Critique my floorplan, please

[HouseyHouse21]

We're in the process of buying a 1920s semi and would like to do a rear extension of the ground floor fairly soon after we move in. I've done a quick sketch on floorplanner of what I'd like to end up with - trying to squeeze in a utility, WC, walk-in pantry, kitchen / diner / living room at the back, with a separate living room in the front.

Hopefully the pic loads - can you clever people let me know if the flow works, or if you can spot any potential pitfalls with this layout?

I think it looks very good. Personally I'd swap the dining and living areas over, so you walk into the seating area when entering the kitchen diner rather than onto the end of the dining table. But that's just a furniture positioning thing.

In the kitchen I might swap the sink and the oven as otherwise the oven blocks the entrance to the kitchen whenever it's opened. I have this issue in my kitchen and it's surprisingly annoying! Or you could make the long counter into an island so it's accessible from both ends.

The utility spoils the flow for me, and cuts you off from the garden. I'd prefer the kitchen peninsula to be across at 90 degrees too.

I like the loo and pantry, and retaining the front room as a separate room.

I'm looking at doing similar but am doing without a utility, just having a cupboard for the washer and dryer. I could have a covered passage for muddy boots and am outside sink though.

Is there a reason for having the utility room where it is? Would it not be better to swap it over to the other side, so the dining/sitting room are beside eachother and the utility/bootroom leading straight off the kitchen?

If this is a semi can you put the exit from the utility on the side of the house? That way you can move out so it doesn't block the view of the garden.

I'd have the utility where the pantry is and incorporate the pantry into it so you have a nice long run of wall/window. Where the utility is makes it awkward

Oh, I missed the semi bit. If it's a semi and you can have a door out the side, have the utility where the pantry is

Minor point but if you keep the utility where it is I’d hang the tv on its wall and have the sofa where the tv currently is. Sofa looks very near tv as it is.

I would agree with swapping the dining table for the utility though.

Do you have cunning storage plans? It appears that your actual kitchen space is v small - I know you have the pantry, but you do need sufficient space for the things you use often. I'd swap dining and seating areas too, if you had 8 for dinner it would be a squash. Actually I'd get rid of the seating area altogether, for me it is a bit superfluous.

I think that two double doors is maybe over the top. You will hardly ever open both, one or two days a year perhaps. Solid windows for one of them instead? Five doors at the back of the house, perhaps excessive. Security problem?
Agreed the utility room is going to take a lot of space whereas the machines can be hidden in cupboards instead. 3.15m on the plans, so 600 x 2 for washer and drier, 600 for a Fridge /freezer? plus a small sink, say 2.5m.600mm saved for the family space, Boots under the sink.
Is the walk in Pantry necessary? Do you need to keep that much food in store. Nice but the space could be better used.
Not keen on the 'finger' sticking into the room. is it going to be wider than the dining table?This will make circulation difficult.
Which way does it face? Will the large doors be cold north facing?

I agree with pp, the sight line from front door to garden is blocked by the utility.

Why not have the WM and TD where the pantry is? You could stack them on top of each other at one end and then have a big storage cupboard at the other (for the hoover, ironing board, cleaning stuff etc). The utility currently takes a big chunk out of the space (and looks to be some way from water/drainage).

A walk in pantry and utility are both lovely things to have, but that footprint doesn't have room for both without compromising the main living spaces.

Oh wow, lots of great feedback to process there - thanks so much.

I agree that the utility room there isn't ideal - my thinking was that the DCs could come in from the back, strip off and put muddy sports kit in the wash instead of trailing through the house. But I also see that it's an unnecessarily large space for a house this size. I like the idea of having side access instead, then there's a clear view through to the garden.

I'm going to rejig the plan now and repost in a bit. Thanks again!

Your dining area would be very dark with no window.

I'd move the toilet into the utility. You'll be able to hear people having a wee whilst your in the lounge 😂

I know you’re currently rejigging but I’m going to throw in that you’ll hear the loo being used in both downstairs rooms.

I’d put the loo and utility/boot space in the same area. Kids run in for the loo, and run back out. When they come in for the day they can strip down the muddy kit and straight into the wash.

@GemmeFatale

I know you’re currently rejigging but I’m going to throw in that you’ll hear the loo being used in both downstairs rooms.

I’d put the loo and utility/boot space in the same area. Kids run in for the loo, and run back out. When they come in for the day they can strip down the muddy kit and straight into the wash.

Yes, I’d also pout the loo / utility next to each other with access to the loo via the utility so can be accessed straight from outdoors. Also, they dont both need external walls do they?

@ISeeTheLight (very apt name, by the way) - you're so right, I hadn't twigged that I'd created a very dark corner for the dining table.

I'm hoping this updated version fixes most of the points raised, and flows better? There's now deep cupboards in the main space rather than a separate walk-in pantry.

I've lost the boot room, but the utility still has a good amount of storage and some counter space for folding, and keeps the loud appliances away from living / dining areas.

I've angled the door to the WC to make the entryway into the kitchen wider - now 120cm rather than 90cm as it seemed really tight, but not sure if that makes sense. I'd prefer not to have a wonky wall but can't work out a better way??

And @Rollercoaster1920, the outside sink & boot storage idea is really interesting, will look into it - thanks.

Ah ok, just seen comments about loo noise - very good point. Not sure where to put the loo now as it's such an open space. I'd be keen to keep it separate from the utility as then guests aren't accosted by my piles of laundry. OK, back to the drawing board!

Your second plan is so much better OP. Really nice. We used to have a slanted wall for similar reasons abs you stop noticing it very quickly!

If the entry way becomes a pocket door, that's then two doors between WC and seating / dining and about 6m, should be ok!

Where is your fridge? Try and have it on an end so that people dont traipse into the cooking area to get drinks

Also plan a space for the rubbish bin

Much better option.

Fridge is next to the utility room at the moment, right in the corner. And bins would be integrated, to the left of the sink. I have a good idea of the kitchen layout - almost identical to what we have now which works really well for us (thanks to the amazing @OnePlanOnHouzz).

Thanks @Dogsandbabies, that's good to hear.

What are you doing about toilet drain to outside?