24/10/2023 10:47
Steve and Rachael and Mark and Donna were deeply involved in this question, but "seeing" their homes visualised allowed them to "try on" various options, learning how they fit and whether they aligned with their vision of their current living space. Both couples were able to make the ultimate decision by experimenting with different approaches and potential outcomes, regardless of the path they ultimately choose to follow.
Steve and Rachael, "Love it"
Steve and Rachael had lived in their current home for quite a while and were in ongoing discussions about whether they should start a makeover or embark on the adventure of finding a new place. Their neighbours had expanded their homes with extensions, and they were toying with the idea of doing the same to add more space to their house. However, their neighbours all had growing families, Steve and Rachael were a household of just two.
During a Zoom conversation, it became evident their main concern wasn't solely about creating more space, but about making the most of the existing space. They had a strong attachment to the area, given its convenience for work and the overall appeal of their current house. So, they decided to shift their focus from moving to a more heartfelt endeavour of improving the existing space.
Before photos
Can you significantly improve your living space
without the need for additional square footage?
Original kitchen at back of house,
window onto garden
Living room at front of house,
sharing space with hall and staircase
Rear of living room showing
garden doors in kitchen
The original layout of Rachel and Steve's house presented a unique set of challenges. The front living room was relatively confined, sharing its space with the staircase. In contrast, the kitchen and dining area were tucked away at the rear of the house, featuring sliding doors that opened onto a lovely garden. Keen gardeners, the couple loved their outdoor space and sought to better integrate it with their interior living areas.
New configuration
Enhance your space by reconfiguring your layout
More open and functional layout,
creating a central hub for daily living
Kitchen relocated to the front, more
flexible, open and welcoming
Transformed living area has garden views,
privacy, shielded from street views
Space for additional seating,
harmonious and adaptable
The answer to this project was "yes"! By relocating the kitchen to the front enhanced the kitchen functionality. The new living area at the back of the house, provided more privacy, additional seating space, and a view of the garden. The couple loved the transformation, as the changes created a more amicable and efficient living space. The redesign had truly achieved their goal of opening up their home and making it a warm, welcoming, and adaptable space that perfectly suited their needs.
Mark and Donna, "List it"
Mark and Donna found themselves at a pivotal crossroads after living in their 1970s semi-detached home for over 25 years. They had lovingly raised their two children in that house, but with both kids about to embark on their university journeys, the family was faced with a significant decision. Should they stay, perhaps reconfiguring the space to better suit their needs, or seize the opportunity to move on and start fresh?
Their current home had served them well, but it had become evident that they had outgrown it. The kids were no longer little and the house was bursting at the seams with accumulated memories and possessions of a quarter-century. Mark, a passionate DIY enthusiast, had spent years transforming their house and garden into a high-standard, beautiful living space. He was eager to continue this creative journey and further develop their home.
Before photos
Can you significantly improve your living space
without the need for additional square footage?
3m extension working
from home at one end
Dining area at the other
end of 3m extension
Original kitchen squeezed
in at the back
Folding doors separate
extension from original house
View from extension
to main living area
Front of house, living
area with fireplace
New configuration 1
Option 1 : Enhance your space by reconfiguring your layout
3m extension as new site for kitchen
/dining, more space and light
Dining area at end of extension,
complete with wood battens
WFH area sited in middle, new decor,
contemporary furniture
Fireplace chimney removed, more space
for additional seating, TV wall oak battens
The answer to his project was "maybe"! Discussing the option of renovating the property instead of starting fresh in a new home, I could see this sparked a sense of excitement. They were caught between the classic dilemma of making the most of the familiar or embarking on a new adventure.
But the couple were eager to explore my creative ideas first, which included a new reversed layout for the whole floor, placing the kitchen in the 3m extension for a bright, more inviting space. The middle zone was transformed into a functional FH workspace. I also introduced a vibrant colour scheme infusing the entire area with fresh energy.
New configuration 2
Option 2: Enhance your space by reconfiguring your layout
Kitchen moved to the middle of the space
allows room for an island
Central space for large storage and dark walnut
kitchen complements living room
3m extension sites dining area with
small sofa and TV wall opposite
Large storage balances out TV wall with oak battens
The answer to his project was eventually "no"! While the couple was open to exploring creative ideas, their primary goal was to achieve a larger kitchen. Despite considering various alternatives, the reality was that even with a 3-meter extension, there was insufficient space to create the spacious, open-plan kitchen they desired, complete with room for a sofa. In essence, the takeaway from this story is that, in order to attain all their desired features - open-plan living, dining, and a comfortable kitchen with seating - they would ultimately need to consider moving to a new home with more space.
Mark and Donna now have a clearer vision of the exciting possibilities ahead, whether they decided to stay or venture into a new chapter of their lives.
The main difference in these two stories, boils down to the results: if reconfiguring your existing space fulfills all your needs and wishes, it can be a budget-friendly and convenient solution. However, if the reconfiguration doesn't quite give you the space you desire, the next step might involve considering a move to a new home that better matches your requirements. In this scenario, moving becomes a practical choice to attain the living space and amenities you truly want.
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