Would you have opened this space up or kept it partly divided?
Mt Martha design + drafting
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (22)
Lyn Huppatz
4 years agoKate
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Garden blank canvas - what would you do with this space?
Comments (5)I totally agree with Fusion LD. There are so many opportunities with your great blank space, however you need to consider what you want to achieve from the garden. It looks quite detached from the house, so how do you draw people (you and your family, friends, etc) out into the garden? Will this space be your main outdoor entertaining / dining area? Do you have children or pets and need a more open activity area or can it be divided up into smaller spaces? It looks like it has really good northerly aspect, so do you want a vegetable garden / herb planters / fruit trees? If the second photo is the view from the main access to the garden, then that gives you a starting point for attracting people into the garden. A glimpse of a feature tree or ornament from this point could be all it takes to create that invitation. Use planting and the shape of a path to hide enough of the garden to create a sense of discovery. So many opportunities here for you! PS. I would move the hose to somewhere less conspicuous!...See MoreHow to divide an open plan living area?
Comments (6)Hi Innessa - that will entirely depend on how large your space is / the overall length and width of the current space., where north is, where any views are and where the big areas of glazing / doors / indoor / outdoor garden is!! We always try to prioritise indoor-outdoor flow and north light in an open plan living space and work backwards from there. Especially for Canberra's cold days, catching sunlight into the space is essential. Having said that, there are some minimum dimensions you need to work backwards from too - if the kitchen is at one end facing into the open plan space with dining/living, you need minim 1.6m-1.9m for a walk-in pantry tucked in behind the kitchen, about 2.5m width for a kitchen including island bench (more if you want a deeper island), and min 6m from the front of the island to the end wall for dining + living - more is preferable. How does that stack up with your existing space? Don't forget to post plans and a photo - and look through all the Pro images on Houzz for design ideas!! Good Luck....See MoreAssistance with creating a more open-plan living space
Comments (11)Have you considered taking away the cavity door beside the stairs and open a section of the wall opposite the stairs to create a 2 way open ended shelving with some down light for displaying purposes? A series of full height vertical blade screening beside the shelving can then help add visual depth in the living room and still define the living room. It will also help frame the tv cabinetry with the existing nib wall on the other side. You will have minimal issues with reducing structural integrity of a potential load bearing wall. The existing fireplace is too nice to remove or make alterations to as it nicely divides dining with the living room....See MoreShould we design our living room open-plan or partly open?
Comments (11)thank you all for your suggestions... meme - the front room currently doesn't get used for a few reasons a) it's only me in the house b)family room gets more sun and natural light c) family room looks out to the garden/courtyard which is a nicer view than the lounge which looks down the drive way (i'm back section of a duplex). I have contemplated the idea of moving dining room to family and using lounge as tv room but as it's just currently me it's nice to have the sun flowing in the family room whilst sitting on the couch and reading a book/watching tv (both rooms are deceptively small - i think wide angle camera used in the promo photos) oklouise - again I think the photo makes the rooms appear larger than they are - I have attached some more photos of the family room for you. I have considered moving the door way to the hall as it is in an awkward position for furniture layout (although I'm not sure the room would accommodate the furniture as you have placed it). Another thing that I should mention is that I'm planning to add a door way to the garage from the kitchen, as I currently walk to the sliding doors to gain entrance to the house. The door will be in the position you have the fridge or even next to it in the far corner - which would still work in your plan. Dr Retro House Calls - I think for me I do like the open plan living (no children yet.) I'm not sure the house would be big enough for a family with teenagers (the 3rd room is very small.) In terms of keeping kitchen tidy - no i'm a very messy cook but it's quickly cleaned up by putting most things in the dishwasher/sink (also I would hope my friends and family wouldn't judge me on the state of my kitchen - and if they did I wouldn't be bothered by it :)) I guess if it was for me then I would go ahead and open plan everything to let as much light in as possible, but also I do need to be aware of resale at some stage (but people are either going to like it or not no matter what you do) Kate - I hadn't thought of that idea - I guess making it smaller would turn it into a min theatre room or reading room? Siriuskey - Interesting suggestion - I'm not sure how the placement of furniture would work in the family room, but I think I need to get past my fear of placing furniture in the middle of a room....See MoreSuzanne GRUNBERG
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoMt Martha design + drafting thanked Suzanne GRUNBERGHelenscolour
4 years ago
Sponsored
siriuskey