Separate the zones better. The fridge needs to go towards the outside of the kitchen, and the cleanup and prep needs better separation. There's also wasted space in the hallway between the kitchen and mud room. You don't need a hallway, but you do need a door.

Thanks for the reply, Hollysprings!

I do love the placement of the sink and cooktop in your variation! I'm so mad at myself; I'm not sure why I didn't think of this, as the 'windows flanking the cooktop with a large window over the sink' layout has been my favorite for a long time now! Maybe I was just blinded by the plan's original layout?

Your coffee station has the same problem I've had when trying out different arrangements- it juts in to the cased doorway. I have been toying with the idea of removing the built-in hutch and splitting it in to two smaller serving pass-thrus (or whatever you want to call them) and making the doorway where the old pass thru is. At least this way I'd have a wall for the perimeter cabinets.

Maybe something like this? Do you think I'd regret having the only doorway from the laundry/mudroom/craft area empty in to the kitchen?

{{!gwi}}

I thought I was supposed to have a landing zone next to the ref and ovens; is the one space next to the oven enough?

This post was edited by kelhuck on Thu, Jan 3, 13 at 19:50

I like the idea of splitting the hutch into flanking hutches better. I think it gives more definition to the rooms. You might manage to have sliding glass pocket doors that tuck into them so that you could pull them closed when entertaining in the dining room.

I think a pocket door from the mudroom into the kitchen would be open 90% of the time, so I would plan on getting one of the new front load machines for the space that's super quiet. And not worry about it at all. Just put a pretty door on the pantry.

Hmm, greendesigns, the sliding doors are an interesting idea! Will look in to that and see if I can find any inspiration pics on Houzz or pinterest.

I'm planning on getting the Samsung VRT steam W/D. I'll check and see if they're on the quiet.

Thanks!

I would definitely want a landing pad next to the refrigerator. I also prefer that wall ovens and refrigerators not be adjacent, although I know most are unbothered by that set up.

I like your layout and I think I see where you're going; I would offer the following tweak; move the range half the distance toward the fridge, lose the extra passage, which really serves no purpose. The extra landing/ prep space between fridge and range will be more useful in the long run (ITLR?), and I don't think the passage will be missed.
The sugg. to swap the range and fridge and trade the band of windows also makes good sense, unless you have a million dollar view on that side. That layout would lend itself all the better to the mantel-style range surround with integrated vent hood.
Casey

@ kitchendetective- I'm with you- I don't like the ref and oven right next to each other, either, unless it's necessary for space.

@casey- thanks for the comment. The views from both the west and north will be fields, but I would score the north view as superior, so I'm really liking the bigger window facing north.

Hubby and I worked on this last night and hoped it would be okay to separate the ovens and ref like below. Is this functional? Is it okay to have the ovens right next to the doorway? Would it be better to slide it over to the corner and do a corner unit?

{{!gwi}}

I might try to reconfigure the nook area. I'd like to keep it cozy and intimate, but maximize the seating. Not sure if a restaurant-type bench would be better here or not. Hmmm...I've got more thinking to do!

What do you think of this look for the dining/kitchen doorway?

Thanks for your help! Keep the suggestions/advice coming!

We decided we'd better keep the hallway open; winding around the dining room table to get to the rest of the house from the kitchen just doesn't sound ideal.

We'll keep the single doorway between the kitchen and laundry area, though. Anyone else want to take a stab at improvements before we purchase the plan?

{{!gwi}}

Would you be able to do something like this nook instead of that bench and round table. It looks so cozy and the rectangular table would offer more useful space.

{{!gwi}}

Source: southernliving.com via Jeannine on Pinterest

Hi JFay- I do love that little banquette! I think I've saved it in my houzz folder. I can't decide if having a restaurant-style bench is a good idea or not. I know it would maximize seating in a small amount of space; but I'm worried it would get annoying quickly since the person(s) on the inside would have to wait for the outer person to get up for them to leave the bench. I might be over-thinking it.

Does anyone have a restaurant-style bench that they love/hate?

I think the round with bench is easier to use and prettier. I also think the banquette would get very annoying to use. If I was in the inside spot I would feel very "trapped". Plus, it just reminds me of a diner which doesn't seem to be the look you are going for! :)

One quick thing I noticed is the MW placement. It would totally depend on how you used it, but I would hate it way out on the edge like that. But I use mine for lots of things so need it handy while I'm prepping/cooking. If you only use it to reheat coffee or the occasional butter melt, then over in the corner is fine.

We had one in my house growing up and we loved it. It was big enough to fit 6 in a pinch but 4 comfortably. It had windows on two sides and the third side (behind on of the benches) had built in shelves for books and a small TV. It was right off the kitchen like the one in the picture and it was such a cozy place to sit and do homework, watch tv, or perch while helping chop some vegetables for dinner. Our family of 4 always ate there. A lot of times a secondary table like that is used by only one or two people at a time so that made the in and out a lot less of a problem. Sure there were times when you had to get up for someone to get out, but I really feel that the overall coziness of it made up for that.

Thanks for your help, Jfay and Kathy! We interviewed builders last week and were working hard on getting all the details narrowed down, so I apologize for my late "Thanks!"

We decided to do a bumpout with a window seat instead of the diner look. Our plan is being officially drawn up this week; I can't wait to see how it turns out!