Hi all,
We're considering a property which has lots of positives, great location, lovely walk into town along footpaths, cathedral views from bedroom, a covered decking area outside that would be great for summer meals (especially messy ones with toddlers!), downstairs bathroom with shower and washing machine and cupboard space so doubles up as a decent utility room.
Trouble is the kitchen is smaller than I would like. It's currently laid out as a kitchen/dining/living room. I had thought about extending the kitchen into the dining room or at least putting in some freestanding units. But then that would take away the dining area. My question: would you be more likely to move the dining room to the annexe room to the left of the kitchen or down into the living room? With two children (a toddler and a newborn) I had been half thinking of using the annexe as a playroom, but if we used it as a dining room that wouldn't be possible. We could maybe use the downstairs bedroom as a playroom but it's a bit out of the way and not terribly practical.
I also really want a pantry area. I was thinking about moving the fridge from that nook on the far left of the kitchen and converting to a small pantry cupboard and moving fridge to the far right wall. We also have a big chest freezer we use loads which would need to fit somewhere, but where? There's a tiled section at the end of the annexe room by the window that might work, but would look a bit odd just randomly plonked there. I suppose it could go in the kitchen but it's really the kind of thing you want a bit tucked away.
Sigh. I'm in a muddle as you can tell. Any thoughts or advice are welcome! We don't need a big formal dining room at all (we basically never entertain) but I do want a table big enough to fit four of us for evening meals etc.