Open Layout for Kitchen/Dining/Small Living Space

last month

We are hoping to complete a house remodel before moving into our new home but need help deciding layout.

The image to the right (black floorplan) is our current layout, where we plan to demo the closet and wall between the back bedroom and kitchen to make an open layout out consisting of a smaller living space (removing that bedroom), kitchen, and dining room. The on the left (blue floorplan) is an example/inspiration for what we would like to have.

We really value being able to be in the kitchen and having it flow into other spaces whether that be family hanging out in the “new” living space or people sitting in the dining room. I see our current constraints our A) the somewhat narrow 10’ width and B) the bathroom/tight center passageway. We’d really appreciate any input or feedback to how to best set this up and would appreciate any inspiration photos to help visualize.

Some questions I have are:

What type of kitchen should we have: a bar/island similar to the inspiration layout? A galley kitchen? A hybrid of the two?
We want to make sure the living space is big enough for perhaps a smaller TV and seating (maybe a couch and accent chair). What would be appropriate dimensions be for the living room while considering there is sufficient space in the kitchen and dining room?
Any other feedback would be much appreciated. Thank you!

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Comments (3)

lorenzo_greco24
29 days ago
You can absolutely make this work—your priorities are clear and realistic for a 10’ width.

I’d lean toward a hybrid galley + peninsula (instead of a full island) so circulation stays clean.

Why this usually performs better in narrow plans:
1) Keeps a strong work triangle without crowding
2) Lets dining stay visually connected to kitchen
3) Preserves enough zone for a compact seating/living setup

Sizing guide that tends to work:
- Main aisle: 42" clear (48" if two cooks often)
- Seating overhang: 12" min
- Dining clearances: 36" around table, ideally 42" on one primary path
- Small living zone target: ~8' x 9' minimum for loveseat + chair + compact media

I’d put the command center/pantry wall at the transition edge near the mudroom path so daily family flow (drop zone + calendar + storage) stays out of cooking lanes.
HU-643610143 thanked lorenzo_greco24
HU-643610143
Original Author
29 days ago
This was an incredible, such insightful response. Thank you for your input and providing those dimension tips.
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3onthetree
28 days ago
The blue diagram should just be eliminated as too many things are different, your proposed plans would look just like existing, except with a Family Room instead of Bedroom/Closet and the wall opened up. I do not see any design or functional advantage to reworking the Bath/Hall to make it "more open" to the Living Room.

The shared wall of the Kitchen is surely a structural wall, so that limits the Kitchen size. You would not want to extend the Kitchen past a beam as that beam would demarcate the space under it.

So that leaves either 13'-7" or 16' along the window wall for furniture, and an aisle through to outdoor living past the tv on the bathroom wall. That is enough room. The Kitchen should be galley so the path from the front window and circulating from the Living Room remains visually open to the back, which will make the small individual spaces appear larger.
HU-643610143 thanked 3onthetree