Kitchen extension layout - feedback please!

[CMBC0320]

hello

We're having a 2 storey extension done this year and would like to make sure we get layout and details right.

The attachment of is the layout that the architect suggested but we're debating if this is the optimum layout for us so would appreciate feedback and thoughts on this...

• We're very keen cooks/bakers so the kitchen will be well used and will need generous storage for ingredients. It doesn't look like there are too many options for hanging cabinets. How much storage is enough?

• we're not keen on putting a sink or oven in the island as we like the idea of keeping a clear space for baking/socialising/appliances. Has anybody else kept sink and oven in the run behind the island?

• we're debating having a range cooker or separate waist-height oven but not sure how this fits if we don't want to use island for cooking

• flooring...we're not keen on wood for reasons of longevity/maintenance but the hardwearing options seem a but cold/hard on feet. Is there anything in the middle which looks good. TWe're hoping to have underfloor heating on the kitchen side. Luxury vinyl is one option we're considering but interested in other options...

Thank you

It's quite hard to read your plan, could you post another picture of just the kitchen area?

Personally I don't like long kitchens, all down one wall, I think it doesn't work well with the work triangle.

A few years ago we had an extension and kept the kitchen in the back half of the room which worked really well for us. It did mean we had the sink on the island but it looks like you've got enough space not to.

I debated between range or built in went for built in and an induction hob, which I loved.

In fact we are doing it all over again in another house and repeating the layout as we felt it worked so well.

Need a bigger piccy please!

Bigger picture hopefully...attached
Thank you
@MothershipG
@Loofah01

trying one more time....

Nope lol

last time (I make no promises)

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OP, zoom in on your picture, take a screenshot and post it again here.

It’s too small to see the kitchen as it is.

[http://imgbox.com/3Lrx6QZS]

imgbox.com/3Lrx6QZS

Re flooring- we have solid bamboo and it's very hard wearing. It's been down 10 years and is as good as new. Feels lovely underfoot and looks warm. We were going to have engineered bamboo, but just preferred the colour of the solid. No difference in price as I recall. Was similar (slightly cheaper) to engineered oak in price. I'd get it again without hesitation.

I would have tall larder cupboards from the fridge all the way to one unit from the cooker. I think a range will take up a lot of space. I also don’t like sinks or coolers on islands but I don’t think you have enough cupboard space.

I would also move the job down one unit so it is central opposite the island. Could you store stuff in utility?

We have our oven and sink in the back, but our hob in the island.

I felt like if the hob was on the back run I'd always have my back to people, so I find this much more sociable. It's a big island so there's room for people to perch on stools to chat while I cook. I have big drawers underneath: the top one has all the herbs and spices, then below that pots and pans, and I have tall pull-out drawers with chopping boards on one side and bottles of oil, vinegar, etc on the other. So everything that I might need to hand. I love it! It's an induction hob so when not in use it's just a clear surface.

Flooring-wise, we went for the vinyl option (atrafloor).

Would you have pantry storage in the utility as well? We have a separate pantry which is great but I know lots of people who combine the two)

@ReviewingTheSituation
Thanks - we hadn't longlisted bamboo so will add it to our 'to research' list

I don't have an island. We have a Lshaped kitchen with sink in the shortL and the range in the longL. It is an Everhot and we love it. On that wall i also had a long cupboard designed. It goes from just below pipe work near top of ceiling to the top of the work top. This is my baking cupboard and the doors concentia back so that it can open almost right out.The Kenwood sits on the back of the worktop and I had the electrician put a new double socket in there.I just pull the Kenwood forward no having to lift it out from a cupboard below and lug it onto the worktop. I love it. The cupboard is divided into two and I have all my sugars, flours etc on one side the other houses rice, pasta etc at the top and cup cake cases, topping etc n the lower shelf. The shelves can be moved to suit. Next to the Kenwood I have enough space to house the liquidiser and three pots with metal, wood, plastic utensils in.
Under the work top I have a double drawer right across which I put two extending trays in and it houses decorating tools, measuring spoons etc so a baking drawer much easier to find things. Underneath that is a double base unit which houses less used items like casserole dishes.
The beauty with this is you don't lose any worktop space as when both doors are open you can have almost the full space.It was a small bespoke company and we had three proper designs drawn up for free. They were excellent and probably no more expensive than John Lewis or the like that you see in magazines.

We already have tiles on the floor and we didn't change them. Cool in the summer.

Go to DIY Kitchens and play about with their planner; you can change about the configuration every which way to see what looks good. It also does a 3D image, it's a bit cack but illustrates the layout well. Personally I think with wall units you'll have masses of storage.

I'm doing something similar at the moment and am opting for a 110cm range. With underfloor heating not all coverings are suitable but again I'm looking at bamboo after considering engineered wood. It's fully sustainable and hard as nails - I got some samples sent through and tried scratching it without successs! www.bambooflooringcompany.com/all-flooring/usage/underfloor-heating-flooring/

What's the middle 'sitting room' going to be used for - it's not much more than a glorified hallway at the moment. Move the utility and have a door to the kitchen direct from the floor. Then you can use the sitting room as a proper room.

I think i would move the doorway for the utility into the hallway so that you have another wall in the sitting room against which you could put a chair or sofa.

I would seriously consider how much time you will spend/number of people who will regularly eat at the island - for us it's more of a social thing when one person will sit and chat whilst another cooks or occasionally the dc will eat breakfast there. Since you have a dining table just feet away I'd put space for two people on the end of the island facing out towards the doors and double up the cupboards back to back on the island.

We have our ovens and hob on the island (induction so flat glass) and it's very sociable, works well for us with the sink immediately behind it. You might also have room for a small sideboard or storage on the wall behind the table and chairs for extra storage. Also assuming you will have a tv in there where will it go? Could the boiler not be moved to the utility room?

@AppleCrumbleCake +1

Also if you had your hob on the island and moved the sink to the middle of the back wall you'd have room for a double wall cupboard at either end of the back wall

I don’t have an island but if I did then it would be big and my oven and sink would be over there as standing at an island feels better as you can see in all directions and you not stuck facing a wall, just my opinion. Try playing with DIY’s planner and create multiple visuals of what you want and see which you like best.