Kitchen extension - what size does it become just too big !

[typicalvirgo]

Our current kitchen is awful and needs attention (we knew this when we bought it 6months ago)

Its currently about 4m x 8m so a very reasonable size.

The garden is massive so there are no issues with loosing vital space.

We have had architects around and drawn up a few designs but I'm starting to get the wobbles as when we chalk out the designs on the patio it seems just huge. We are thinking of adding a further 8 x 4m maybe even more.

We are going for a contemporary look, lantern and big bifold doors etc but I'm just worried its going to look a bit, you know, empty.

Is there a size that you think its just too big ?

[wildstrawberryplace]

I think the architects will have taken scale into account when drawing up the plans. I think twice the current size you state would be lovely, and certainly not too big especially if a large proportion is going to be glass.

[Pascha]

I think as long as you have definite plans for the use of each part of the space its fine. I would keep your actual kitchen area a practical size so that fridge, cooker, worktop, sink etc are within easy reach of each other and go from there. Make it flow from kitchen, to dining, to relaxing, to playing and plan to use it all.

[typicalvirgo]

Yes its that kind of implicit trust that you give them...they are supposed to be the 'expert' after all.

I can picture the flow through (and I have been looking on right move at some big houses for ideas) and I hope that it will work well. Its easy to not quite hit the mark iykwim. Some houses seem to 'have it' and others are just not quite there. I know we will have to buy almost everything new to achieve the look

When you look at all these lovely kitchens in these glossy magazines it looks as if they are smaller than the space we will have, so I just thought there would maybe be an optimum size which is officially a big kitchen.

Its not helped by the architect throwing a few wild cards into the mix by saying what he would do if he lived here. ie drop a window and make into french windows and relocate the kitchen to the new part of the extension.

[TalkinPeace2]

we put an extra 9m x 3m on the back of the house
and it did not even impinge on our terrace, let alone the lawn.
scale is everything.

[Pendeen]

I always begin by sitting down with the (potential) client and chatting through their aspirations, then look at the property and thus available space - with some quick dimensions. If there is a definite ceiling on funds then that helps to define the parameters.

As well as the 'obvious' elements such as basic facilities (storage - preparation - cooking - serving) there are a multitude of other considerations not least of which is the intended use e.g. - family of 3 / 8 kids / frequent dinner parties / multi - generation, etc.

A few sketches to start the design process and from there we can begin to examine the possibilities.

All this - believe it or not - usually takes less than an hour or so, helped along with wine coffee (and cake).

Once the brief has been established, away we go!

So, the answer to your query is... maybe / maybe not!

[lalalonglegs]

That is huge - bigger than most two bedroom flats around here. I'm sure it will work if it's zoned properly but people I know have had large extensions built and the rooms are fabulous but it means (a) the rest of the house looks a bit meh (b) the rest of the house becomes a bit redundant.

[TalkinPeace2]

Its all about integrating the spaces

our extension cost more than many the same size because
we insisted that every room had natural light (11 knock throughs including the whole back and side of the house)
AND we wanted a fully open plan kitchen diner so there are some humungous steels in the ceilings
AND we got the ceiling over the dining area lifted as high as we could to put a chandelier in.

I do not regret for a second adding 89 sq m to my bog standard semi

[typicalvirgo]

Pendeen I've got plenty of wine... come over

I get your point LLL, some of the rooms in this house are redundant anyway. we rarely use the formal living room and the dining room once a week maybe.

Like you TP, we've got a big space to play with and I think the budget is a good one, but I also think the extension will add some interest to an otherwise big boring brick frontage. Do you have any pictures

[TalkinPeace2]

Three pictures uploaded: kitchen and dining area are all in the new bit. View into conservatory taken from old bit of house.