Thoughts on kitchen extension layout -- doubting decision now that the work started!

[Alevelprep25]

Please see proposed plan below. The work on the extension started and already ordered the big window that will go at the end of the room to form window seat. French doors will lead to the patio area to the side. I am doubting my decision now as I know most extentions have big bifolds at the back! Is the below reasonable or shall rethink the door/window/layout before it's too late!

Get the bifolds instead, but keep the french doors as they are also.

If in doubt follow your gut feeling.

It looks like a fabulous area, I hope you enjoy it lots when it's all done!

Which way does the room face? If that big window is S facing and doesn’t open it’s going to create a greenhouse effect. If N facing I’d be less concerned.

I thought this was going to be about the kitchen peninsula - going to be annoying to walk round it every time you come in the room

The extension is south facing and yes the window opens.

The kitchen peninsula is also up for discussion!! 🫣

Ah ok, if it opens (outwards? On a pivot?) then I think that works just as well as bifolds for ventilation. Better visually than bifolds IMO. It will look good.

Either way I would highly recommend an awning or shade sail or pergola or something to prevent heat build up in summer. Definitely get anti UV glass if possible.

Will have a think about kitchen layout

Yes. Unless the window opens right up, Get a trifold door instead of the window and put a window seat at the side. The reason most people do this is because you can have a proper indoor/outdoor feeling to your dining area in summer. We used to have the doors in our old house open all day and it was lovely. In this house they have to be to the side and it’s good, but not AS good.

Do it now. You will only regret it.

Although I wonder how many people who opted for bifolds actually open them regularly.

We have big sliding doors in the living room and we only open them regularly for about 3-4 months a year. So I was thinking with a window you will have more space for seating etc

We had a new kitchen extension last year and put sliders in. Builder wasn’t keen on bifolds and I valued his opinion. Also a friend had biofolds but regretted them.
we also have kitchen layout the same as yours. What is your walk through gap? Not sure what ours is (maybe a metre) and it’s absolutely fine. (I can try to measure it tomorrow as not at home today.)

Have a look at the 'things you regret in your home' threads and you see a LOT of bi-fold doors regret there.
I love the idea of a window seat as long as you still have easy outdoor access which you do.

Just looked at your peninsular and it does look like you are having to walk around it.

I agree with you. I think a window will work better than the door being at the end because you’d have to walk round a dining table to get to the door. The layout in the picture is better

We've had ours open every day since the weather got hot - it's lovely!

Honestly, I think it all looks good. The kitchen peninsula wouldn't bother me. As long as those doors open, all good!

I'd stick with the plan you have,but put a awning up outside. If you do decide to make it an opening instead, go for sliders rather than bifolds. Bifolds are a pain in the arse because you always have to consider the space they need to open/close, and there's nothing attractive about them, particularly when they're open, just a lump of metal and glass hanging off the corner of a wall. I do not see the appeal.

Ours will be at least 2.5m so I think it should be fine

I think i would run the kitchen units right along the left wall, with an island facing the patio doors on right. It feels a little like two rooms, rather than one space.

As for windows, I wouldn't put a door at the end if you have one on the side. We have a full picture window at the end of our kitchen and its amazing. If you put your kitchen down the left, it means no one coming through the kitchen to get outside via side door.

Can you share a pic of your picture window by any chance?

Of course, here you go.
Our French doors are off to the left in this photo.

What colour is the green paint in your kitchen please?

@FireAdvice its Beverly by farrow and ball.

Not a fan of bifolds they are what they are a few doors screwed together
granted there lovely open but there shut more than there open all frame frame frame

I like the window but if you really want something to open get thin framed patio door

I’ve had my bifolds open almost constantly since about April. They were installed last Sep so this is the first summer we’ve had them, and I love them. We had a crappy old 80s conservatory before with a normal door (not sliding) and if you tried to have that open it slammed shut in the mildest of winds. The bifolds are still open now at 9.30pm, mainly because I’m curled up under a blanket and can’t be arsed to get up and close them.

A beautiful kitchen and a lovely green colour! Thanks for sharing

We had a similar space, although yours is a metre or so wider. We chose to put dining with decent lighting options in the dark end and the kitchen it the light end - to the left side as pp suggested. It makes me happy every day. My husband can’t stand flies coming in, so no bifolds for us. We have picture windows, small opening windows and a patio door. It’s all so easy and the seating is social. I agree with everyone though that south facing is an issue for you. In our last house we had south facing bifolds and it was too hot whether open or closed. You definitely need to incorporate shading.

I much prefer double doors, it actually opens the space up more and is more practical.