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

2 and 3 are both nice. 1 is deeply impractical with the working part of the kitchen as a gang way and a single line layout. I bet that's the architects one.

You don't necessarily need open spaces in a vast room. Sometimes zoning it up into defined areas makes it easier to live with.

I like 1 or 3, 3 maybe more practical in terms of having a good clear space for kids to run around

2 (by some margin) then 3 then 1.

But take it to a kitchen company so get input from a kitchen specialist first.

This kind of utility would fit nicely into 3 or 2.

2

2,3,1 for me too

Definitely three, with possible move of loo to understairs, put laundry cupboard where loo currently positioned and keep pantry as pantry off kitchen.

I think no3 is really nice, the pantry is handy and it’s good to have the kitchen in a dedicated space. The powder room is also bigger and not cramped so nicer to use and it would feel more private because the doorway faces the side/stairs. The large area opposite the kitchen is a good space and flexible. Please consider putting doors on the back room so it’s easier to watch tv or use it as a gym or study if someone is in the kitchen.

I like 3 best. Utility and downstairs toilet are a bonus

1. Seems most practical in the kitchen

Thanks all.

Just quickly to your questions:

Utility room - will be upstairs next door to the main bathroom. I hate traipsing up and down stairs with laundry.

'3' in pic 1 is where I'd have a little snug. Not sure what the architect has drawn here.

Yes, in pic 3, the kitchen run on the right means at the end of the run is a window not a full glass door.

The front of the house 'c' and 'b' will be a through lounge. Im thinking 'c' will be a bit like a library, with lots of books on the wall.

The option we were going with was pic 3 with the pantry. But then we moved in and I wanted a more spacious kitchen area actually. I got to thinking and put together pic 1, but my talents are let's say limited in this field! The architect put together 2. I am not a fan of islands, but I would have one if it made sense. I might put the hob on the island and sink on the wall in pic 2. And make it an island, not a peninsula.

Another thing is that I think we'll have to move in 4 years for secondary, so I'm shaping this for a resale too.

We're doing a side return to make this work which is a pretty penny, so I kinda want to get it right!!!

Is your washing machine upstairs at the mo? I’m asking because I’ve just moved mine downstairs - it literally was shaking the entire house when it spun. Walls shaking, doors and windows rattling.

(I’ve also had it upstairs in another house and it be fine, so I’ve no idea how you’d know.)

The trouble with 2 as it stands is that you are turning a big space into a galley kitchen. Would be a nightmare for two people trying to use it at the same time. The island should not abutt the wall.

1. Is best for cooking

Then 1

Where do you plan on putting your washing machine? I like 3 the best as you could use the pantry as a utility. Kitchen layout is good also nicer downstairs/ guest w.c

3 is the only one that works, in my opinion, because it doesn't confuse a thoroughfare with a working space. The other two have high potential for accidents/annoyance.

Which is the architect one?

I like 3, cloakroom and utility swing it.

Option 2. It's the only plan where you won't be eating in the kitchen. This plan zones the kitchen and dining areas separately.

You're probably best with a job against the wall rather than in island for extractor fan / spitting fat etc purposes. If you need to choose I would choose sink in island, hob on side

I much prefer the first two, sorry OP. I think the third is very disjointed and what you gain in segregated space you lose in impact. I can see the appeal of yours as it has space to sort of hide things away which is more realistic in a home but I think it would feel more dark. It’s your home though so do what works for you.

I think the architect is right with pic 2. Pic 1 just feels like a giant corridor without enough kitchen work space. I would agree it doesn't flow.

Thank you all so much.

Just to address your questions. 3 in the 1st pic is where I'd want a snug.

My washing machine will go in a space by the bathroom and bedroom at the front of the house in the first pic I attach here. I will also have a lodt extension done, and will attach that too, just to be thorough!

I had agreed pic 3 with the architect until we moved in and I thought I'd like a bigger kitchen if I'm going to spend a pretty penny on a side return! I cane up with 1, he came up with 2. I really want a pantry. I will try to keep that. I agree the wc under stairs is not as nice so pic 3 is coming into play.....I like the bigger space if pic 2. I am not a fan of islands, but not unflinchingly opposed, so maybe 3 with an island with a hob on so I can look out while cooking? With the sink against the wall where the hob is in 2?

For context I'm really interested in your opinions because we're probably moving in 4 years for secondary school. So I don't want to model something quirky that will put others off! And as you can see from pic 1, I'm not great at this! (Apologies to the very few of you who preferred that one.). Seems most likely 2 and then 3 coming in second.

Sorry ignore the second pic just there, that is what the first floor is like now!

This is the loft for those who are interested.

Thanks so much all! Didn't expect this response at all, really helpful.

Why don’t you combine 1 and 2? Long kitchen run along the right, full height pull out pantry cupboard along the wall to the library, WC under stairs.

I think you need to tell your architect which parts are really important to you and which are lower down the list of priorities. If you just want to do it for resale, I’d go along with what the architect suggests because they’ll have planned a lot of extensions and will have a pretty good idea what’s popular.

Although that might not work with the boiler… I can see now why they suggested 2, it makes sense with all the services running vertically through the house