I think you need to live in the house for a while to see what does and does not work

Are you combining the two?

If you want people to comment on whether to go to an open plan, you are going to have to post a floor plan (with measurements) so we can see how the kitchen relates to the rest of the house and what you're working with.

Seems like a nice house

The laminate isn't hideous (though it might not be to your taste)

The staircase isn't ugly (ditto, though I'll add the wallpaper isn't to my taste either)

All fireplaces are pretty much holes in the wall; the unadorned fire box seems to suit the space and your industial-ish aesthetic (based on you wanting polished concrete and Crittall windows/doors)

Are you renovating this for yourself or as a flip? That makes a big difference in your choices. With all of the brick (which I like), I think a wood floor will look better than concrete, which is such a hard, cold surface. I'd keep the pine doors but paint all the trim and moldings white.

@calidesign I'm going to rent out one of them to cover my mortgage the other I will be living in [it will be our family home]. Ok so you would go for a wood floor and paint all trims + doors white

@houssaon No, they are both 220m2 in size [5 beds] - I'm going to rent one and live in the other

@cawaps thanks for your comment - I will get the Floor Plan and add it [great idea]

Jess

this looks loke sn interesring first home project for you. Are the properties historically significant? That would affect design decisions. Antique pine doors dont have to be painted but can add warmth to what could be a cold space visually and perhaps even temperature-wise. How much work will be hired out?

We need to scale floor palns ashowing all windows doorways where those doorways lead and I like a picture of each space you post a floor plan for. IMO you need an interior designer for sure , not a decorator but an actual designer. But if you want free help we need a lot more info.

If you are renting one out, I'm assuming you will rent the one already finished. Seems okay. Wouldn't put any money in it, just put it on the reveal market and then figure out what you really want for your home. I'm assuming this is the UK, it looks like a UK kitchen. Might be better to try the UK site to get better local recommendations But you can also post the floor plans here and we can help.

I agree on renting out the already finished one as is. A kitchen remodel is unlikely to pay for itself in increase rent, and as I said before, the laminate may be hideous to you but is likely to be perfectly acceptable to enough potential renters to not be a problem. And the faster you get income coming in on the property, the better off you'll be.

Can you draw all the space -- the entire floor plan you're considering leaving/changing -- as it now is (graph paper, to scale with measurements and showing all relevant doors and windows and features(fireplace) that need to stay in place) and post that.

You will also need to know what walls are weight bearing walls.

What she said; blueprints, measurements, more pictures, an on site designer, who’s doing the build. You are so brave to take this on but The place is beautiful and you have so many elements to work with! This is going to be amazing when you are done!

Thank you so much everyone - you are all amazing! I'm going to go off and get the plans and further info [load bearing walls etc] - I will return :-) BTW the houses are in Ireland [close to Co.Galway] - My husband is half a New Yorker so our style is definitely more US for kitchens, bathrooms etc.

Are the two side by side? Also .. curious about exterior style so could you also post exterior pics? Might also matter as pros consider keeping/deviating from outside style for the inside ... or not.

Please note which side is north, south, east, west -- sunny and shady and if the view is particularly good or bad.

I love it.. I knew it had to be in Europe. How exciting for you. What a great idea to have a place near Gallway. The golf is wonderful there, we love going to the west coast of Ireland. Lovely.. This will be a HUGE project buy you can do it.

I would not rush to paint the trim white. Can you hire a designer in Ireland? You want to be culturally accurate while still adding a bit of your American culture to your space. Are you trying to mix some mid mod into this space or Irish countryside? A designer can help you hone into the exact style and space and make this home a place you will love. Look forward to seeing your next post of structure and floor plan measurements.

My family is from county Cork. They left during the famine.

@Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design Cork is a lovely city, the small fishing village of Kinsale is incredibly beautiful - some great little restaurants and pubs

@suezbell Yeah for sure the Golf is great in Galway, so is the Traditional Music. I'm trying to keep the traditional Irish "shell" [Solid Stone exterior, exposed brick inside, the fireplace being the central point in an Irish living room] but add a the spacious US feel to the Kitchen/Bathrooms [this are generally small and pokey in Irish Homes] .

