Is anyone renovating and not knocking walls?

5 months ago

last modified: 5 months ago

We need a new kitchen but our layout is like old style kitchen, cabinets on 4 walls, no island with an archway leading into the dining room. The inspiration photos and videos I see everywhere are all open plan kitchen with island. Is it still wise to redo the kitchen as is or should I knock the walls and make one open plan living-dining-kitchen? TIA

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PRO

Kochwerk Kitchen Solutions

4 months ago

Hello,

Your kitchen layout is relatively easy to work with, there's a lot you could do with design. Building into the walls, with tall units creates a seamless look that flows through the space.

We specialize in kitchen design and would be happy to work something out for you. We provide a free-of-charge initial design consultation with a quote and renders that help visualize the space!

We'd be happy to help if you send us a plan, your vision for the space and a few images of your kitchen and utility.

Kind Regards,

Ketaki

Kochwerk

https://www.kochwerk.co.uk/

design@kochwerk.co.uk

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Comments (26)

Sonia
5 months ago
I did knock through into the dining room to create a bigger kitchen. It still isn’t a big room but my previous kitchen was tiny! We did it all ourselves, no builder. Just do what suits you. If you have the funds for a big refurb then do so. I bet most people don’t have the huge kitchen/diner/living that you see on Houzz.
A V thanked Sonia
HU-675849
5 months ago
I didn't want to knock down walls, but I am planning on installing my refrigerator and microwave into the wall. The back half of the refrigerator and microwave will stick into my pantry, which is fine by me.
A V thanked HU-675849
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Isla Cherry
5 months ago
A floorplan or just a rough sketch of your kitchen would really help with offering advice.
A V thanked Isla Cherry
A V
Original Author
5 months ago
Thank you Sonia and Cheryl. Its relieving to know that not everyone is living in pinterest houzz instagram homes :D
A V
Original Author
5 months ago
Thank you Isla, have added the floor plan to the original post now.
Isla Cherry
5 months ago
I like your layout. You have a large easy-to-work-in kitchen. It's up to you and your budget. I certainly don't think it would be a waste to update it as it stands. How long do you plan to stay there and is it an individual house or are the other's similar in style around you. When I updated our Edwardian semi's kitchen I had already visited a lot of my neighbours kitchen's so I knew what I wanted. Do some research. I would also do some research on the sale prices in your area so that you do not overspend.
A V thanked Isla Cherry
A V
Original Author
5 months ago
Hi Isla, we recently moved here, hopefully our forever home, individual house, prices are good in the area. Some of the neighbours seem to have done large remodelling, some houses untouched. Personally we don't intend to spend a lot however don't want to get a new kitchen but still end up as looking old fashioned.
Inell Swearingen
5 months ago
Hello!

Deciding whether to remodel the kitchen as is or tear down the walls and create one open-plan living-dining-kitchen depends on several factors:

Your needs and preferences. What do you prefer: a traditional kitchen with separate areas or a modern open-plan kitchen? What is more important to you: lots of storage space or a feeling of spaciousness?

The size of your kitchen. If your kitchen is small, an open floor plan can make it feel even smaller. In this case, it is better to leave the kitchen with separate zones.

The condition of your kitchen. If your kitchen is in good condition, then there is no point in tearing down the walls. It's enough just to update its design.

If you do decide to make an open plan kitchen, then you will need to consider a few points:

Ventilation. In an open floor plan, smells from the kitchen will waft throughout the house. Therefore, it is important to ensure good ventilation.

Sound. If you cook often, noise from the kitchen may disturb other household members. Therefore, it is important to take care of sound insulation.

Lighting. In an open floor plan, it is important to have good lighting.

If you want to keep the traditional kitchen layout but give it a modern look, then you can use peel and stick wallpaper for kitchen from https://fancywalls.eu/wallpaper-pattern/kitchen-wallpaper/ . This wallpaper is easy to stick on and remove, so you can change it to suit your taste.

Here are some ideas on how to use peel and stick wallpaper:

Cover your kitchen walls with wallpaper with bright patterns. This will help create a festive atmosphere in the kitchen.

Cover your kitchen walls with wallpaper depicting nature. This will help create a feeling of calm and tranquility in the kitchen.

Cover your kitchen walls with wallpaper with abstract patterns. This will help create a unique and inimitable interior in the kitchen.

