Gadget ideas for new kitchen/snug extension?
Discussion
We've recently secured planning planning permission on a 6500 x 3500 rear extension and builders will be starting in a few weeks.
We know roughly how we want it laid out but are both pretty clueless when it comes to modern gadgets/tech etc..I'm a massive music fan so wouldn't mind a decent music set-up (maybe decent ceiling speakers?!) but am more of an old skool vinyl/CD/cassette man!! I've heard of SONOS along with a few others but haven't got a clue how they work, is this an option worth doing?
Also, any other gadget related ideas, it's going to be a very modern open plan kitchen/snug area so be good to have a few "features". As the build is starting in a few weeks, be good to come up with a plan so I can get things planned out (electrics/powerpoints/switches etc) with the sparkies and also start buying some kit!
Few pics of size & layout:
Magnet kitchens impression of completed area (altho the extension will have pitched roof with 2 velux, NOT flat ceiling like in drawings)
Roof pitch of extension (basically the second half of room)
Any gadget ideas, even if it's just an LED light recommendation very much apprieciated as the only idea we've come up with is a TV on corner wall, just to the left of the Bi-folds. Also, we'd like 3 or 4 hanging lights all level over the breakfast bar (as per pic) but is this possible as will be a pitch/sloping roof (as NOT per pic). We would have a velux either side also.
Cheers
We know roughly how we want it laid out but are both pretty clueless when it comes to modern gadgets/tech etc..I'm a massive music fan so wouldn't mind a decent music set-up (maybe decent ceiling speakers?!) but am more of an old skool vinyl/CD/cassette man!! I've heard of SONOS along with a few others but haven't got a clue how they work, is this an option worth doing?
Also, any other gadget related ideas, it's going to be a very modern open plan kitchen/snug area so be good to have a few "features". As the build is starting in a few weeks, be good to come up with a plan so I can get things planned out (electrics/powerpoints/switches etc) with the sparkies and also start buying some kit!
Few pics of size & layout:
Magnet kitchens impression of completed area (altho the extension will have pitched roof with 2 velux, NOT flat ceiling like in drawings)
Roof pitch of extension (basically the second half of room)
Any gadget ideas, even if it's just an LED light recommendation very much apprieciated as the only idea we've come up with is a TV on corner wall, just to the left of the Bi-folds. Also, we'd like 3 or 4 hanging lights all level over the breakfast bar (as per pic) but is this possible as will be a pitch/sloping roof (as NOT per pic). We would have a velux either side also.
Cheers
Edited by Daggerpie on Monday 5th June 17:35
Do you have space for a bang and olufsen a9? I always think they look amazing and sound great. Would fit with your design nicely I think.
Kitchen gadgets, we use our sous vide and kitchenaid constantly but I think you mean more entertainment?
Roll down roof screen for projector over by the seating maybe?
Add a wine fridge so you can sit and have a nice glass of wine with the movie?
Looks cool though man, good luck with it all.
Kitchen gadgets, we use our sous vide and kitchenaid constantly but I think you mean more entertainment?
Roll down roof screen for projector over by the seating maybe?
Add a wine fridge so you can sit and have a nice glass of wine with the movie?
Looks cool though man, good luck with it all.
can only add a little
Just had our kitchen done. Have a sonos on the wall, with the plug chopped off and cable fed into the wall, then into a fused switched. Really happy with it and it keeps the work surface clear. We also have a couple of others round the house too so works well.
We've got pendant lights, as opposed to spot lights overheard (high ceilings). Then have under cupboard lights which are nice, on the same switch as the ceiling lights.
Rather than having a master control panel for all appliances, we've got sockets in the back of the cupboards for the integrated microwave. Just looks cleaner to me.
Integrated microwave to keep that off the work surface.
Sockets in larder unit for toaster, don't use it often so didn't want it on the work top (running theme here)
Took the opportunity to have sockets put outside, as well as supply for garden lights, pond and garage.
Also - make sure you have a decent kitchen fitter! Ours was and it was reassuring. In fact, all trades being decent helps. The only one I skimped on a bit was plastering, it's fine but a few bits as I'm overly fussy.
Just had our kitchen done. Have a sonos on the wall, with the plug chopped off and cable fed into the wall, then into a fused switched. Really happy with it and it keeps the work surface clear. We also have a couple of others round the house too so works well.
