Where to put utilities when kitchen is small?

Snuggles

Sounds very similar to our kitchen. Space only for a washing machine and even if we ripped the kitchen out and got a new one there would be no possibility of finding space for a dishwasher (or tumble drier), as we already struggle with the available storage.

I hate doing the dishes and if we were planning to stay here long term I think we would seriously consider getting rid of the downstairs toilet so we could put the washing machine in there and have a dishwasher in the kitchen.

As for a tumble drier, I haven't used one for at least ten years, and don't think I would bother even if I had the space. Laundry is either dried outside or on clothes horses with a dehumidifier running.

makeyourdaddyproud

Could one stack a machine on top of another using a special carcass?

Unless an "extra" 600mm space was available next to a currently used water utility, the fixture upheaval and plumbing would be a real challenge.

There are slimline versions of dishwashers (300mm?) available that can mitigate on the extra space needed...

SailorSam

Loopy28 wrote: »

I agree re the dishwasher and most of those who don't see the need tend to be men!! :-D

Quite right to. Being next to the kitchen sink is a womans job.

Bella73

We had this in our last house so we had a washing machine in the kitchen and the tumble drier in the spare room upstairs, we did without the dishwasher but to be fair it was our first purchase in our present home.

Yes I do hang washing outside but working full time with the beautiful British weather it is often soaked by the time I get in so use the tumble.

Personally I would probably take out the downstairs toilet or as you suggested lose a cupboard in kitchen for a dishwasher and stick the tumble drier upstairs, we managed for 8 years with the tumble upstairs with no problem at all.

Old_Git

is there a cupboard under the stairs .

kataklysm

Another with this dilemma. We have a very effective washer-dryer, but nowhere to put a dishwasher. It's not ideal, but would I remove a valuable cloakroom to accommodate a dishwasher, or run plumbing into a bedroom? I don't think so.

Rather than devalue their home, why not look into adding value by redesigning the kitchen with some clever storage and accommodate a dishwasher somewhere? For instance, we have a traditional 'U' shaped layout with the hob over the oven, sink and w/m under the window and fridge to the left. If I were to do it over, I'd put the oven somewhere else, and a dishwasher where the oven is. Perhaps I'd even 'extend' the kitchen units out into the hallway and accommodate some extra appliances there.

My best advice would be to not rush into an expensive decision, but to live with the house for a good while, look at what others have done to cleverly incorporate 'laundry nooks' etc on sites like Pinterest, and talk to a variety of suppliers to see what they can do with the space. Don't confine your ideas of what a 'kitchen' or 'hallway' should be. Think about the functionality you need, the space you have, and how to make that work for your style. So much space is wasted in small homes because we think a hallway should be such and such, a lounge just a sofa and a coffee table.. etc. In my opinion, the usual DIY store kitchens are not terribly flexible, and with the benefit of hindsight, if I were to do it all again, I'd be a lot more adventurous.

freeisgood

Sorry haven't read whole thread but you can get fantastic small counter top dishwashers, and along with the before mentioned combo washer/tumbler, it would work.
If that loses a lot of precious counter space, combine with an over sink chopping board to create some extra workable surface.

Old_Git

or how about a laundrette ,like eastenders .No one there has a washing machine .

skint_chick

We have a 6foot by 11foot kitchen and have space for a dishwasher - and a washing machine and fridge freezer - maybe one of the units to can be removed for a dishwasher? This could be done fairly easily next to the sink and extending the plumbing would be fairly straightforward. Washer dryer rather than separate tumble dryer - and hang clothes out in good weather. Check out kitchen layouts in the street and talk to neighbours about what they've done

robatwork

bouicca21 wrote: »

I'd hate a laundry room upstairs and suspect it would affect saleability. Would it be possible to move the kitchen into the lounge diner and turn the existing kitchen into a utility room?

What do you perceive the problems are of doing washing upstairs?