ᐅ Layout division: open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area
Created on: 27 Jul 2017 09:59
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Bertram100
Hello dear forum members,
I have purchased an apartment from a developer. The basic floor plan is already fixed, meaning the exterior layout is set. Only after some time did I realize that the proposed floor plan is difficult to furnish. It is an open-plan space with kitchen, living, and dining areas measuring about 600 x 600 cm (236 x 236 inches). I am attaching a plan. This is the sales plan. I will probably only receive a fully dimensioned plan by the end of August.
The apartment will be completed in the third quarter of 2018, so there is still time to make some adjustments. But how? I am tearing my hair out because I have been stuck focusing on the problems and unfortunately have no new ideas. I hope you can give me a helpful nudge in a different direction.
To furnish are:
- Kitchen for 1 to 2 people
- One dining table 150 x 80 cm (59 x 31 inches) with 4 chairs
- One two-seater sofa (160 cm long (63 inches))
- One lowboard (120 cm long (47 inches))
- One highboard (100 cm long (39 inches))
- One display cabinet (90 cm long (35 inches), 110 cm high (43 inches))
- One armchair for a reading corner
All furniture except the sofa is flexible and can, if necessary, be moved to the adjacent room. The kitchen and dining table are also essential.
Also fixed are the service shaft (the diagonal black-and-white square) and, in the worst case, the WC, though I still need to confirm that.
I hope someone can give me a fresh perspective. I already asked a question in the kitchen planning forum next door, but I think it was too early for me. I couldn’t really engage much. Now it’s different, and I’m hoping for the collective intelligence here.
I have purchased an apartment from a developer. The basic floor plan is already fixed, meaning the exterior layout is set. Only after some time did I realize that the proposed floor plan is difficult to furnish. It is an open-plan space with kitchen, living, and dining areas measuring about 600 x 600 cm (236 x 236 inches). I am attaching a plan. This is the sales plan. I will probably only receive a fully dimensioned plan by the end of August.
The apartment will be completed in the third quarter of 2018, so there is still time to make some adjustments. But how? I am tearing my hair out because I have been stuck focusing on the problems and unfortunately have no new ideas. I hope you can give me a helpful nudge in a different direction.
To furnish are:
- Kitchen for 1 to 2 people
- One dining table 150 x 80 cm (59 x 31 inches) with 4 chairs
- One two-seater sofa (160 cm long (63 inches))
- One lowboard (120 cm long (47 inches))
- One highboard (100 cm long (39 inches))
- One display cabinet (90 cm long (35 inches), 110 cm high (43 inches))
- One armchair for a reading corner
All furniture except the sofa is flexible and can, if necessary, be moved to the adjacent room. The kitchen and dining table are also essential.
Also fixed are the service shaft (the diagonal black-and-white square) and, in the worst case, the WC, though I still need to confirm that.
I hope someone can give me a fresh perspective. I already asked a question in the kitchen planning forum next door, but I think it was too early for me. I couldn’t really engage much. Now it’s different, and I’m hoping for the collective intelligence here.
B
Bertram1009 Aug 2017 11:06So, I already spent some time this morning "puzzling" and can share the following:
#40 with 3D images from Yvonne: the pictures really helped and reassured me. In my mind, I always imagined that you would have to squeeze between the island and the sofa to walk through the room. The architect’s sales plan shows only about 40cm (15.7 inches) of space there, but visually it looks fine to a layperson. Now I see that it doesn’t actually look as cramped as I had pictured it in my head. The room still keeps a "youthful" feel because everything is really open in one space. That’s how it is for students anyway.
[ I ]TV and wall:[/I]
I find a wall going up to the ceiling too dominant, especially since I don’t really need it. It’s mainly there for watching TV.
True TV enthusiasts who might live in this apartment later can use one of the other, less numerous walls and just move their sofa to the center of the room. That was also the architect’s plan. Conclusion: a large wall in the room is out, but a low partition to define the island is still on the table. It should be as low as possible though (maybe around 125cm (49 inches) high).
