I like the first one best: You can go from the kitchen to the patio area with food and don't have to walk through the living space. If you need to use part of the living space for an office you can put up a wall to section it off and it does not have to be as big as if you're putting a kitchen there.

I like galley kitchens but I would keep the door in the center of that wall if possible then the cabinets could run the whole length of the kitchen but in an aprtment that might not be possible.I think moving a kitchen in an apartment might not be possible because of plumbing runs for sure. Not sure what country you are in but in NA an apartment has a bunch of rules for renovating . I also think you would miss the access to the terrace with the 2nd choice.

thanks, small additional info... I live in the Netherlands.... we use the terrace maybe 3 weeks a year if we are lucky :D

@Patricia, yes what you say it's right...bunch of rules to follow, but we are and underneath our apartment there are empty rooms where the pipes could run...plumbing connection should not be a problem. Moving the door/window unfortunately is not possible...only convert the window to a door... At the moment the access to the terrace is via the living room...

In #1 would it be possible to add a 4 season room for more enjoyment - rather than the 3 weeks a year.

@shiripp, could you explain better? Sorry but I didn't get what you mean... where?

That would be great, but it is the terrace of an apartment.... not really possible to build anything there :(

Gabby, both designs have there merit. Ultimately, the decision should hinge on how you wish to use the space. If you cook frequently and enjoy being connected with family etc. while doing so, the second option works best. If, on the other hand, you are craving a large open living space and don’t mind the separation from the kitchen then the first option is a better fit. From your comments, access to the terrace isn’t a major concern. If you still desire access and the budget/code requirements permit, you could incorporate terrace access off the living area or reconfigure the office space to allow a door.

It looks like you have a decent sized space. Other considerations for the outside:

https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A2KIbNObwklcXNoAvERXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyb3Z1NzByBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDQjY2MzJfMQRzZWMDc2M-?p=new+york+rooftop+gardens&fr=yfp-t

Overall - you have to go with the design that's best for you and your family.......Best Wishes!

The first suggestion, with the door to the terrace is the better plan.
While you are remodeling, you MUST add a sink to the toilet closet. Any person using the toilet should have immediate access to soap and water in the same space. As currently shown, that person has to move to the tub room or to the kitchen in order to wash his/her hands, possibly contaminating the doorknob on both sides in leaving the toilet closet. Not acceptable.

Moving a bunch of plumbing and electrical in an apartment is a no go. That's where you start. Things don't move.

You need to be working within your building's limitations, and with a good designer and contractor who can create something out of the existing space. This is not even allowed to be DIY. There are many many restrictions in place.

@felizlady, sink is already there don't worry

@GreenDesigns why not? an architect suggested me solution 2, my girlfriend is a designer, my contractor said he can build it :D ...the question was solution 1 or 2 and why (given that both are possible) :D but thanks for your typing

The Building owns the infrastructure. You have to have their permission to have a Pro touch any of it. Many buildings only allow certain Pros to do work in them.

Plumbing stacks serve more than just your unit. They are not relocatable.

All pipes have a required slope to the drains, and you can't run a pipe all the way across the room. There are limitations on how long waste arms can be.

Apartment electricals are traditionally horrendously undersized and underserved. No one wants to pay for a service upgrade for the whole building just to do a kitchen upgrade.

You will not be allowed to do work from the apartment below, under your floor, as is usually needed when relocating plumbing and some electrical.

You are dealing woth with additional time restrictions, parking restrictions, and freight restrictions which instantly almost double the budget of any modest project. Yours is far from a modest project. Double the Cost vs Value average as a start. Then keep going up.

https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/middle-atlantic/new-york-ny/