Help with making best use of space in knocked through kitchen diner.

[Mandy21]

We are in the process of having wall knocked down between kitchen and dining room (which we use more as a 2nd reception room for children etc) at the back of the house. The kitchen has been extended previously so it sticks out beyond the dining room by about 4' - end result will be a room that is about 24' wide by 12' for most of the room, with it slightly longer (about 16' into the kitchen extension).

The idea is that it becomes more of a family room - more sociable when we have people over. Kitchen (staying put) is in the kitchen extension bit, with a row of base units at the far right hand side against the outside wall. Am planning a little island unit, a dining table (with benches) and a small sofa with TV and cupboard to house games / small amount of toys. Does that sound too crowded? If you have a kitchen diner, do you have a sofa in there too?

Have a separate lounge at the front of the house, 3DCs (aged 4-8).

I am just about to do the very same thing in my house. I have wondered about the sofa and extra TV, but think until the wall actually comes down completely I will be unable to decide on the dimensions as to whether or not a sofa will make it look crowded. I'm also considering a multi fuel burner on the chimney breast wall if I do decide to put a sofa in there so that it has a more cosy feel to it.

I also have plans to have the french doors taken out and bi-fold doors installed all along the length of the wall so that in the summer it can be completely opened up.

If there was a choice between an island and a sofa, I think I would choose the sofa so that it can be a more multi functional room for your family.

Thank you! Sensible advice but I'm itching to get it sorted and flounce road home shops with my credit card!

Your room sounds lovely (stove envy )

I'd get rid of the island unit, they take up space and attract clutter.

I know what you mean, did have an island in our last house which disappeared under mail a couple of times!

If you allow for a junk drawer in your island this can help !! Exciting times ! Enjoy it !! :-)

We have an island which is clutter free because I have plenty of storage for mail/bits and bobs.

I think it depends on your lifestyle and the dcs hobbies to some extent. Mine have all had music lessons and I'm thinking 'where's the piano/trumpet/guitar/flute/music stands/storage for music/etc.?'

We've always eaten round the table and that on time in the day when we all come together is really important - so, for me, I'd lose the island but have a more substantial kitchen or dining room table, with chairs.... benches to me suggests just a quick stop for breakfast or a sandwich lunch.

What about homework ? Where will they do that?
What about computer ? Do you want that in a family area rather than their rooms?

Thank you for all your suggestions. We do eat as a family and thats imprtant too. Music? Small instruments so orobsbly in the rooms, take the point about homework, will have a think about that.

I'm doing similar in my kitchen and am looking at a tub-style sofa. They aren't very deep so don't take up as much space as standard sofas.

They are a bit more limited in colours though but I'm not too worried about that.

Good luck