I hope my tips help you make your kitchen remodel decision.
A V thanked Inell Swearingen
Isla Cherry
5 months ago
A good start would be to decide what style of cabinetry, type of worksurface and appliance style you like. Once you have a definite style you can go from there. Start searching houzz kitchen's in photo's and see what appeals to you. I have updated kitchens whilst keeping the same layout and the difference when completed is huge.
A V thanked Isla Cherry
Dee
5 months ago
Maybe live in the space for a few months first and decide based on how you want to live regarding connected living space.
A V thanked Dee
Lisa D
5 months ago
I’d be tempted to remove the utility for better flow. I know there isn’t anywhere else to put it, but with the kitchen space joining the dining space, you could just incorporate the washing machine maybe? Or could it be incorporated into the downstairs loo?
A V thanked Lisa D
A V
Original Author
5 months ago
Thank you Inell, some really good points there. We are currently using the reception room as office which is great as of now as keeps the noise out. Open plan will cause a compromise there.
A V
Original Author
5 months ago
Thank you Isla, yes I'm going to spend more time browsing kitchen photos now. Thank you for assurance that it will be fine to keep the layout as well :)
A V
Original Author
5 months ago
Thank you Dee, yes I think we should take time to understand how we use the house and feel about the flow
A V
Original Author
5 months ago
Hi Lisa, I would absolutely love to remove the utility room from there for better flow. I've been racking my brain about where else to place it. We have converted the downstairs cloakroom into a shower room, so there isn't space there. Husband likes the utility room as it houses so many awkward things like vacuums, mops etc so wants one. I'm still trying to find a space to move the utility room.
chloeloves
5 months ago
Could you move utility to where your kitchen sink is or thereabouts then you could resite the kitchen where utility is so there would be better flow between kitchen dining
A V thanked chloeloves
A V
Original Author
5 months ago
Hi Chloe, I was hoping we could move it there, unfortunately from wall to window there is less than 1m, not enough room to even create the smallest utility without altering or moving the window.
PRO
Earl & Calam Design and Build Ltd
5 months ago
That looks like a great space to open up by removing some wall or bits of wall. Especially as you have a separate lounge.
A V thanked Earl & Calam Design and Build Ltd
chloeloves
5 months ago
Could you do away with separate utility altogether? It is basically just a room to put the washer and dryer in which can easily be accommodated in a good cupboard arrangement say against the wall where you currently have the cooker?
A V thanked chloeloves
A V
Original Author
5 months ago
Hi Chloe, I have thought about it, but my husband says that if we sell buyers would definitely want to see an utility room. We have been used to having one in the past few years. Plus we have no where else to store the big vacuum, stick vacuum, mops, buckets, airer, ironing board and what not :)
Isla Cherry
5 months ago
I wouldn't get too hung up on saving or repositioning the utility room. If you didn't have one you can easily store all the tall cleaning kit in a tall cabinet or two. Your kitchen is large so the washing machine could be easily hidden somewhere else. Personally i would leave it where it is. It's neat and has a door which always helps to conceal the mess.
A V thanked Isla Cherry
Ann Jones
5 months ago
Hi AV, I agree with Dee’s idea of living with it for a while and see if the layout suits you, if so buy your new cabinets, look at the lighting, decorate, new flooring you will be amazed at the difference it will make without knocking down walls. Take your time shopping I found things I hadn’t thought of by looking in different shops independent shops give brilliant help and advice. When I did my kitchen I kept a notebook for 6 months and wrote down all the items that I did/didn’t want or need. Good luck enjoy your project. Ann
A V thanked Ann Jones
A V
Original Author
5 months ago
Hi Isla, leaving it as it is, is my husband's choice as well. I'm just trying to see other options before we start doing anything. Thank you :)
A V
Original Author
5 months ago
Thank you Ann, some really great points. Yes will take my time and shop around for things and ideas. Thank you :)
PRO
Devyra Atelier
4 months ago
It depends on your daily activity, but if you want open plan kitchen dining/ kitchen living without knocking any wall,

then you can switch the lounge with kitchen & dining room, it'll be smaller but whenever there are family gathering everyoune has their own space with different activity like kids watching tv in the current dining room, men smoke on the reception room, and sitting in the current kitchen as small lounge
A V thanked Devyra Atelier

Is anyone renovating and not knocking walls?

Kochwerk Kitchen Solutions

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Sonia

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