Council House Kitchen Standard

Mmac19

Blue_bell_20 said:

I bought a hanging metal shelf unit that hangs on to a door, for food storage. It’s like four shelves/baskets. It was cheap to buy and has lasted quite a while. I also bought (gumtree) a leaf folding table years ago when space was an issue. It stayed folded in the livingroom except for dinner time. 

I still have both items years later and they are both still in use. In a different house now that has enough cupboards/space but the two items are great. Admittedly I no longer fold the table down anymore. 

I have looked at the drop leaf tables and folding chairs. Will check out the over door shelves now. Thank you for your help! 

Mmac19

carefullycautious said:

Is this a terraced house? Is there room outside to put a lean to type conservatory on. I used to live next door to a neighbour that did this to a) To enclose the outdoor toilet b) to provide space for washing machine and fridge and other household items that did not fit into the very small kitchen area.

 This was a council house back in the late 60s. The husband built it himself as it was before conservatories as we know them came onto the market.
Or when you have moved in try asking if they would do what the other neighbours have had done

Good luck in your new home

There would be space outside to extend onto the living room but unfortunately out of my budget and I don't have a handy husband to help! Great idea though. 

Thank you for your kind words.

rach_k

What kind of hob does the kitchen have?  I have seen hob covers that sit over the top to allow you to use the space as additional workspace, so that might be an option.  I don't know if they're suitable for all hobs.

I think you do adapt to whatever space you have.  I know when we get a bigger kitchen, I still always end up filling every available surface when I cook, so you might just have to adapt in the other direction.  As long as there is some worktop space for one chopping board and a bowl, I would think you could manage.

AdrianC

Mmac19 said:

AdrianC said:

Mmac19 said:
I'm just concerned that it isn't functional and there won't be enough space to prepare a meal.

Of course you can prepare a meal... You might need to be a bit more organised than if you had more space, but it will certainly be possible...

Do you have any photos, dimensions, maybe a floorplan?

I suspect Norman's right - the council offered extensions to all occupants, and the occupant of this one refused for whatever reason. Whether they'll be happy to do it now is another question entirely.

Hi, in my opinion there isn't not enough adequate space to prepare a meal for a family. Of course it is possible, but would be a struggle. 

The kitchen is 1.5 x 2.8m. There is an external door leading to the outbuilding on one of the longer walls, and a door leading to the hall on the other long wall. So not much wall space.

I agree that you and Norman are probably right with that.

1.5m x 2.8m...? With two doors, one on each of the long walls...? Whatever you do, you're going to be squeezing in...

Where on those walls are the doors? Middle, opposite ends, facing?

Indigo_and_Violet

1.5m x 2.8m is tough. I had a similar arrangement in a student house a few years ago (shared with 3 people!). Are you able to set up a space outside of the kitchen for food prep? We sorted it so that peeling, chopping, weighing etc all happened on a small table in the front room and then you took you 'mis en place' (so fancy!) through to the kitchen to cook. 

Mmac19

AdrianC said:

Mmac19 said:

AdrianC said:

Mmac19 said:
I'm just concerned that it isn't functional and there won't be enough space to prepare a meal.

Of course you can prepare a meal... You might need to be a bit more organised than if you had more space, but it will certainly be possible...

Do you have any photos, dimensions, maybe a floorplan?

I suspect Norman's right - the council offered extensions to all occupants, and the occupant of this one refused for whatever reason. Whether they'll be happy to do it now is another question entirely.

Hi, in my opinion there isn't not enough adequate space to prepare a meal for a family. Of course it is possible, but would be a struggle. 

The kitchen is 1.5 x 2.8m. There is an external door leading to the outbuilding on one of the longer walls, and a door leading to the hall on the other long wall. So not much wall space.

I agree that you and Norman are probably right with that.

1.5m x 2.8m...? With two doors, one on each of the long walls...? Whatever you do, you're going to be squeezing in...

Where on those walls are the doors? Middle, opposite ends, facing?

Can't really descibre them as long, can I! Both doors are slightly off centre in opposite directions, so that they are not facing. The window is on one of the shorter edges. 

Obviously can't make use of all the wall space or there would be nowhere to stand! 

I agree, definitely going to be a squeeze no matter which suggestions I take on board! (As much as I appreciate all of them) 

Mmac19

Indigo_and_Violet said:

1.5m x 2.8m is tough. I had a similar arrangement in a student house a few years ago (shared with 3 people!). Are you able to set up a space outside of the kitchen for food prep? We sorted it so that peeling, chopping, weighing etc all happened on a small table in the front room and then you took you 'mis en place' (so fancy!) through to the kitchen to cook. 

I imagine it would be okay if it wasn't for the additional external door taking up wall space.
Ha, very fancy! I think I am going to purchase a drop leaf table for the small lounge so will have to do this if I'm left with no option, just not ideal as I'm sure you're aware! 
Thanks!

MovingForwards

So an internet search for small kitchen ideas, small kitchen space saving ideas, there's loads around and nothing has to be done immediately.

Also dont rule out putting up higher shelves and using a folding stool to reach them.

Is it a galley style kitchen or things just on one side? If the latter then some form of folding shelf would create extra working space, then it tucks away when not in use.

Can you do a drawing of the kitchen and mark on it where things are, that way we can come up with useable ideas.

AdrianC

<grin>

Longer walls... Less-short walls...?

Have you had a play with something like this - https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/planners/kitchen-design-pub4bc87cb1

I think I'd be tempted to look on it as two L-shapes, one for sink/cooker, one for prep/storage.

martindow

Is there any way you can make use of the out-building?.  If you could put the washing machine there for instance will that free up space to store things?

You will get used to using a small kitchen but it does force you to be more organised.  A lot of people manage and thinking back my grandmother had a miniature kitchen with a stove, a sink and a couple of feet of working surface where she cooked for a large family.