Extra living space or large utility for a family?

[Angryosaurus]

We are planning the extension/remodel on our 'forever' home (until we downsize in 30 years or so). I want to get the layout right for us/not too concerned about resale.

We have 2 young DC and plan at least 1 more all being well. We will have a large kitchen diner and 2 separate reception rooms. There is a approx 3m x 4m space off the kitchen, that I could open up to the kitchen for a living space (creating an L shaped kitchen living diner)or I could turn it into a large utility/boot room. (there is space for a smaller utility elsewhere if needed, which could be a pantry instead (also off kitchen. I'm struggling to decide how we will use the space in 5 and 10 years time, and what will be most useful. Any comments gratefully welcomed!

Yours not your

I do not think you need three areas with settles. Your kitchen looks small to me with units on one side only. Is that correct? We have two fridges for a start off. My kitchen has a breakfast table built into the end of the island. This a great area for chat! There is a formal table at the end of the open plan lounge area. The second lounge area is separate. I think you are prioritising seating over storage and you may regret that.

I think a decent architect could help a great deal. We completely changed where we had our kitchen to get the best view of the garden. The architect gave us so many better ideas but good design is never cheap!

I would not have a loo in a laundry area. A loo should be separate and coat storage requirements should never be under estimated! We have two areas - one in a cupboard in the hall and a second under the stairs. You seem to have little storage for everyday items that will end up being clutter. Toy storage is another problem you have not really addressed.

Another vote for utility space.

Somewhere to put the washing, ironing, big freezer and so on.

Two reception rooms is plenty.

I think the toilet is in a weird place. Agree with squaring off kitchen and putting utility and toilet in what's utility and little storage area (?) bit. Ideally, you want an external door from your utility.

Storage is definitely a big problem with this house currently- one of the reasons I was thinking of having a large utility/boot room. TBF there is a large cupboard off the lounge and built in storage on either side of each fireplace (not shown) plus a pantry but it's never enough!

I have a great kitchen designer, the image is just to show rough size (not even started thinking about kitchens yet! well not officially...)

I'm not sure I'm prioritising seating or storage at this stage. Just trying to decide on what will work best for us now and in the future :)

The toilet is currently there SwedishEdith- I think an old outside loo that has been joined to other outbuildings and the house. Will look into options of moving it

Could you split the space, so enough room to have a pantry at that end of the kitchen, but a sofa corner too. The the thin utility by the loo can be for laundry etc only.