Is an extension required?

[Judgsu]

Hi - We are purchasing our first property in Knutsford with the layout below. L shaped kitchen/living room. We would like to create an "open" plan kitchen which can accommodate a larger island either via an extension or reconfiguration.

Can anyone advise what is the best way to make this area look more open and modern? The L shape with the dimensions of 7.25m x 3.52m has an extension already. Would the extension need to be fully knocked down to turn the L shape into a square style kitchen or can the current structure remain with the "living room" being extended only. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Its our first time doing a home project :)

Personally I’d turn the square living room into the kitchen because if that the shape and larger size you are looking for you have it there already.

You'll have to ensure there’s drainage but water is clearly nearby as there’s a bathroom above.

You have the added benefit of a fireplace which always looks amazing in kitchens and a view straight out into the garden

No need to extend when it’s all there already

Ps
That shower rm on the grd fl is a bit horrid access wise. I’d think about putting a door in the hall under the stairs to access that ( you’ll need to move the utility over ) or
switch the boot room around. Make it less room more open space and access the shower rm through there

it looks pretty modern and open already. you could take off the double doors between kitchen and living room, but if you have teens (or will one day), you will want to have more doors and more separate spaces.

if you want a bigger island, i'd get rid of the sofa in the dining area and rotate the table 90deg. then you'll have space for a bigger island in the existing kitchen.

That layout is what I would choose if I was building my dream house.
kitchen flows into dining area but not so that you have to sit staring at the mess of cooking, sitting room easy to go and get something from the fridge but clearly seperate…. Fantastic.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I've managed to get some pictures to help see what it is like. If anyone could help with ideas on how to change it as it looks fairly bland, it'll be much appreciated.

I don't think I'd extend that - it's a great layout as it is. I think I'd look at the configuration of the kitchen so that the island faces towards the table, with breakfast stools. Then I'd focus on bringing more character, especially to the dining area. Tall plants, perhaps a rug, pictures, or maybe a soft colour paint. It'll be lovely.

We are looking into this option. What type of island length and depth do you think we could fit?

I agree with pp. the layout is already open and modern.

Why don’t you make a plan on a grid
All units ( not necessarily islands ) are 600mm width and depth
Then you can work out how big an island can be

I wouldn’t extend. I think,the layout is great as it is. Why don’t you move in and see how you get on with the layout. I agree with the post re access to downstairs toilet needs changing.

Agree with pp. Live in it for a year, see what areas work, areas that annoy you, areas that are seldom used before you fork out for moving walls etc. Yes, the shower room/utility could definitely do with a rethink.

I wouldn’t extend. The main rooms are lovely.

This is definitely the plan, live for a while and see how it all works. I just think getting an island may be too tight. My visualisation of a room is non-existent. My DH suggested the following:

1. Put a door in the hallway leading into the utility room (reconfiguration required)
2. Get rid of the units/cooker on the side which is on the same wall as the sofa in the floorplan
3. Put the cooker and few units on the corner in line where the door into the kitchen is
4. Put the island aligned with the cooker and units

He created a quick sketch. What are the thoughts on this sort of layout?

I personally don't think an island works in that orientation, you'd be better with a peninsula if you're really set on changing the direction of the kitchen. We're planning a new kitchen and have been told to allow about 60cm of length on the island per seat, so you'd only get 2 spaces on the island in your plan, not 4. We previously had an island that was 1.2m long and 2 seats was about right.

I think the space as it is looks good. For the relatively small amount of square meterage you're getting a really nice layout. I think having the kitchen facing towards the living room is more sociable and makes more sense than having it facing the dining area. I know there's a sofa in the dining area on the floor plan, but I don't really think there's room for one as well as a table.

I think the only thing I'd change might be having the downstairs shower room where the boot room is now and then a larger utility/boot room area.

Could you access the shower room via the boot room? Seems more logical than through the utility.

I think we may be able to alter that to get into the shower room. I know there is a boiler in the boot room but it’s on the left hand side, definitely an option to think about!

Can I suggest you make a balsa wood or cardboard model. I’m an architect who lacks spacial awareness and visualisation and making models are my go to.

On your dh plan I would say. When you have a garden with windows looking out why would you sit at an island and face the cookers

A1metre gap against the wall on the lhs of the island is a waste of space
The island is oversized in relationship to the space.
You will only be able to fit in 4 units ( possibly plus half a unit with the door moving over) along your cooker bank.

We are now thinking a U shaped kitchen might perhaps be a better option. What are thoughts on this? I believe this may be a better option and a lot more space making the room look slightly bigger

When you look at the cost of an extension if you have that money now I’d look at putting it into a bigger house rather than buying something you already want to change. That house looks pretty high spec and you’ll be paying a premium for that. Im all for doing work on a family home, but it seems crazy to buy something knowing that you already want to do lots to it. This isn’t a renovation project where you’ll add value.

You wouldn’t have anywhere near enough kitchen space by doing this layout.

U shaped would be a bit tight imo. Plus you’d lose the island you want and it might feel too enclosed for what is essentially a very open plan floor plate.

I’ve done a sketch. It’s not exactly my best artwork 🤣 and MNet wouldn’t accept it any larger as it was over 6mb so hope you’ve got good eyesight.

Your dh showed a breakfast bar so I’ve added it looking out of the space towards the garden.
hope you can read my writing

Thank you so much! We are still looking at options for the future. Best bet to live in it for a year and see how we feel. Might be worth getting rid of the doors with maybe glass doors between the kitchen and living room to give it a more 'roomy' feeling. All suggestions are welcome! Never done a home renovation before so any tips or hints are much appreciated.