[ I ]“the L”:[/I]
I really like the L-shape, even though the foot of the L is quite short. The L makes the wall feel more homely (or kitchen-like) and takes away the kitchen focus from the central island. I will consider the L with practical kitchen dimensions and sketch it on paper. My estimate for the best option is a 3 x 60cm (24 inches) tall cabinet, 100cm (39 inches) countertop, and 180cm (71 inches) cooking and sink area (but it could be smaller).
[ I ]Sofa placement:[/I]
In #40, the sofa is roughly centered along the wall. I realize I prefer sitting “in the corner.” I live alone and don’t need to keep an eye on anyone. When I read on the sofa, I like to snuggle into the corner of it. So I would rather shift the sofa toward the top of the plan, even if it costs me a spot for a cabinet.
[ I ]Short wall by entrance at bottom of plan:[/I]
How deep should this short wall ideally be? The same depth as the furniture or with a few centimeters (inches) extra allowance?
[ I ]Storage planning:[/I]
I have already reduced a lot of stuff (made almost 400 Euros at a flea market). At first, I was still caught up in the luxury hype and wanted optimal storage space. That has changed because I realized I don’t want the kitchen to dominate the room. My sister has a family with three kids and a ceiling-high 60cm (24 inches) pantry cabinet plus two 50cm (20 inches) cabinets at 100cm (39 inches) height with drawers. Plenty of space for dishes and supplies. Pans and cutlery are stored under the stove. Her kitchen is roughly the same size as the one I have planned. So for me, as a single person, a smaller size definitely works. Stacking dishes is also quite manageable. Occasionally a reality check is really helpful. Also, I need to be much more budget-conscious now that I’ve decided to become a property investor. I will keep and rent out my current condo. Originally, I wanted to sell it and use the proceeds as equity for the new apartment.
That’s it for now. In short:
- no ceiling-high wall
- TV spot not important
- short wall remains
- continue to develop the L kitchen
- general relief that it somehow works in the space
Best regards. You will see progress here as I move forward.
Many thanks for all the input! You’re amazing! If I can find enough patience, I’ll also learn the computer program. I’m not very good with technology though…
#40 with 3D images from Yvonne: the pictures really helped and reassured me. In my mind, I always imagined that you would have to squeeze between the island and the sofa to walk through the room. The architect’s sales plan shows only about 40cm (15.7 inches) of space there, but visually it looks fine to a layperson. Now I see that it doesn’t actually look as cramped as I had pictured it in my head. The room still keeps a "youthful" feel because everything is really open in one space. That’s how it is for students anyway.
[ I ]TV and wall:[/I]
I find a wall going up to the ceiling too dominant, especially since I don’t really need it. It’s mainly there for watching TV.
True TV enthusiasts who might live in this apartment later can use one of the other, less numerous walls and just move their sofa to the center of the room. That was also the architect’s plan. Conclusion: a large wall in the room is out, but a low partition to define the island is still on the table. It should be as low as possible though (maybe around 125cm (49 inches) high).
[ I ]“the L”:[/I]
I really like the L-shape, even though the foot of the L is quite short. The L makes the wall feel more homely (or kitchen-like) and takes away the kitchen focus from the central island. I will consider the L with practical kitchen dimensions and sketch it on paper. My estimate for the best option is a 3 x 60cm (24 inches) tall cabinet, 100cm (39 inches) countertop, and 180cm (71 inches) cooking and sink area (but it could be smaller).
[ I ]Sofa placement:[/I]
In #40, the sofa is roughly centered along the wall. I realize I prefer sitting “in the corner.” I live alone and don’t need to keep an eye on anyone. When I read on the sofa, I like to snuggle into the corner of it. So I would rather shift the sofa toward the top of the plan, even if it costs me a spot for a cabinet.
