Space in London homes is always at a premium. For many families, especially with young children, the question isn’t whether to move. It’s how to make the most of the space they already have. That was exactly the situation for one family in South East London. They were settled in a neighbourhood they loved, but their ground floor layout just wasn’t keeping up with their needs. It felt cramped and disconnected from how they actually lived.
Interior Space planning for London home renovation projects like this are becoming increasingly popular for HD, especially when extending isn’t an option. Instead of moving, more and more families are choosing to rework their layout and that’s where we come in. We say Don’t move; Improve Your Home.
The Design Challenge
The downstairs space felt disconnected. The kitchen was tucked away and a bit isolated from the rest of the home. The hallway took up a fair amount of space but didn’t offer much in return. And although the living and dining room had decent square footage, it lacked flow. The overall layout just didn’t reflect how they lived anymore.
Our Space Planning Process
We don’t jump straight into polished floor plans; A good design starts with understanding how a home feels. For this project, we used our space planning process to guide the transformation from rough ideas to a clear, functional layout.
1. Bubble Diagram
This is where it all begins. We map out how the home is currently used or not used with loose zones like kitchen, hallway, living, and garden. It’s about understanding movement, daily routines and where the frustrations lie.
2. Concept Design
Next, we test the waters with early layout sketches. These are rough but helpful for spotting where rooms might shift or open up.
3. Block Diagram
Here, we begin thinking more practically. The spaces take on more definition, and we consider the balance between open areas and functional zones like WC and storage. It’s about refining proportions and flow.
4. Final Schematic Space
This is where it all comes together. We created two layout options both designed for family life, each with a slightly different take on how the home could evolve.
Exploring the Possibilities
Our design team developed two design concepts to show different ways the layout could evolve. One prioritised openness and flexibility, while the other embraced defined zones with smarter storage.
Design Concept 1
Design concept by House Designer
In the first option, we proposed a large, open-plan living and dining area. By proposing the removal of the internal wall between the kitchen and living space, the home gained a bright, flowing layout measuring just under 29 square metres.
image credit: House Designer
There was plenty of room for a generous dining table, a family-sized corner sofa, and even a toy zone that could later be swapped out for a reading nook or work-from-home corner. Large bifold doors at the rear of the room helped draw in natural light and improved access to the garden: a must-have for growing children and summer barbecues.
Design Concept 2
Design concept by House Designer
The second concept took a slightly different approach. Rather than opening everything up, we created more defined spaces while still improving flow.
image credit: House Designer
The hallway became a destination in its own right, with practical built-in storage for coats, shoes, and bags. The kitchen remained enclosed but connected visually. This layout worked well for families who prefer to keep some separation between the bustle of cooking and the calm of the living room.
Visualising the Space
image credit: House Designer
To help bring the ideas to life, we created clear plans and a 3D layout that showed how the space could feel in reality. It was important that the family could imagine themselves living in the new layout where the children would play, where they’d eat dinner together, how the space would work as the kids got older.
image credit: House Designer
The living area feels cosy yet uncluttered. The dining table sits at the heart of the space. A well-proportioned kitchen sits neatly at the front of the home, with just the right amount of worktop and storage.
image credit: House Designer
There’s also a compact WC and utility cupboard that’s been carefully tucked away. It’s designed for comfort, practicality and that subtle feeling of “everything in its place.”
Important Note on Structural Work
While we love offering layout ideas and space planning suggestions, it’s important to highlight that any structural changes must be reviewed and approved by an architect or structural engineer. What we offer is the starting point: the inspiration and creative vision to guide the project forward. From there, we work hand in hand with your chosen professionals to refine the details and make sure it all meets the necessary regulations.
Interior Space Planning
If your home layout feels a little awkward or you’re not sure how to make better use of your space, our interior space planning service is a great place to start. We help homeowners visualise the potential of their property by exploring layout ideas and providing professional design guidance; without the need to bring in builders straight away.
Making Room for What Matters
This case study is a perfect example of how clever planning can make a huge difference in the way a home feels and functions. Especially in London, where space is limited and moving can be expensive, adapting what you already have is often the most rewarding route.
By rethinking the flow, improving how each room is used, and making space work a little harder, homes like this one can become truly family-friendly without the need for costly extensions or disruptive renovations.
If you’re starting to feel like your layout isn’t working for you anymore, we’d love to help you reimagine it. Contact our friendly team today.