Layout...trying it again!

16 years ago

I started this months and months ago but my oldest sister became very ill with pancreatic cancer and so everything was put on hold. My TKO seemed very unimportant although it was a wonderful distraction. Thankfully she is stable and doing really well now after a very scary 6 months. I would love to start the kitchen in July.

I have boxes of sketches and hours and hours on this forum and still am not sure what I am doing. I originally talked to a couple of KD's but it seems that I have lived here for 20 years and know what is important to me. I had some very helpful input from forum members last year when I first began and was very grateful!

We have 1 college son still home and 2 older kids that sometimes spend weekends with us and live nearby. I love to cook and entertain, we have all family functions and holidays at our home. My family room is steps down from the kitchen and a different level with a bearing wall between. The little wall between the dining rm. and kitchen is also a bearing wall. I would love to have my kitchen opened more to the living room and have tryed to put in a pass through or opening where the tall cabinet is. I would like to not have to change out beams and keep the extra money on appliances. My family is always gathered around the existing peninsula so something similar is important.

I am trying to add photos of the kitchen and layout dimensions. I am hoping that some of your generous ideas will help me out of my confused state! I would love all ideas...thank you so much!

Here is a link that might be useful: kitchen photos

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Comments (16)

saskatchewan_girl
16 years ago
Is moving plumbing/sink or your either of the sliders an option?
vicnsb
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks, moving plumbing is an option but the sliders will stay. I know they don't make much sense, but the light and air is wonderful and the expense to change them too large.
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alku05
16 years ago
Besides a gathering place, what are your "must haves" and "would likes"? Things to consider might be cooktop and wall oven(s) or a range; std size fridge or a bigger one; a pantry? Let us know what you must have in there, and what would be nice if it fits.

Also, thank you for sharing your sister's success in battling her pancreatic cancer. My dad passed away this summer less than six weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. With that disease most cases are similar to my dad's, so it is so good to hear about someone having a happy ending.
Buehl
16 years ago
Ok...Vicky...I didn't go to bed yet (DH is watching "Combat" or some such movie). So, I thought I'd check out what you have/need. I echo Alku's questions...what appliances, etc. do you hope to include? Main + Prep sink? Beverage/Coffee/Tea Center? Message Center? Anything else?

The following is very helpful:
* Must have!
* Like to have
* Don't want at all!

Maybe I'll see you back on the party thread! (You too, Alku!) [Then again, maybe not...DH just turned off the TV!]
vicnsb
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks all...
I have gone back and forth over range vs 36 cooktop/ovens so I think it depends on the layout. I have tried island cooktops vs sink islands. I don't think I want my sink front and center.
I am open to built-in refrig. or cabinet built-in.
As you can see I have no working counter for cooking in my current kitchen, so workable counter space is important.
Definitely need pantry and storage.
Don't need prep sink.
I will try to post a couple of my layouts...thanks!
vicnsb
Original Author
16 years ago
alku05...I am so sorry to hear about your father. That disease is horrible, her success is day to day, praying to not be in the 80% reoccurrance group. We just try to keep her positive and enjoying each day. Thank you.
saskatchewan_girl
16 years ago
Just a few questions...........I've noticed that if you open up the wall partially to the LR you will lose tons of upper cabinets. Can the size of the opening be smaller? If not, if you have a lot of dishes, would you want them in drawers?
paulines
16 years ago
I remember your space!

So glad to hear your DS is stable and you are able to focus on other matters now!

alku, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.
vicnsb
Original Author
16 years ago
Paulines, thank you...you were one of my "kind helpers" last time here.

Sas...I am open to any size opening on LR wall (if any) and yes to dishes in drawers. I think I have drawn out most possibilites, I am hoping that someone has something I haven't thought of yet!
saskatchewan_girl
16 years ago
As you can tell, I was doing laundry today and playing with KP's LOL
Here is one idea that gives you a pantry but no wall oven. It still has an island with pendant lights to gather around, which could have a few drawers for p&p's, bakeware etc. There is another island option on the side. I didn't put a space for MW but you would be able to put it in the island.
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}or similar to this
{{!gwi}}{{!gwi}}
Could you cut back the LB'ng wall beside the fridge about 6"? Just for a little more movement.
The opening above the sink isn't really large but could be about 4" from counter to see through more?
HTH
vicnsb
Original Author
16 years ago
sas...thank you! If I am to move the little wall (even 6") I would need
to replace the beam which means I might as well move the entire thing
and go with a post. Which I realize I might have to do.

I have tryed a couple of u shape layouts, they seem to give me lots of counter
space but do you think (by looking at my current photos) it would close off
and congest the dining area? I am open to reconfiguring the dining area too if it makes a difference.

I like the curved island, I was worried that I would not have enough room around it for seating.

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it!
Buehl
16 years ago
What are the dimensions of the other spaces around your kitchen?
vicnsb
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks buehl...my dining room (from peninsula to outside wall) is 11.6 ft.
The length of the dining room is about 13.6 ft.

I am adding photos of entryway view and living room view of the wall
in question. The downstairs leads to a family room, laundry room,
bathroom and door to garage.

Thanks for looking!

Here is a link that might be useful: entry photos
vicnsb
Original Author
16 years ago
bump...
opinions on whether I should try to open the kitchen
to the living room...I can't seem to get past that to plan
the space accordingly. I feel like I would like to have a
more open feel when in the kitchen. Perhaps make that
wall a counter w/seating to keep the family out of my area
and give my more space. Any thoughts on that would be
greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
vicnsb
Original Author
16 years ago
We decided to not open the wall, I just can't seem to get what I need without it. I think I am barely getting it all in as it is. I would love some help.

I would appreciate feedback on this layout which I hope can be seen clear enough. Also any suggestions for easy-to-use software (mac) would be
appreciated. The google sketch I just couldn't figure out.

I am ready to do this remodel in July this year, if I can figure out a layout that is!
Thanks.

Here is a link that might be useful: click on New layout
vicnsb
Original Author
16 years ago
bumping hoping to get some help...

Layout...trying it again!

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