Which conversion layout?

[Runnerbeans8]

We are looking to make modifications to our downstairs space inc repurposing our garage and existing kitchen/separate dining room. But are not sure which layout. In both layouts French doors can’t be moved. We have a large 20’ lounge as well so there is separate living space already. Kitchen and dining room currently separated by a stud wall so could be removed in an afternoon.

Option A creates a separate snug room, with French doors outside. Snug would be used as an occasional office and tv room/second living space. It wouldn’t be a massive room. Doors would go into a kitchen/diner. Less messy option and requires no knocking down of load bearing walls.

Option B creates one large kitchen/diner space. It involves knocking down load bearing walls between existing kitchen and garage so more expensive and disruptive. Gives a larger space which is totally open.

In both cases the utility is mostly non negotiable as there is an outside door here as well as plumbing.

Would be interested in hearing opinions as we have exhausted the pros and cons of both!

I would prefer A but I don't like open plan so I might not be the person to ask.

This looks a bit similar to my downstairs (except my separate room is a small playroom!). Difficult one, if you already have a separate living space I’d probably go for B but depends a bit on how wide the snug and kitchen diner would be in option A.

I need a bit more info @Runnerbeans8 . What do you want to get out of the modifications? What is your lifestyle and life stage like? Any children? Much entertaining?

Does anyone wfh? How many children? Any noisy piano practice to factor in that might need a separate space?

Would the kitchen diner have any windows? If not, I'd go with the open plan option

What are the dimensions? Big difference IMO if it's 8m wide vs 5m...

Also how many people in your family?

I have option B and I love it. However have had 2 children since we did the conversion and i p would like a small snug to use as a playroom as our minimalistic open plan room is now full of toys 😂🙄.
i think it does depend on family set up and future plans

Ditto this

We are ttc Dc1 at the moment, currently
both wfh for part of the week. We have 4 bedrooms so have the luxury of an office each atm but won’t have if Dc comes along hence we would like to be to able fit another desk somewhere.

Width of snug room would be about 3m. Kitchen diner width about 3.8m. We currently have cabinets along both sides of the kitchen and it’s fine, but there isn’t enough room for an island which we would like.

Windows front and back of kitchen diner.

I like option A because I feel like it gives you more living options. So I would just weigh up whether it would give you a more liveable option.
I mean, a large kitchen diner and utility is a a complete dream come true, but what will you do for office space otherwise.

If it helps pic attached of current layout. The dotted line is a wall currently but only a stud wall. We will likely block up one of the doors from the hall. We have cabinets all around in the kitchen and it doesn’t feel squashed. Have a 6 seater dining table which is a bit of a squeeze.

Other options for office space would be, share a study between us alternating with the kitchen table, putting a small desk in the guest bedroom or one in the current living room. We also have an external garage as well so not worried about losing that space.

Is that 3.8m width for option A? If so I would probably go with that.

Ha we are so similar except I already have two DC. We have a 4 bed house, smallest bedroom is used for my office. DH works downstairs in what would be the kitchen diner part of Option B for you. I suppose it depends how many kids you want to have.. I like open plan with small kids, and as you have a separate room already.. but Option A might be better long term for office space. We have an outbuilding that will eventually become DH’s office when we have finished renovating. 3.8m is plenty wide but I’m totally with you in wanted a kitchen island (we’re also renovating and trying to figure out if we can fit one in).

I much prefer B. One wide room is better than two skinny rooms and you have space for an area with seating etc. It's also better to have a back door off the kitchen.

I'd go open plan with those dimensions. Especially with no children yet, a separate living space and four bedrooms. Unless you're planning to need that space as a study e.g. if DC2 comes along?

Since you are just starting your family, I would go with option A. A space to put toys/ playroom, an office to WFH if all the bedrooms are taken by dc and guest room, a teenage snug to game in and friends hang out, or a quiet study area for teens to use for revision. Really useful for teens, if you’ll be there that long, to have their own space downstairs so they aren’t hiding away in their rooms and you can keep half an eye on their revision/gaming,etc.

If you were older and dc had left, I would say option B as it would be lovely to entertain in and you have plenty of bedrooms for office space.