[ I ]Short wall by entrance at bottom of plan:[/I]
How deep should this short wall ideally be? The same depth as the furniture or with a few centimeters (inches) extra allowance?
[ I ]Storage planning:[/I]
I have already reduced a lot of stuff (made almost 400 Euros at a flea market). At first, I was still caught up in the luxury hype and wanted optimal storage space. That has changed because I realized I don’t want the kitchen to dominate the room. My sister has a family with three kids and a ceiling-high 60cm (24 inches) pantry cabinet plus two 50cm (20 inches) cabinets at 100cm (39 inches) height with drawers. Plenty of space for dishes and supplies. Pans and cutlery are stored under the stove. Her kitchen is roughly the same size as the one I have planned. So for me, as a single person, a smaller size definitely works. Stacking dishes is also quite manageable. Occasionally a reality check is really helpful. Also, I need to be much more budget-conscious now that I’ve decided to become a property investor. I will keep and rent out my current condo. Originally, I wanted to sell it and use the proceeds as equity for the new apartment.
That’s it for now. In short:
- no ceiling-high wall
- TV spot not important
- short wall remains
- continue to develop the L kitchen
- general relief that it somehow works in the space
Best regards. You will see progress here as I move forward.
Many thanks for all the input! You’re amazing! If I can find enough patience, I’ll also learn the computer program. I’m not very good with technology though…
B
Bertram1009 Aug 2017 11:40So, I just had a serious meltdown with homebyme. After an hour of tinkering, I have zero results; not a single wall appeared. The uploaded floor plan didn’t show up either. Now I guess I’ll stick to paper and pencil. Grrr
Paper and pencil are perfectly fine. I use them too – but when it comes to details, you sometimes need precise numbers. My sketches with a soft Ikea pencil often offer fewer possibilities than working with software that can measure to the nearest 10cm (4 inches).
Regarding the short wall: it should be at least as deep as a sideboard or, in a hallway, the depth a wall-to-wall console would need to store shoes and scarves.
About my floor-to-ceiling wall: the main purpose when drawing it wasn’t really for a TV, but rather to store small everyday items that always accumulate in the kitchen, but that you don’t want to have right in sight from the sofa or resting area. Examples of such small items are phones, knives, small appliances, medications, fruit, notes, pens… basically all those things you want to keep centrally, even if you have other storage options. This kind of wall provides space for narrow shelves.
It also gives structure to an open-plan space like this one. The energy can settle in the kitchen area, and opposite a stove, it offers Feng Shui protection by acting as a barrier behind the cook’s back.
In general, the furnishings in a room should be balanced in height. If everything is only at table height (around 50cm to 90cm (20 to 35 inches)), the upper part of the room can feel very bare and therefore uncomfortable. I had previously painted the sofa wall, but then thought it might be too much color for you (man).
Best regards, Yvonne
Regarding the short wall: it should be at least as deep as a sideboard or, in a hallway, the depth a wall-to-wall console would need to store shoes and scarves.
About my floor-to-ceiling wall: the main purpose when drawing it wasn’t really for a TV, but rather to store small everyday items that always accumulate in the kitchen, but that you don’t want to have right in sight from the sofa or resting area. Examples of such small items are phones, knives, small appliances, medications, fruit, notes, pens… basically all those things you want to keep centrally, even if you have other storage options. This kind of wall provides space for narrow shelves.
It also gives structure to an open-plan space like this one. The energy can settle in the kitchen area, and opposite a stove, it offers Feng Shui protection by acting as a barrier behind the cook’s back.
In general, the furnishings in a room should be balanced in height. If everything is only at table height (around 50cm to 90cm (20 to 35 inches)), the upper part of the room can feel very bare and therefore uncomfortable. I had previously painted the sofa wall, but then thought it might be too much color for you (man).
Best regards, Yvonne
B
Bertram1009 Aug 2017 12:31Color is always welcome. But I’m also a woman (sorry for the confusion caused by a masculine username).
