{it's beautiful here}

Progress with the house has been pretty slow but I have had an architect round to discuss the future plans and subsequently a structural engineer.  In summary, I am able to knock down the wall on the basement level between the current kitchen and dining room to make a massive open plan living space.  I'm awfully exciting about this and hope to get started on the works sometime over the next couple of years.

A reminder of the basement level floor plan

The plan is to knock down the wall between the kitchen and family room (as labelled above - the family room is our formal dining room currently), install french doors out onto the garden from the bay window in the family room, move the kitchen to the back of the house over looking the garden, have a formal dining space at the front of the house, sofa / chairs in the area where the wall would have been and in the L-shaped section will be a pantry and office station / snug - created a floor plan so its easier to understand!

Plan for the new layout

I have a rough idea of how I want the space to be - probably white walls with a white gloss kitchen and chunky white composite worktop.  I really like grey kitchen units too so would possibly consider having grey cupboards on the kitchen island to break it up a bit.  The floor will be tiled (I think in a pale grey) with underfloor heating (with the exception of in the pantry).  Here are a few images I have collected all from housetohome.

Kitchen island - www.housetohome.co.uk

I will be discussing the layout with the architect but I love the idea of having the hob on the kitchen island - it's so much more social than having your back to any guests / family as you cook facing the wall.  Also means when I am alone I can be watching tv!  I like the idea of seating on one side of the kitchen island, I also love all these low hanging quirky lights.

Two tone - www.housetohome.co.uk

I like the idea of having two different colours of kitchen units, whether I would go for it (fear of them dating) or not time will tell.  All white gloss is safe and timeless.  I like the ovens / microwaves installed in the full wall of units.

Open plan living - www.housetohome.co.uk

Kitchen area next to seating area.

All white - www.housetohome.co.uk

White and crisp with seating on one side of the kitchen island.

Distressed - www.housetohome.co.uk

The photo above is something I love but would never be brave enough to choose!  I love the distressed table and shabby chic looking units - again all white.

Dream kitchen - www.housetohome.co.uk

I would love a glass window wall at the end of our room but due to the bay windows and the structure of the house it just isn't possible without extending and I really don't need any more floor space!  I love this kitchen with the sink on the left against the wall and the hob on the island, minus the black units and not so keen on the handles this is quite close to the sort of thing I would like.

I'll leave you with an image I found which I love and is a phrase which fits how I want my home to be - it's beautiful here....

www.housetohome.co.uk