Apparently it’s one of the key features that sells houses, a spacious kitchen/diner/living area. Yet, here I am with one, and I’m not loving it at all.

Over the next year the intention was to completely change our current layout from how it is now, which currently feels cold and…uninviting. Even with all of my recent cushion/throw/rug textile efforts. The kitchen is currently on the front of the cottage leading into a dining area and lounge on the back that overlooks the garden.

We are going to move the living area to where the kitchen currently is and put a further extension on the back with bi-fold doors to create a huge kitchen with island/breakfast bar, generous table and chairs (to seat at least 8) and a sofa/TV area too.

But you know what? I’m not convinced. I like a cosy closed-off living room to escape to. I’m fully down with a more enclosed space, log burner at full pelt, book and tea in hand. And I wouldn’t want to create this relaxing escape only for everyone to spend the vast majority of the time plonked in front of the TV in the aforementioned new extension space.

I know. First World Problems.

But it’s going to be a significant investment, I want it to work for how we intend to live.

I’m thinking of having the “cosy” lounge equipped with arched leaded doors into the kitchen/diner so we can have the best of both worlds. And then not really having a sofa area in the new extension at all. I think my main issue is the TV, I just think it would be too tempting, especially with two young children, to switch it on whilst we are all having dinner. I want to be able to talk to my family at meal times, not try and be heard over yet another episode of Peppa Pig or the news. Maybe I am just showing my age and need to embrace this new completely open plan way of living.

Truth be told I’m not a huge fan of seeing all of the cooking paraphernalia whilst trying to enjoy my Sunday roast either, and unless you are the worlds most organised chef, or you are comfortable with your gravy going cold, there is going to be an element of associated debris across your kitchen worktops whilst you tuck into your yorkshire pudding. Luckily I think I’m over it. Because there is no way a separate formal dining room would ever be used to it’s full potential either.

Then there is the question of flooring. If the lounge can essentially open out into the kitchen diner, surely there should be some kind of seamless flow? But I only like stone tiles in a kitchen, and these wouldn’t be at all conducive to creating my warm sanctuary where all the family can relax and unwind.

Oh and also, I don’t even like bi-folds. Or curtains. Or carpet. Or cooker hoods (the latter is probably a discussion for another day).

I am literally boring myself with my own indecisive whinging.

Instead of bi-folds I’m thinking of individual sets of arched leaded doors out onto the garden (I love crittal but as we’re in a conservation area we’re convinced these wouldn’t be approved) so we can let in lots of light but still choose how many doors to open at any one time.

Are you embracing open plan living? Do you have a TV in your kitchen? (part of me thinks it would be ace to switch on Netflix whilst chopping peppers) do you think a separate lounge, unless perhaps you live in a mansion (we don’t) is perhaps all a bit unnecessary?

I’ve included some of my Pinterest inspiration in the gallery, please do let me know about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.