We've got pendant lights, as opposed to spot lights overheard (high ceilings). Then have under cupboard lights which are nice, on the same switch as the ceiling lights.
Rather than having a master control panel for all appliances, we've got sockets in the back of the cupboards for the integrated microwave. Just looks cleaner to me.
Integrated microwave to keep that off the work surface.
Sockets in larder unit for toaster, don't use it often so didn't want it on the work top (running theme here)
Took the opportunity to have sockets put outside, as well as supply for garden lights, pond and garage.
Also - make sure you have a decent kitchen fitter! Ours was and it was reassuring. In fact, all trades being decent helps. The only one I skimped on a bit was plastering, it's fine but a few bits as I'm overly fussy.
Magic, this is exactly the sort of input I need, never heard of those B&O A9's but look and no doubt sound amazing.
I meant to say, the large wall space behind the sofa (will also be having long rad behind the sofa) will probably have a large art piece/canvas but "maybe" have a small TV up in the corner next to the Bi-folds. A pull down screen would have been a great idea tho but will maybe leave that sort of thing to another room.
Keep the coming plz chaps..
I meant to say, the large wall space behind the sofa (will also be having long rad behind the sofa) will probably have a large art piece/canvas but "maybe" have a small TV up in the corner next to the Bi-folds. A pull down screen would have been a great idea tho but will maybe leave that sort of thing to another room.
Keep the coming plz chaps..
oh meant to say, out kitchen is magnet, can't fault it at the moment.
Got all the appliances from AO and they were very good. I ordered the wrong microwave and they changed it straight away. I got money back as found bits cheaper elsewhere. The hob they delivered had imperfections, again changed it straight away.
Not sure what discount you've got, but on all my kitchen cupboards/worktop stuff I had 75 or 80% off........that was cost though (know someone who used to work their!)
Got all the appliances from AO and they were very good. I ordered the wrong microwave and they changed it straight away. I got money back as found bits cheaper elsewhere. The hob they delivered had imperfections, again changed it straight away.
Not sure what discount you've got, but on all my kitchen cupboards/worktop stuff I had 75 or 80% off........that was cost though (know someone who used to work their!)
mcg_ said:
oh meant to say, out kitchen is magnet, can't fault it at the moment.
Got all the appliances from AO and they were very good. I ordered the wrong microwave and they changed it straight away. I got money back as found bits cheaper elsewhere. The hob they delivered had imperfections, again changed it straight away.
Not sure what discount you've got, but on all my kitchen cupboards/worktop stuff I had 75 or 80% off........that was cost though (know someone who used to work their!)
Excellent thats good to know, Magnet Trade have already beaten the "normal" Magnets best price so will probably go with them. We're going with their Integra Fusion kitchen and buying the worktops separately. We've used AO before for washing machine & spin dryer, great Co so will def use them again for the applicance's. Thanks for the heads up.Got all the appliances from AO and they were very good. I ordered the wrong microwave and they changed it straight away. I got money back as found bits cheaper elsewhere. The hob they delivered had imperfections, again changed it straight away.
Not sure what discount you've got, but on all my kitchen cupboards/worktop stuff I had 75 or 80% off........that was cost though (know someone who used to work their!)
Boiling water tap
Quooker Fusion will give you the holy trinity of cold, warm and boiling from one tap
Domino hobs
Instead of a 5 burner gas hob/induction go for 2 or 3 modules and build out for the way you cook
Dishdrawer dishwasher
Fisher and Paykel's take on horizontal dishwasher
Lighting
Go big, go special - forget £20 B&Q specials or those Chinese Tom Dixon rip-offs and look at the real thing. Hang three over the table, as low as you dare. Avoid the Heathrow runway look by breaking with tradition and not installing 10kw of LEDs in a 25cm grid pattern in the ceiling, opt to wash the walls with light, put task lighting under the cupboards (E36GUY can point you in the direction of the proper aluminium housings to do this neatly) Don't fall for the "RGB will look cool"
Quooker Fusion will give you the holy trinity of cold, warm and boiling from one tap
Domino hobs
Instead of a 5 burner gas hob/induction go for 2 or 3 modules and build out for the way you cook
Dishdrawer dishwasher
Fisher and Paykel's take on horizontal dishwasher
Lighting
Go big, go special - forget £20 B&Q specials or those Chinese Tom Dixon rip-offs and look at the real thing. Hang three over the table, as low as you dare. Avoid the Heathrow runway look by breaking with tradition and not installing 10kw of LEDs in a 25cm grid pattern in the ceiling, opt to wash the walls with light, put task lighting under the cupboards (E36GUY can point you in the direction of the proper aluminium housings to do this neatly) Don't fall for the "RGB will look cool"
I love our Sonos system and its functionality, but if I were doing it again would probably use Bluesound for better sound quality and Bluetooth capability.
