The Murphy's
Open Plan Kitchen/Living
Here are three of the top contenders when investigating your layout.
Then our preferred layout which ticks all the boxes and more.
Pro:
- Can hide tall items in utility area (+washer/dryer)
- None of windows compromised in the space (maximum light)
- Good access to garden from dining when entertaining
- Good points for TV and for radiators when required
- Great view over all areas from the sink and work area
- No hob on the island (as requested)
- Play area/seating for guests (good light and floor space here)
- Both morning and evening sun on dining table as used so often
- Good work surface / prep areas
Con:
- Small utility for maneuvering and storage or laundry sorting
- Kitchen feels bare with no wall units (long and sleek) this may cause acoustic problems which will need to be balanced with materials used
- Cupboards under windows hinder look and lighting
- Only free space is 3 sets of drawer units
Pro:
- Good communication between seating areas and outside
- Good book and toy storage (well placed also)
- Good overall look to the design on entering for wow factor
- Four stools at the island (biggest island of all the designs)
- Kitchen dominates the space giving the room a set purpose
- Each area has it's own zone
- Space for radiator and set space for TV which can go in wall
- Good light throughout as no window compromised
Con:
- Small utility for maneuvering and storage or laundry sorting
- Prep area is limited to the island and small area around oven
- Sofa makes navigating the space slightly more awkward than others
- Tall fridge/freezer used to be able to fit everything in the space
- 2 larder style pantry units and 2 sets of drawers are available
Pro:
- Good communication between seating areas and outside
- Great book storage wall (but in dining area?)
- Good access to outside when entertaining
- Bigger usable utility area for hiding clutter and housing larger utility items, laundry area with work-space and the freezer.
- Good access from bin's to either front or back door to take out
- Under cupboard fridge as requested. Triangle with oven and sink
- 2 cupboards, 1 set of drawers in kitchen and one pantry unit free
Con:
- Feels like kitchen is in your face on entering
- Storage may not work well for toys and other daily items
- Dining flow considering usage could be better
- Loose one window altogether from the space and one is compromised
Our Preferred Layout
Pro:
- Largest kitchen of all the designs with a great size (light) utility room
- Neither sink nor hob are on the island
- Sink overlooks garden and the hob has an extractor (well placed)
- TV is in a good position for all seating (depending on usage)
- Good play/sitting area with good floor space and communication to all other areas including outside and the kitchen (to watch children).
- Good wow factor view on entering (welcoming and relaxed layout)
- Dining table well placed for light and for the times and amount used
- Utility holds large items, has work space, storage and washer/dryer
- 3 base cupboards, 3 drawer units, 4 wall units and 2 larder units free
Con:
- No actual island
- 1 window is lost in the room (into the utility)
- Additional storage is limited but dependent on furniture used.