Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Feb 23, 2010 8:45 pm Hi all I have what I guess is a pretty basic question. We are building a new house on the Gold Coast. On the block we've purchased, we have some views from the front towards the mountains, as such we've designed the home to have the living, dining and kitchen at the front of the house to make the most of them. The entry of the house opens up to a foyer, where you walk in and then into an open plan living / kitchen / dining, with bedrooms and rumpus rooms towards the back. A few people have commented that it's strange to walk in from the front door and see the kitchen, to the point where they think it will cause problems when we come to sell it, as people apparently dont like that. What does everyone think? If it helps i'll post a pic of the floor plan. Thanks Paul Re: Kitchen position in new house 2Feb 23, 2010 8:53 pm Don't suppose you have a scanned copy of said plans? ---------------------------------------- Building the PD Lisbon 24 http://www.porterdavis.com.au/#homeviewer/lisbon/24 Blog of our progress. http://lisbon24.blogspot.com/ Homeone build thread https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=28665 Re: Kitchen position in new house 4Feb 23, 2010 8:55 pm There is a fengshui thing saying "not to see your stove through the front door" - meaning it's not good to see straight into your kitchen if you open the front door. All you need is a clever foyer to block the view of the kitchen if you can. I personally like the idea of kitchen close to the entry. Re: Kitchen position in new house 6Feb 23, 2010 9:15 pm What are you planning to put between the stairs and the kitchen? I would probably add a bank of wall cupboards next to the stairs for the kitchen for more storage and just hang some really nice artworks on the side where the stairs are. BTW - really like the layout. Re: Kitchen position in new house 7Feb 23, 2010 9:18 pm Thanks Jas, good suggestions re: the cupboards, and yeah we definitely planned to put some artwork or other features there, apart from that I hadn't given it to much more thought just yet. Just trying to get the layout down pat and work on the littler things from there. Re: Kitchen position in new house 8Feb 23, 2010 9:36 pm Maybe reverse the kitchen and pantry? I don't think it's a big problem to see the kitchen in your circumstances,. Although usually the kitchen would be further back in the house you want to take advantage of the views so I don't think the kitchen would look wrong or out of place. But it's probably better to not give it too much prominence, not make it too in your face as soon as you come in the door. The style and colours could also make a difference. Re: Kitchen position in new house 9Feb 23, 2010 9:42 pm I dont think the kitchen would look out of place in that floor plan but agree, swapping pantry and kitchen is one way around it - gives the kitchen a chance to have a window too which I think is always good. Re: Kitchen position in new house 10Feb 23, 2010 9:44 pm I think it's a great plan and I love the veranda off the front dining room. Have you considered direct access from your garage into your foyer. I also think different is great. There is a good reason to do your plan this way. I wouldn't be put off by those who expect the more conventional. In the US they do Great Rooms and this is what it reminds me of. Enjoy your planning. Handover February 2011 Happy with our home Re: Kitchen position in new house 11Feb 23, 2010 9:58 pm I agree it's different to what you normally see but that's a refreshing change. Also it's not like if a stranger, say a door to door sales man came to your door and was just at your front door they could see in IYKWIM as you have that designated "foyer" area. I also agree with however suggested the door from garage into foyer ____________________________ Bec ____________________________ Building our Balinese Resort Inspired Dream Home Blog ~ http://hagarshouse.blogspot.com/ Re: Kitchen position in new house 12Feb 23, 2010 10:16 pm Thanks for the replies everyone, I feel much better now, I personally didnt really have a problem with the layout but thought i'd seek some other opinions. I will have a think about swapping the pantry around, at the moment the plan as it stands has a nice open feel, moving the pantry will define the rooms a bit more and may take away some of the open-ness, from the quick extremely ameteurish sketch I did anyway . We definitely intend on having internal access from the garage but just isnt shown on the plan for some reason. Appreciate any other feedback or suggestions!! Love your avatar Helyn, go Crows!! Re: Kitchen position in new house 13Feb 23, 2010 11:55 pm We have the same sort of idea going on. Our 'front' entrance opens into the living room and kitchen area, which was designed to make the most of the views over the park. It might be unconventional but that also makes it unique. If it suits, then go for it... Re: Kitchen position in new house 14Feb 24, 2010 9:00 am Thanks gurlistar, I had a quick look at the first page or so of your build thread, we sure seem to share alot of similar ideas! We also had problems finding a decent builder who was open to our ideas and could accommodate the uniqueness of our block without charging us an absolute fortune. Look forward to seeing your finished product Re: Kitchen position in new house 15Feb 24, 2010 10:14 am That's great Paul! We still get confused looks when we try to describe it. A lot of people have problems visualising something that is different to the norm. But when they see it they understand why we've done it. I love your plan. Have you considered extending the verandah to run along the family room? You could add sliding / stacking doors there too which would really open up the area and take advantage of your views, encouraging that 'indoor-outdoor' living. Looking forward to seeing your place evolve! Assuming the structure of your cabinetry is good then I would DIY everything as follows: - replace your counter tops entirely, - replace all drawer runners with soft close… 1 4784 Yes well there solution is to blame everyone else while I a 65yr old woman with major medical problems have to just continue to boil water and wash myself in a bucket… 2 16019 If you make sure all taps inside and out are turned off, what does the water meter show if you leave it for a while. 2 20235 |