If you're a genuine audiophile, none of these systems will really work - but then you will also have a properly set up listening/AV room. But for casual listening in an unsuitable environment (kitchen), they are fantastic.
We didn't bother with a TV in the kitchen (wired for one, never fitted) - too much other noise going on. A cheap screen will go up for displaying the news, recipes whilst cooking etc.
If you're a genuine audiophile, none of these systems will really work - but then you will also have a properly set up listening/AV room. But for casual listening in an unsuitable environment (kitchen), they are fantastic.
We didn't bother with a TV in the kitchen (wired for one, never fitted) - too much other noise going on. A cheap screen will go up for displaying the news, recipes whilst cooking etc.
Do you need blinds / curtains for the doors or large windows. We had a large sliding door (6m) and built in a recess above it with power to house electric roller blinds. Means they are not visible during the day and don't get in the way when doors open and at night we get privacy. You need to think ahead for this as wall will need to be brought out to make room for the blind. Here is a pic with them down a bit (they hide fully when not in use).
Electric roller blinds are not as expensive as you may think. One electric mains blind 2m x 1.8m is about £300.
Put LED strip under island chair side and also on top of wall units on a dimmer switch. I also put LED strip facing upwards in the celling light wells, gives a great look at night and removes a big dark space you may have, put on the same dimmer switch as others. I had to build out of plaster board a L shape to house and hide the LED strip and you also need to run cable there, this was then plastered over to blend in with the ceiling.
Electric roller blinds are not as expensive as you may think. One electric mains blind 2m x 1.8m is about £300.
Put LED strip under island chair side and also on top of wall units on a dimmer switch. I also put LED strip facing upwards in the celling light wells, gives a great look at night and removes a big dark space you may have, put on the same dimmer switch as others. I had to build out of plaster board a L shape to house and hide the LED strip and you also need to run cable there, this was then plastered over to blend in with the ceiling.
Work out likely TV viewing habits from Snug / Kitchen. Install the cables needed to mount the TV on the walls, with no cables shown. Route all cables back to a central location to tie in with the rest of the house. Bury at least 2 HDMI cables into the wall, and a couple of good quality CAT6 cables. Have all routed back to where.
Sonos is very expensive due to being wireless & stuff, you might as well wire in good quality speakers at a fraction of the price, and have a central ''player'' to power them. You will get far more 'bang' for your buck this way, also be able to tie ceiling speakers etc in, and possible connect it all up to the TV as well for true ''party/family experiences'' via youtube etc
Boiling water tap is brilliant, if you are a big tea/coffee/vegetables/pasta/rice etc maker.
Considered Under floor heating if it is all tiled? Either water or electric.
Sonos is very expensive due to being wireless & stuff, you might as well wire in good quality speakers at a fraction of the price, and have a central ''player'' to power them. You will get far more 'bang' for your buck this way, also be able to tie ceiling speakers etc in, and possible connect it all up to the TV as well for true ''party/family experiences'' via youtube etc
Boiling water tap is brilliant, if you are a big tea/coffee/vegetables/pasta/rice etc maker.
Considered Under floor heating if it is all tiled? Either water or electric.
You're doing something very similar to what we did a few years ago. Two 3mx3m rooms opened into a single 6mx6m room with an extension containing velux windows.
If you want a TV, get it on the wall out of the way with hidden wiring. We chose not to integrate any technology because it will age much quicker than the kitchen itself. We have a Sonos 1 on the end of the worktop which is fine a background/socializing music. We didn't invest in a better sound setup because a kitchen is the worst place (although possibly beaten by a conservatory) to get good sound quality due to all the hard surfaces.
The electrician ran additional trunking from under the hob area to under the island so we can feed extra wires if required in the future.
The only mistake we made was that the wall sockets could do with being a couple of centimeters higher due to the Quartz up-stand we chose. They still work but some plugs are a bit tight.
