Side return layout ideas for family life

[nixter42]

Hi there,

I'm wondering if I can get any tips from people who may have extended into their side return of terraced house and how they have configured the kitchen, living area layout?

For example, have you got the dining table in the second/back reception room? Or do you have in the kitchen? Or does the back reception work better as a kids area?

The kitchen/side return area will be approx 22.8" x 15.2"s it more livable to have a wider opening from he back reception room into open plan area or just use the original French doors.

Any great tips, hindsight knowledge or things we should think about would be gratefully received!

[LondonMix]

We have the set up you describe. Wider opening into the second reception room from the extended kitchen. The dining table is in the second reception room but is visible and right off the kitchen. We have a sliding pocket door that can open or close off the two spaces as we want. In the kitchen extension we have the kitchen with island seating near the dining room and then a family room with sofa and chairs at the garden end of the room.

Its worked well for us as our garden is South facing and we can open up the space to the garden almost 9 months of the year. Its where everyone hangs out when we have loads of people are over and its the heart of family life.

The front reception room is where we have our telly and ends up as more private adult space. That front reception room can be opened to the dining space by opening the large double doors that separate the lounge from the dining room. The doors fold back against the wall so it feels really open when we do that. However, when we want more privacy or light a fire, we close them up and its very cozy!

I'm sure others will be on here with their own layouts and ideas. Good luck figuring out what works for your family!

A play room is also a popular option for the middle room. It just depends on your lifestyle and how much space you have.