Architect's opinion or mine, which do you prefer for this downstairs lay out?

[Justthisonce1]

Hi there!

The architect thinks my preference 'doesn't flow'!

A friend of mine says she gets good feedback on here, so I'm hoping the mumsnet magic will work for me, too!

Area labelled 6 in the third pic is a pantry. That amenity would be moved to the left and become just fancy cupboard space in the first two pics.

The little circle and half shaded rectangle are the boiler and water tank in all pics.

Let me know what you all think?!

Thanks

3 for sure. 1 seems impractical as there is no straight through walkway that doesn't involve squeezing past the cooking area.

2 or 3 for me. I don’t especially like the kitchen across one wall, but it works better IMO when you have the pantry off to one side. I really don’t like 1.

I think 2 is my favourite but if you could have that kitchen layout also with the utility it would be perfect!

321 although I don’t like 1 at all.

Have you a utility room elsewhere? Because if not I’d make your pantry a utility instead/as well.

1 doesn’t have nearly enough kitchen compared to table space.

What’s area c?

I like 3 best as you have a functional kitchen area.

I'd get rid of the breakfast bar stools though as they'd be in the way and the table is right there anyway.

I think architects and kitchen designers are often a bit shit at planning how things will actually work in a kitchen. As the person using it you'll have a much better idea of what will work for you. It's no point it having a good flow if it's too bloody annoying to cook in.

When I planned mine I followed advice on here about the work triangle and maximising work surfaces. The last thing you want is to be constantly trailing up and down a long corridor of kitchen to empty pans or whatever, particularly with kids walking behind you.

2 then 1 then 3. 3 is too cluttered and makes everything seem smaller

1 would be very spacious and open, so that’s my favourite. 2 is good if your focus is on cooking and an island is a must have for you. 3 looks convoluted and crowded, and would feel like a long corridor - really wouldn’t recommend 3.

3 is the best! You have a defined kitchen area rather than in the other 2 where it's like a hallway. I love a butler's pantry - keeps all the messy things away which is really necessary in an open plan design. Also you can see and reach all your pantry food rather than hidden away at the back of a cupboard.

In 1 there is too much dead space. 2 is better but 3 wins mainly because of the pantry.

I'm biased because we have a pantry in our house and I love it. It's not exactly my dream pantry as it's quite narrow and becomes a bit of a dumping ground for carrier bags and things that don't have a home elsewhere. I still love it though. I would like a pantry like the one in design 3 as it looks like a proper walk in one. Is it?

100% #2 as I like to cook.

There’s a difference in daylight, too - 1 has an extra opening so the middle room won’t be dark.

2, 3, 1 for me I'm afraid. I do like the idea of a long kitchen like in number 1 but not in a multiple occupancy household cos I can't stand people getting in my way.

I also don't like breakfast bars I can get behind a cocktail bar though.

Love a good pantry though

2, 3, 1 is my order of preference

Just noticed something else - What’s the effect on the look of the outside? I think 3 can’t have a full length window where the kitchen is.

As someone said spacious and open is great, but not at the expense of storage space. I'm nothing if not practical and I would much prefer extra cupboard space and a pantry to acres of dead space, even if it looks nice (on trend).

Good point about the storage. In 1, you could add storage (under a bench, or full height) along the wall opposite the kitchen.

3 is best. pantry is what you want. Make sure you ventilate the pantry at the top and bottom with vermin proof vents for max coolness so you can keep veg etc cool.

2 for me, much more worktop for cooking, two doors between the loo, and I love our breakfast bar, much comfier there than sitting at the table.

I have a real yen for a proper cool pantry - also think it would mean you don't have so much in a fridge - We have so many things in there that strictly speaking just need cool and fly and vermin free - vegetables, cakes, bread, and endless condiments. Check out Pinterest pantries

Not 2. You'd have a bottleneck at the entrance to the kitchen area.

Also: think about where everybody is going to inevitably use as their dumping ground for mail, keys, bags etc when they come in. In 2 it's the work surface next to the sink.

Prefer 2, then 1, then 3.

Def 2 for me - I love cooking & like friends perched at the island chatting or kids doing homework while I prep dinner plus gives acres more counter space yet keeps it contained & can hide the mess. And it’s not like an annoying corridor to the end space like 1

2, 3,1 for me as well

2 3 1 is the order I prefer.

2 would be really nice to chat and be part of it all whilst making stuff. Great for family or hosting

Do 1 and 2 have laundry in the kitchen? That would be 100% no from me. Noisy and messy.

3 is best.