I really like the idea of using a structure! That’s why I originally suggested a low wall. Your idea of the wall seems quite central and solid. As you explain it now, I can understand the concept.
I also think Feng Shui is a sensible approach. I’m not familiar with the details, but I definitely don’t find it unreasonable to pay attention to energy flows.
Do you know what might also become a problem with a wall (no matter how it’s designed) on the back side of the island? I’m afraid the whole construction could extend too far into the room toward the center. My own designs looked better to me the narrower the island was. Here in the forum, at the very start of my planning, we set the island at 100 cm (40 inches) wide, which would result in a total kitchen width of at least 250 cm (100 inches) (60 cm (24 inches) countertop run, 90 cm (36 inches) walkway between the countertop and island, and 100 cm (40 inches) island). That would be half the room, and I find that borderline. I prefer an 80 cm (32 inches) wide island. But if there’s also a wall with narrow shelves, that would make the area even wider, right? Or does a wall like that cancel out the illusion of a spacious kitchen because it doesn’t look kitchen-like? Hmm.
At the moment, I’m leaning towards placing the kitchen on the left side (no neighbor’s view onto the sofa and no extended utility lines) with a narrow island and a half-height wall (which could possibly be fitted with some decorations or inward-facing shelves). Basically using the back side of the island as a base for recessed shelves that have their back panel integrated into the island and end at the wall. (I’m afraid no one will understand that, but I can’t describe it any other way right now. I’m still looking for a photo).
I really like the idea of using a structure! That’s why I originally suggested a low wall. Your idea of the wall seems quite central and solid. As you explain it now, I can understand the concept.
I also think Feng Shui is a sensible approach. I’m not familiar with the details, but I definitely don’t find it unreasonable to pay attention to energy flows.
Do you know what might also become a problem with a wall (no matter how it’s designed) on the back side of the island? I’m afraid the whole construction could extend too far into the room toward the center. My own designs looked better to me the narrower the island was. Here in the forum, at the very start of my planning, we set the island at 100 cm (40 inches) wide, which would result in a total kitchen width of at least 250 cm (100 inches) (60 cm (24 inches) countertop run, 90 cm (36 inches) walkway between the countertop and island, and 100 cm (40 inches) island). That would be half the room, and I find that borderline. I prefer an 80 cm (32 inches) wide island. But if there’s also a wall with narrow shelves, that would make the area even wider, right? Or does a wall like that cancel out the illusion of a spacious kitchen because it doesn’t look kitchen-like? Hmm.
At the moment, I’m leaning towards placing the kitchen on the left side (no neighbor’s view onto the sofa and no extended utility lines) with a narrow island and a half-height wall (which could possibly be fitted with some decorations or inward-facing shelves). Basically using the back side of the island as a base for recessed shelves that have their back panel integrated into the island and end at the wall. (I’m afraid no one will understand that, but I can’t describe it any other way right now. I’m still looking for a photo).
You mean the side of the wall where the countertop is located? Like in my case?
And you mean: the kitchen on the right side of the plan?
I don’t think that would make much difference in the design, so it would also work if you prefer it that way with the sofa.
By the way, my drawing is based on a 90 cm (35 inches) island, but I would probably go more for 80 cm (31 inches). That’s more than enough. Before starting the drawing yesterday, I was thinking about a 1 meter by 1 meter (3.3 feet by 3.3 feet) island, but that doesn’t match the proportions at all.
Cheers, Yvonne
And you mean: the kitchen on the right side of the plan?
I don’t think that would make much difference in the design, so it would also work if you prefer it that way with the sofa.
By the way, my drawing is based on a 90 cm (35 inches) island, but I would probably go more for 80 cm (31 inches). That’s more than enough. Before starting the drawing yesterday, I was thinking about a 1 meter by 1 meter (3.3 feet by 3.3 feet) island, but that doesn’t match the proportions at all.
Cheers, Yvonne
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Bertram1009 Aug 2017 22:15Similar topics