Living room/kitchen combined - why?

Bogof_Babe

I've noticed a distinct trend towards flats and "apartments" that have the kitchen along one side of the living room, with no dividing wall or door. I can understand it in cramped little conversions, but even spacious executive penthouses now seem to be going the same way.

I just don't get it - what's the point if there is room to have them separate? Imagine trying to entertain friends, or just have a romantic cuddle on the sofa, with the washing machine rumbling away and pans rattling on the hob and steaming the place up, in the same room.

It's taking "kitchen diner" to a new level, (only "kitchen liver" doesn't sound very appealing ).

Does anyone actually prefer this layout, or is it just corner cutting by the builders?

tinkerbell84

I lived in a flat where the kitchen and living room were in one room - never had a problem with it

A friend of mine is buying a penthouse flat with this layout too. My current flat does have a seperate kitchen (others in the block don't) but that's not without its downsides either.

I don't really mind either layout.

It's popular to have kitchen-diners, so if you don't have space for a dining room, why not a kitchen-living room?

Imp

I live in such a flat, and it gets on my nerves, having to turn up the tv whenever the washing machine goes on spin, opening the living room windows to get rid of steam and cooking smells. I am looking forward to moving out.

tinkerbell84

My seperate kitchen doesn't have any windows (which is a complete pain) especially as the flat faces due south and is absolutely boiling in the summer. The thought of cooking makes me want to pass out

I run the washing machine while I'm at work so no disturbance there.

gingin_2

I kinda like it. Room sizes seem to be getting smaller and smaller so it makes sense to combine them. I did however chuckle at this property, I believe it is taking open plan to the next level (check out picture 5/8)

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/viewdetails-17462650.rsp?pa_n=2&tr_t=buy

I'm sure that's a toilet in the back there...

sooz

gingin wrote: »

I'm sure that's a toilet in the back there...

open plan bathroom.....nice :rolleyes:

barnaby-bear

Bogof_Babe wrote: »

I've noticed a distinct trend towards flats and "apartments" that have the kitchen along one side of the living room, with no dividing wall or door. I can understand it in cramped little conversions, but even spacious executive penthouses now seem to be going the same way.

I just don't get it - what's the point if there is room to have them separate? Imagine trying to entertain friends, or just have a romantic cuddle on the sofa, with the washing machine rumbling away and pans rattling on the hob and steaming the place up, in the same room.

It's taking "kitchen diner" to a new level, (only "kitchen liver" doesn't sound very appealing ).

Does anyone actually prefer this layout, or is it just corner cutting by the builders?

It just sound stupid - Mrs. BB has wipe down blinds in the kitchen not curtains in case she makes a nice smelly curry / cooks fish. What if your sofa was in there?

Bogof_Babe

Oh well, it seems some people do like it then. Fair enough.

Laughing at Gingin re. his/her signature "potential FTB" and the fact that he/she is looking on the net at £3+ million houses! Are prices going to drop that much then?

Re. the bedroom/bathroom combo - I must admit that as me and OH are currently buying a flat with the only loo in the bathroom, I am thinking of getting a commode for the bedroom "just in case" :rotfl: .

tinkerbell84

barnaby-bear wrote: »

It just sound stupid - Mrs. BB has wipe down blinds in the kitchen not curtains in case she makes a nice smelly curry / cooks fish. What if your sofa was in there?

why would you put your sofa in a smelly curry?

lostinrates

Its a lifestyle difference. If we ever get to be a two house family then the Lodnon pad can have an open plan kitchen I guess, noone will be cooking in there, or at the most pouring cereal or boiling pasta. On the other hand, I'm a really keen cook so in a main home, for us, a separate kitchen is a necessity. Not only do I have stuff on the go most times (at the moment there is chicken stock happening, and a chilli for tomorow, yesterday I was prparing rhubarb for the freezer) emiting fragrances, which delightful as they are, I don't want drifing into the rest of the house, also it means I can close the door on the mess and keep a brave face if people pop in.

tinkerbell84

I have 2 homes, and cook equally as much in the London property as I do at home.