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Need help on first floor layout

8 years ago

I am putting on a second story addition on an older house. I'm struggling with the layout of the first floor, specifically where the dining area should go. The kitchen will have an island with 3-4 stools.

Attached is the first floor plan. My struggle is should the dining area go to the right of the front door or should the dining be more by the kitchen.

I would welcome any advice. Thanks.

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Comments (5)

cpartist
8 years ago
That's a far walk to put the dining room by the front door. Question? Do you do a lot of entertaining? How large is the kitchen now? Any chance you could just have kitchen/dining together or do you do a lot of formal entertaining. I know when I thought about my lifestyle, a formal dining room would have been a waste of space that could be better used for other purposes.
Lavender Lass
8 years ago
I agree with Cpart. How do you use your living spaces? If you don't
need a large formal living room, maybe a smaller area with combined
dining space...and a den?

For the dining space, you could 'float' the table in the center of that area or have a banquette (or corner banquette) and have it tucked into the area next to the fireplace. Lots of options :)
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Kit Kat
Original Author
8 years ago
The kitchen is 13.5' x 15.5', so to have a table in the actual kitchen space would be difficult. The foundation of this house is what it is, so that's how I ended up with rooms like this.

I wouldn't say I do a lot of entertaining. My lifestyle is probably using the dining room a few times a year and mainly eating in the living room (in front of TV) or at the kitchen island. We don't have kids.

Also, this is probably not my forever house, so I want to keep resale in mind on the layout. I don't want to make a a fundamental mistake that might turn people off. The next person buying this house probably will have kids because of the neighborhood.
Lavender Lass
8 years ago
I like French doors and would probably enjoy having the option of den or formal dining room (even though it's a bit far from the kitchen). It is close to the sunroom and would make a nice holiday space.

As for the kitchen area...I'd definitely have an island with seating, especially with the location of your slider.

For now, if you don't use a table, don't worry about it. I'm sure if someone moves into the house (with kids) they'll either add a table to the living room or in the other space. How you stage it though, might help with the sale :)
cpartist
8 years ago
I would do as LL suggested in her sketch. I think that would work best. Make the space next to the kitchen the dining area but keep the "den" area more generic so if when you move, your realtor suggests moving it to the den, it will be an easy switch for resale. However I think if you keep the spaces fluid and open, having the table next to the kitchen is a better option. I know I would prefer it.

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