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Side return extension = less storage space?

8 replies

tpmumtobe · 30/12/2022 16:52

We're in the early stages of planning a side return extension to our bog standard mid terrace. While it would give us lots more circulation space, we're beginning to realise that we will potentially lose a lot of storage.

Our existing kitchen is a big galley, approx. 6.5m x 3m with loads of cupboards down both sides and additional seating space (3m x 2m) at the end. It's not small by any means, but isn't very sociable, it's a bit of a tunnel. We'd also like to move our miniscule downstairs loo into a slightly bigger space, and free up space for a coat cupboard, hence extension plans.

The finished extension will be approx. 6.5m x 5m, with the same extra 3mx2m additional seating space at the end, and needs to include a downstairs loo, kitchen table, comfy seating, kitchen island and loads of storage.

Our initial sketches have units down one wall and a large island, but that still loses us a lot of cupboards compared to the existing layout. Has anyone put units down both walls as well as an island? Or is a separate larder cupboard the solution? I'm worried we're trying to create a lovely new open space but immediately filling it with boxed off rooms for loo, futility, larder etc.

Any ideas or perspective gratefully received!

OP posts:
Maximinimalist · 30/12/2022 18:02

Can you share a plan? Makes it easier to visualise the issue.

BarrelOfOtters · 31/12/2022 09:46

A big larder cupboard holds a huge amount. I miss ours from old house.

we put 9ne evening aside and worked out everything we wanted to store in kitchen and went through the kitchen plan to see if it would fit. Tortuous but worth it. Also meant we chucked out a load of crap …..

bellac11 · 31/12/2022 09:48

Where is the side return if you're a mid terrace?

SallyLockheart · 31/12/2022 10:21

bellac11 · 31/12/2022 09:48

Where is the side return if you're a mid terrace?

I was just about to ask that question too. Floor plans needed please - hopeless at evaluating plans otherwise

CoralMist · 31/12/2022 10:30

Assumed a side return means their current galley kitchens extends along one boundary wall but is only half the width off the garden. The side return extension would make it the full width of the garden, building over what would otherwise be a thin strip of grass or patio running parallel to the galley kitchen.

SwedishEdith · 31/12/2022 11:57

Do you need an island? Can you still have units along both sides but make one end with a peninsula?

tpmumtobe · 31/12/2022 13:00

Sorry all, should have thought to share plans, obvs still in a mince pie stupor. We've been talking about it for so long you forget it doesn't always make sense to anyone else 😖 I'll sort plans to show comparison and repost. Thank you.

OP posts:
roses2 · 31/12/2022 13:39

I've got a mid terraced side return. You should be OK with an island and cupboards on both sides with a 5m width.

If you're nervous how about ordering the island once you've seen the space or freestanding cupboards/ dresser on one side?

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