where to start on major kitchen renovation (designer or no designer)?
Kathleen Picard
10 years ago
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Furniture layout for an awkward open floor plan
Comments (5)David - Thanks! Appreciate that you even drew out the plan. :) You are absolutely right, it's been difficult finding an optimum layout. In fact, our current layout is more or less the same as your plan. Would you have chosen different furniture - a smaller sofa or a different dining table perhaps? (Also, I'm curious: is there a good reason why the architect had the pillar like that?) Mona - Do you mean having a buffet at the entry? I currently do have a sideboard, though it wouldn't fit at the entry - it's about 67" wide by 18" deep. It's currently placed in the middle of the long wall. There's actually still sufficient clearance between it and the 3-seater sofa in David's plan. plague - The household shelter is a local (Singapore) building requirement. Its walls are reinforced and is meant to be a shelter in times of emergency. It can't be removed, and any renovations carried out cannot affect its integrity (there is a list of permitted and prohibited works). Normally it is just used as a pantry or storeroom....See MoreThe HouzzAU Queenslander club
Comments (2)I LOVE OLD QUEENSLANDERS.....emphasis on O L D! What a sight, a tall Queenslander...having come into being because of the heat in this State and therefore on tall and not so tall piers...I LOVE these houses but with one exception...and probably because in those days ther were no such things as... LIFTS! Nobody thought of the older Queenslander human whose hips and knees are worn out from hard work on the land..or for the little kids and toddlers.....STAIRS, STAIRS and more STAIRS! Beautiful gracious staircases....but.... Recently a young enthusiastic couple built a magnificent looking replica old Queenslander right across from my place. I watched it go up...and so did the rest of the neighbourhood...well, not criticising the modern builder but I'd rather have a genuine old Queenslander put together with hammer and iron nails! STAIRS seemed to have been made into a feature. The land overlooks a waterway that is prone to flooding so the piers had to be quite high....and that meant more treads! I think that maybe the builders were unaware of the need for a landing every...is it eight? steps? The back steps are straight up the rear of the house...no landings....OOOFFF going to welcome your new neighbiurs! I would not build a replica Queenslander but if I couldn't help myself I'd install A LIFT and I would invent a feature for going up and down .for the children...and I'd get my inspiration from some of the great Theme Parks that have to comply to strict safety standards.....Then and only then would I build a replica Old Queenslander...But I'd prefer A REAL ONE! .It has been my experience that replicas do not have the strength of the enormous oldies. For example: Show me a replica Queenslander with iron cyclone bolts securing the floor of the house to the piers. Show me a replica Queenslander where every VJ board in the walls and ceilings is held to the next with hidden nails? Show me one where the framework is all tongue and groove each piece locked into the other.....that cannot be achieved anymore because timbers are not seasoned for between 30-50 years and such building methods would weaken the structural timbers used today...so said the builder who added a veranda to my old place. He took photographs of the joinery! I LOVE OLD QUEENSLANDERS...But I'd only buy a really old one and renovate it using old methods and as much old timber as possible...and I'd add a LIFT and a kids "upper and downer" if the steps were to be high. One thing above all would deter me from building one from scratch....the unavailability and the expense of genuinely old timber...if it could be sourced.. A replica would never match the longevity and the methods of construction of the old ones. Those times are gone! Those homes can never be repeated...only replicated and its not the same by any bash of the nail. You can't buy those nails anymore and its impossible to hire a crew as large as a swarm of ants to build an old Queenslander from scratch. We just do not build like that these days. Meaning no disrespect to the skilled modern day builder who does marvellous things for the modern day.....its impossible to build a genuine old Queenslander for many reasons. LOVE and ADMIRE and CHERISH the old Queenslander, BUY ONE if you can and restore it as genuinely as possible. We'll never see its like again from any perspective....See MoreShould we break our corridor wall or extend our kitchen?
Comments (10)Hi Mr Razis, your partner's layout of sofa seems more reasonable, afterall you want to face the TV when watching it :) I also like the idea of removing the balcony as it somehow gain more living space, and regularise the Living Room without a cut-off corner. This corner could be converted for mini hobby area with 2 small simple polypropylene chairs & a coffee table. Do not be put off by the column, I think it outweighs it's benefits. On your extended Kitchen, you could add in a L-shape custom-made bench seating as a breakfast or simple dining area. With chandelier/pendant as the final touch, I am sure this would become the 'heartland' during family gathering. Enjoy your renovation. Looking forward to have an update of the progress. :)...See MoreMy Kitchen Renovation
Comments (0)I started with a design dilemma, and got some good advice from some very kind people on Houzz. The transformation took more time to figure out then it did to complete the construction. My advice to anyone wanting a new space is to do your research, without rushing into decisions, which can be difficult when working with some, because of the 'sale deadline'! Guess what? There will always be another sale! In fact, by taking my time I ended up being able to keep all of the organization options I wanted and ended up with such a great sale that I was able to upgrade to custom solid wood cabinets and drawers for the same price as my original stock cabinets with MDF panels. By customizing the sizes of cabinets, I was able to create more space to open up the small kitchen for a spacious feel. My contractor helped me achieve the built in pantry wall which puts all of my spices, canned goods, etc., right in front of me to see exactly what I have or need to replenish. But, my favorite part of this kitchen is what the contractor did with my narrow and deep closet. It was widened and turned into a dry bar with microwave and roll out storage. Having a place for my coffee maker and microwave was key, so I could keep the new expanse of counter space visible! Removing the 'bump up' wall of my original counter offered a more open concept feel, which was a great improvement. Some before and after photos can be found on the design dilemma thread: https://www.houzz.com.sg/discussions/small-entry-to-kitchen-fridge-or-something-different-dsvw-vd~5210318 Thanks to all for the Houzz advice and happy renovations!...See MoreR H Kitchen and Bath Ltd
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