@cawaps thank you for your grounded viewpoint. Very good points in terms of practicality. Short term rentals in Ireland are difficult to find and expensive due to the "staycation explosion" happening right now. Renovation funds are relatively tight - so the sooner I can rent the finished house out the better

@nan-nan Hi, thanks for your input. All the renovation will be hired out. I have good contacts with builders and decorators so I can get a relatively good price on work. Historical significance - The houses were built only about 15years ago. The little village the houses are built in translated from Irish means "Rocky Hill" so a lot of Stone! It basically has 1 pub and that's it :-) But the "big town" is 5km away. And Galway city is 30mins.

Short term renters are hard in the property. I agree with others, rent it as is. Nice but not too expensive is the way to go for a rental (Ex. Laminate) as with the wear and tear you’ll have to replace it periodically anyhow. Go for furniture and rugs that looks nice but isn’t too precious and is stain resistant as you’ll be cleaning and/or replacing that periodically too. And look at the rental listings in your area - people want an experience of your area. If you pay to make it modern and concrete it might be harder to rent not easier.

Oooh, great photos of the village and setting. My family is in the UK, and I haven't been able to get across the pond because of COVID. :( This looks like a very exciting project for you. For sure, do all you can to take advantage of your water views. Do you have furniture already in mind? I found it really helpful when we took down a wall and moved our kitchen to have scaled paper cut outs of the furniture and cabinets. It made it a lot easier to move things around and visualize the space. I didn't have anything computerized, either. It was graph paper and hand drawings!

That travesty of wallpaper has to go! It's too cool for the space. Do you like the antique pine doors? I do, and they add a nice visual warmth. The UK can be a bit dreary, so you might consider warm tones for your different elements. As newer buildings, they should be more temperature controlled than my relatives' cold Victorian properties! (Fun memories of hot water bottles in icy bedrooms.)

@Mae’s Kreationz LLC Great idea re: The sketch! And YES I would LOVE any guidance/help/ideas anyone has. You are all seasoned renovators with bundles of experience; I'm a complete newbie.

@nan-nan Your wallpaper comment made me giggle - its hideous what were they thinking :-) I have no idea of furniture yet, but that's a great idea regarding the cut-outs. And yes its a bit chilly in Ireland especially in winter - we really want to make the fire a centre piece

Sorry about that Jess I wasn’t really clear when I was asking about doing a hand sketch. I really only wanted two rectangles one being the kitchen and the other the great room and the measurements for them.

Here are some more of the same kitchen. You were asking about an open plan. This opens to the Great room but as you can see it can also be closed off.

Here are some pictures of a kitchen that you may like as an inspiration for yours.

It depends on your style. I like the separate rooms where you get some privacy but someone else will loves open floor plans. Id suggest leave it the way it was built.

Just wondering if you are still with us.

It would be so wonderful to rent from you when your house is ready. If you ever wish to reach me in the future my email address is callmaeday@msn.com. I might know some other folks who would like to rent your beautiful house.

Best Wishes,

Marcie

Here are some suggestions for your consideration.

Hello Jess,

I am not sure if you are still checking this site but I thought I would pass along this info just in case you are.

In the rendition you will see the following:

Floor: charcoal gray/black polished cement flooring in the great room and kitchen.

Suggestions for warmth:

1. A radiant floor heating system for your concrete floors.

Here is a link to one vender. I am certain that there are many more out there. These folks have a product that can be used for a concrete floor. From the research that I have done the best choice is the electric version over the hydro version.

Link: https://www.warmlyyours.com/en-US

2. Fireplace insert with a blower. PLEASE BE SURE TO SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THEIR PAGE. Link: https://www.regency-fire.com/en/Buyer-s-Guide/Guides/Be-storm-ready

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Wood-Burning-Fireplace-Insert-Blower/s?k=Wood+Burning+Fireplace+Insert+with+Blower

Here is a picture of ours:

3. Cieling Fans with lights to pull the heat down from the vaulted cieling. Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HHFPLD6/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=66fa6fc7ee3a7011302469565d81a5e5&hsa_cr_id=1206090760101&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=75cfd4af-a2f8-475b-bbaa-fc7855035291&pd_rd_w=VW6DS&pd_rd_wg=rAMR4&ref=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_2_title

Entry Floor: Black slate. In keeping with you comment regarding liking natural elements. I agree that they are the best!