If you want a TV, get it on the wall out of the way with hidden wiring. We chose not to integrate any technology because it will age much quicker than the kitchen itself. We have a Sonos 1 on the end of the worktop which is fine a background/socializing music. We didn't invest in a better sound setup because a kitchen is the worst place (although possibly beaten by a conservatory) to get good sound quality due to all the hard surfaces.
The electrician ran additional trunking from under the hob area to under the island so we can feed extra wires if required in the future.
The only mistake we made was that the wall sockets could do with being a couple of centimeters higher due to the Quartz up-stand we chose. They still work but some plugs are a bit tight.
I agree with the Quooker or equivalent - we have a Franke, and it's great. They do take up quite a bit of cupboard space though.
Lighting - we have lighting under the cupboards at floor and worktop level. Uplighting on the top of the cupboards is nice too.
Interesting main light. We only have the aforementioned spotlights in the ceiling, and it's pretty boring.
Fridge/Freezer - my biggest regret is this. In hindsight I wish we had gone for one with freezer drawers at the bottom and the fridge at the top - as it is, the freezer side is really compromised.
integrated bins - We have a 4-bin Wesco unit. nice and neat, and handy for sweeping stuff straight in from the worktop.
Induction hob - Will never go back to conventional. The bigger the better.
Lighting - we have lighting under the cupboards at floor and worktop level. Uplighting on the top of the cupboards is nice too.
Interesting main light. We only have the aforementioned spotlights in the ceiling, and it's pretty boring.
Fridge/Freezer - my biggest regret is this. In hindsight I wish we had gone for one with freezer drawers at the bottom and the fridge at the top - as it is, the freezer side is really compromised.
integrated bins - We have a 4-bin Wesco unit. nice and neat, and handy for sweeping stuff straight in from the worktop.
Induction hob - Will never go back to conventional. The bigger the better.
skilly1 said:
Very nice alock. Had you though about putting power and internet socket in the A space above the units where you could put the Sonos out of the way?
I've thought about that. Until a couple of months ago we only had a single Sonos device that was often moved around the house. Now we have a second one it's probably a decision worth revisiting.Hmm, looks a good space, I think the roof detail is going to be quite noticeable - not in a bad way, but it'll be prominant and thats going to influence how the two sides of the room feel.
I'd be avoiding trying to put anything under one half and the other, I suspect it'll feel some what unusual.
Are you sure you kitchen living plan takes the roof into account well enough?
I'd be avoiding trying to put anything under one half and the other, I suspect it'll feel some what unusual.
Are you sure you kitchen living plan takes the roof into account well enough?
Awesome feedback gents, already lots of food for thought and some great tips! 
Great idea about those Quooker Boiling water taps, trouble is we're out in the country and it's a hard water area, i've heard you can get lots of problems with limescale and them blocking up. Also being out in the country means we're not on mains gas (Big kerosene gas tank hidden out back instead) so we would need to have electric hob. Induction hob great idea though..thanks
Regarding the tunes, I'm not bothered about it playing in other rooms in the house, literally just daytime background music with enough balls to bang it out for parties etc. Someone mentioned Bluesound earlier, along with rigging it up to TV/YouTube, would this be more suitable and would Sonos be overkill? (I'm more old skool so clueless about downloads etc..)
Great idea about those Quooker Boiling water taps, trouble is we're out in the country and it's a hard water area, i've heard you can get lots of problems with limescale and them blocking up. Also being out in the country means we're not on mains gas (Big kerosene gas tank hidden out back instead) so we would need to have electric hob. Induction hob great idea though..thanks
Regarding the tunes, I'm not bothered about it playing in other rooms in the house, literally just daytime background music with enough balls to bang it out for parties etc. Someone mentioned Bluesound earlier, along with rigging it up to TV/YouTube, would this be more suitable and would Sonos be overkill? (I'm more old skool so clueless about downloads etc..)
the quooker tap is indeed awesome.
they've just released the quooker flex, which to me would be ultimate (love having a hose tap to clean stuff) - I don't know when it will come to the UK but if I were you, I would definitely want to hold out for it.
https://www.quooker.nl/nl/home/nieuw-quooker-flex
they've just released the quooker flex, which to me would be ultimate (love having a hose tap to clean stuff) - I don't know when it will come to the UK but if I were you, I would definitely want to hold out for it.
https://www.quooker.nl/nl/home/nieuw-quooker-flex
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff