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Design for the Weekend

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Redesigning a Classic Terraced House: Key Ideas and Insights.

Welcome to my latest project! Today, I’m tackling the redesign of a classic terraced house. These homes are often long and thin, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for improvement. This house has a few common issues that can be fixed without extending the structure. Let’s dive into the details.

Initial Observations

The house is about four meters wide with a combined living and dining area that stretches out in a long, narrow space. This layout can feel cramped and inefficient. Typically, modern homeowners prefer the kitchen to be the home’s social hub rather than a separate lounge and dining area. Additionally, the kitchen in this house is quite narrow, and there’s a utility room blocking access to the lovely south-facing garden.

Key Issues to Address

  1. Long, Thin Living Space: The current layout with a combined lounge and dining area feels too elongated and impractical.
  2. Narrow Kitchen: At just 2.7 meters wide, the kitchen doesn’t provide enough functional space.
  3. Utility Room Location: The utility room at the back of the house blocks access and views to the garden.
  4. Large Bathroom: The oversized bathroom reduces bedroom space, causing potential conflicts in family living.

Redesign Strategy

The first step is to move the utility room and add a downstairs toilet at the back of the kitchen. By relocating these functional spaces to a darker area that doesn’t need direct light, we free up the rear to open directly to the garden. This change enhances the flow and usability of the space.

To improve the entrance, I suggest moving the door so that entering the house provides a clear view through to the garden, making the space feel larger and more inviting. This adjustment also involves opening the ground floor by removing unnecessary walls and repositioning doors to create a more open and airy feel.

Kitchen and Living Area

In the kitchen, a run of units along one side, combined with a rounded dining table, can soften the space and make it more inviting. French doors leading to the garden will bring in ample light and allow easy outdoor access.

In the living area, creating a more proportionate room by moving doors and walls will make the space more functional. Incorporating a glazed screen can divide areas without blocking light, maintaining a sense of openness.

Upstairs Adjustments

Upstairs, the key change is to make the large bathroom more compact, allowing for two equally sized bedrooms. This adjustment is crucial for family living, ensuring that each room is functional and conflict-free.

Cost Considerations

Extending the house might seem attractive, but it comes with significant costs, around £70,000 plus VAT. For many, investing in internal modifications can offer a better return. The suggested changes can significantly improve the house’s flow and functionality without expensive extensions.

Conclusion

Redesigning this terraced house involves strategic changes that enhance its functionality and appeal. By relocating the utility room, reconfiguring the kitchen and living spaces, and optimising the upstairs layout, we can transform this home into a more inviting and practical space. These ideas are not only applicable to this house but can also inspire similar transformations in other terraced homes.

Thank you for following along with this redesign journey. I hope you found these insights helpful and inspiring for your own home projects!

Thanks, and have a good weekend.

All the best

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