Kitchen back wall: stone. The stone in my kitchen (as seen in the photos) helps to keep my kitchen warmer and I really enjoy the way it looks.

Stairs: Open footing with a metal railing. Similar to those seen in your idea book.

Windows/Doors: Crittall window/Doors in black as you first suggested in your initial post. They are my favorite as well.

Guest Bathroom (1/2 bath) added near main entrance that is easier for guests to get to from the greatroom.

Furniture: This company originates in France. https://www.meubles-xxl-montelimar.com

some of their stores: https://www.xxl.fr/contacts/nos-magasins

Best Wishes to you Jess,

Marcie

@nan-nan sure wish you were in the UK and you and Jess could connect in person. You would be such great help.

Hope all is well with you Jess. We wish you the best of luck in your remodel.

Slan agat

@Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design You are the sweetest person, and have a great eye for design. THANK YOU SO MUCH [sincerely for the above] - its fantastic. I really appreciate your help. I have printed out your comment and renders [my goodness that was so nice of you] and I'm working through it. I would have never thought of a ceiling fan, to move the heat down! Actually I would never have thought of many of your suggestions!

When I finish the house [It will hopefully be close to November] you and your family are most welcome to come and rent it [Free of charge! As a thank you for your help].

My pleasure. So very kind indeed of you to offer a stay. Free of charge!! Wow, what a kind offer!
Thank you for getting back to me and letting me know that it helped. If I may ever offer my help again you can reach me at my email address: callmaeday@msn.com
I hope your journey through the remodel goes smoothly and to your liking. I would love to see pictures of the completed project if you are able.
Best wishes, Marcie

It’s unfortunate that there is some kind of commercial building and it’s parking area blocking the front of the right-side house. You may want to consider a fence or tall shrubbery to provide a better view from that house.
An open plan including the kitchen is fine unless you are a messy cook. Some people wash and put away the pots and pans right away, so they aren’t sitting in the sink or on the stove. I like my dining room to be separate from the kitchen so my messes aren’t visible.

My first concern would be comfort, so make sure the HVAC systems are top notch. Radiant heat flooring should also be a “necessity” in Ireland! Ceiling fans that can reverse will blow down warm air in the winter and cool the room in the summer with the opposite rotation. Those are critical. Having a fan that projects all fireplace warmth into the rooms that have them adds to comfort as well. Make sure the a/c system is adequate to accommodate the high ceilings (vent placement is critical here). What are the condition of the windows? Make sure heat won’t be escaping through them either.
Getting a local designer who can implement your vision will help. The pros here on Houzz are fabulous but nothing beats being the space IRL.
I’m looking forward to seeing your US decorating style in these two homes.
I admire your energy to take these two houses on.

1. @felizlady the commercial business is a local little pub that's been there about 100 years - locals frequent it and play traditional music on a Friday night. It honestly doesn't bother me. And it has the bonus of being within stumbling distance of the house if a glass of Guinness happens to call my name :-)
2. I hear you on the messy kitchen - very good point!

I just close the doors to the kitchen and the mess is gone! :-}

Can't see the dishes on the counter on the right next to the big sink.

Suggestion for when the power goes out.

You might want to install backup generators for both houses. It keeps our fridge going and some essential lights on. Just a thought for your consideration.

Jess,
Is there a chance you could add built in closets in the bedrooms.? That would be so nice for guests and for you. Especially for folks who are traveling from a far and bringing a bunch of clothing.

Saying good bye to you Jess. We wish you and yours the very best with your renovations. And, congratulations on your new houses. We wish you and yours many happy days and happy memories. This would be an amazing location for corporate events, weddings and the like. It is so very beautiful!!!

Best Wishes,

Marcie

MAE Day Designs

Hello Jess, I was thinking of you and hoping that Construction is going as planned. We would truly love to see the finished product. Best wishes, Marcie