressed do sofa which is another task in itself.
PRO
i-architect
last year
You may be able to reuse the steel and raise it higher - so you keep the width and have a higher opening. The steel is probably straight and not arched.
PRO
Rainbow Shaker
last year
Hi,

Sorry I might be a bit late to answer :/

I think it's good that you kept the arch as it's such a nice feature!

What if you painted not only inside the arch but also like a frame with geometric shapes (rectangles or arch), it would really highlight this 1960s feature and be a modern twist on the original style.

The other thing you might consider is having a lighter flooring or one that would reflect light (like a parquet flooring). Currently, I see that you have a heavy carpet flooring that absorbs the light and maybe impacts your current perception that the room is too dark.

If you need any additional advice on colours, arrangement or home renovations, don't hesitate to contact me ;)

I am an interior designer who loves to play with colours and offers playful, offbeat and anti-gloom designs that are completely unique!

Here is my website:https://www.rainbowshaker.com/

Have a good evening!

Justine
Eileen Nixon
last year
Hacienda

Keep the arch or remove it?

Mandy k
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