Help with kitchen layout

[BlueLenka]

We are getting a new kitchen, 2 layout options below. Can you tell me which one you prefer and why?

Wall D has an opening to a dinning/living area. There is a step down from wall D to the dinner/living room part.
The space on walls B and C, from the window has a corner chimney breast that has to stay...

I really wanted an island but wonder if it's too much of a sacrifice of storage space..
With the U shape I'm not sure if the distances between a fridge and sink and hob aren't too big..

We have a separate utility room.

I have actually employed a professional kitchen designer who came out with a really bad layout - wanted to put 2 walls of a kitchen AND a table with seating for 6 in that space...

I prefer the first one, as I like uninterrupted floor spaces in rooms, so I can move a table/chairs where I want, or put an extra leaf in a table as required and remove it to make space when I don't. We're redoing our kitchen, which when we bought it was awful - a decent sized kitchen (about 12' x 14') ended up like a wide galley kitchen because they 'unit-ed' three walls completely and did angled-cut-off corners with units set at 45 degrees. I have redesigned it with units on two complete walls (so only one 'wasted corner', where there are meters anyway; they will be accessible because one of the adjoining units will actually be a trolley under the surface), no 45 degree surfaces, and a short run of units on the third wall. I worked out that doing that, and getting rid of a upper cupboard with drawers that rested on the work surface, we have actually gained in usable worktop area, have not lost any cupboard space, and the room will have more floorspace, which will be L-shaped, much more interesting, and I'll gain space for a radiator too (there isn't one now). I'm also replacing the upper cupboards with taller ones, so we will have some nice clear walls with no upper cupboards on, but lose almost no storage space.

I prefer the second one. The bin and sink position in the first would annoy me I think. Is there a way to make more use of wall c for storage etc? Maybe a dresser if not units?

Although not much prep space in the second one... Is there a way to rotate option two so the bar stools have their back to the door some how?

Neither

I would go for outline layout or the peninsular one BUT get the hob on the island not the sink. Hate sinks on the island.

And use wall C for storage. Could have slim depth full height cupboards. Although might be a bit annoying having to go over there for stuff depending what you kept in it.

What about something like this?

I would like that yellowfish but there is a big corner chimney breast between wall B/C..also the opening behind the seating is a step down so potentially risky position for the stools which is why if I rotate there will be no seating..

Wall C has a big window too..

Can I ask why you're set on keeping the fireplace?

We took out the chimney breast and put the range cooker there. The chimney breast area stays a focal point as a result.

Put the sink under window, cooker in the chimney breast and you will have room for everything.

Can you incorporate the hob into the chimney breast? Make it a feature.

I think an island is a mistake. A small kitchen table in the middle might be more visually appealing and be an extra surface. First layout is much better than second.

I'm not set on keeping the fireplace but it's a listed building and getting permission to remove is very unlikely...Some modifications to put a cooker there might be possible if the planners agree..it's 85cm wide so only a smaller range would fit..

No need for a table there but with a layout 1 I would probably add a small buchers block..

I just really wanted an island..

I wouldn’t get an island either. Having viewed about 1000 houses in 6 months I have realised that islands make decent sized kitchens feel cramped. They work fine in huge open plan kitchen/living spaces. It is totally your space though so if you want an island, get an island.

Have you considered a square peninsula? Ours functions a bit like an island but doesn’t need the space and island needs

Our kitchen designer, Karen from OnePlan on Houzz recommended it and it’s a great compromise when you don’t have lots of space for an island.

I was just coming on to mention her too.

ChelseaChop is that a square peninsula?

I confirmed with DH that we can't do anything to the fireplace, it's structural and any changes to it would be expensive and planners very unlikely to approve..inspired by the conversation though he has suggested putting an oven and oven/microwave combi in there..there is space for that..

That last one looks promising!

Oooh ok with the additional information about the corner chimney, window on C and step down to the other room I can see my suggestion wouldn’t work.

Probably go for your first design then and as you suggest a butches block style island with a couple of stools in the middleish

@Lottle

I prefer the second one. The bin and sink position in the first would annoy me I think. Is there a way to make more use of wall c for storage etc? Maybe a dresser if not units?

For me, sinks always belong under windows,because I hate working at sinks which face bang onto a wall...

@BlueLenka no the Square peninsula is literally a big square on the end of a run of standard width of worktop. Sounds odd but it really works in our compact space. It gives the same function as an island (massive surface area for food prepping/ plating up .... but with a much smaller footprint.

Karen was really great at recommending things like this. I found out about her through other mumsnetters and she was well worth her very modest fee

I also love using my square peninsula for entertaining. Laying out a buffet or drinks reception.

[quote ChelseaChop]@BlueLenka no the Square peninsula is literally a big square on the end of a run of standard width of worktop. Sounds odd but it really works in our compact space. It gives the same function as an island (massive surface area for food prepping/ plating up .... but with a much smaller footprint.

Karen was really great at recommending things like this. I found out about her through other mumsnetters and she was well worth her very modest fee[/quote]
I would love to see a pic or diagram...can’t picture it. Is it against a wall or at the end of a L shape run of units?