To turn a windowless room into a kitchen? Or should I add a window?

[OrangeCrushes]

We are converting a reception room into a kitchen. The room has doors into a conservatory but no windows.

Photo of room attached. The window would go to the right of the chimney breast, where there are currently shelves.

Due to the narrow size of the room, we will have very limited wall space for units. I'm very torn between a desire for natural light and ventilation v. more useful kitchen space.

YABU = Add a window!
YANBU = cupboard space is priceless

You should definitely have a window in my opinion, I couldn't work in a dark kitchen like that, and we all have far too much kitchen stuff when it boils down to it, have a good clear out before you buy your cupboards, and be honest with yourself about how much you actually need, ie, do you really need 50 mugs, or 75 glasses, etc.

Remember you can’t have a gas hob in a windowless room. The kitchen is one thing I’d change about my house.

Definitely a window for light and ventilation.
The room doesn't look narrow?

Window! I used to live in a house like that and it was dark. Especially once kitchen units are in and make it feel more cramped. I’ve seen some clever designs which have windows up high, or which have glass shelves in front of them, so you don’t lose too much storage.

Yes to the window. You can move your radiator and have floor to ceiling cupboards along that wall. Surely that would allow you to have a window?
It would also visually tie in the light though the conservatory, really wow kitchen garden effect rather than compromise tunnel.

Window every time.

I'm really put off houses that have a kitchen opening onto a conservatory - fried onions, curry, condensation, washed floors taking ages to dry....huge no from me. ( I have rejected houses for this reason alone. Kitchens need fresh air.)

It is. We can fit units on one side and a narrow island. The island is non-negotiable. So there we are.

Edit: in this photo, the sofa is actually approximately where the island would be, and is about the same size and shape

Measurements?

We will have induction.

Can you open or remove your chimney breast.

My Dds flat had no window in her kitchen,it was dreary and she needed her extraction fan on,

I would add a window.

C. 3.4 x 5.9, but the the length includes the bay window/doors

We are planning to put a range in there

Why is an island non-negotiable?
They are not always the best use of space, are inflexible and will date.

We are going to have unfitted island with seating. I do not want a kitchen with no seating, which is what would have to happen to put units on both sides.

If I had to put the kitchen there, I'd take down the conservatory first.

If you make your island into a double sided peninsular across where your aircon is on the floor to the wall on the right you get more cupboards. Same features. Better workflow space. Lower cost. And possibly a place to sit thats not in the way.
You'd have to really love the island

Window is a must in a kitchen, what about the smells and condensation??

A table would do the job and not be fixed.

Also I think a big peninsular looks nicer than an island, but that’s just mpo

Windows between upper and lower cupboards, maybe? I'd be tempted to get rid of the conservatory though

I have put a lot of thought into this and we aren't going to put in a peninsula. The layout is as described and the key question now is whether or not to add a window!

I want a work surface at normal working height.

I love my island, op. Hold firm.

Yes. A window is a must.
QED.