Again looking for input on the layouts

16 years ago

I've stopped posting for a while, just had to sort it all out and prioritize. Still searching for the perfect layout but I think I have a clearer idea now of what might work so I am back with my two "improved" layouts.

I definitely want to keep both the refrigerator and the sink with the dishwasher close to the island's seating area and also close to each other. Would also prefer to keep the clean-up sink off the island to save more of the island space for preparation.

We went over the ventilation with the contractor a couple of times and the outcome is good so far - as long as there is at least 4" of molding between the cabinets and the ceiling, he can run the duct from any location to connect to our existing duct. Therefore, the range can be located anywhere on the L.

So here are the two choices I have identified as the ones that would satisfy my two conditions (I apologize, my second image came out smaller this time, not sure why):

Other details and clarifications:

- The range will be all gas, 30" most likely, may be 36".

- I am also drawing an additional 24" wall oven but it can be an under counter one if we need the wall space for something else.

- For now, I skipped the 2nd sink in the second layout because I think if the main sink is in that location right behind the island, we may not "need" another sink.

- I tried moving the refrigerator in Option 1 further away to get the sink out of the corner, but I think it ends up too far from the range.

Any input is appreciated as I am having a hard time making this decision. My list of pros and cons so far:

Option 1: Pros - Putting groceries away is easier, separate clean-up and cooking zones, seems easier for making "something quick" which I do often. Cons - corner sink may not look good in that location (no windows), seating area is along the main traffic path

Option 2: Pros - fridge by the family room, possible to eliminate 2nd sink, things cooking on the range are visible while working on the island, seating area is nicer, probably overall better look. Cons - Putting groceries away is harder, cooking zone and clean-up zone overlap, range is far from the prep.area (meaning have to walk to the range instead of just turning around).

annab6

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Comments (8)

saskatchewan_girl
16 years ago
I like opt #1 ........ the fridge would be easier to access from both eating rooms. Could the sink and range be switched? Sounds like your not sure about where you put the sink in opt#1, then you'd have to move the DW between them. But it you could do some fantastic character to accent your range in the corner : )
If you decide on a more rectangular island that might also help with your seating near the traffic area OR you could change the island to the one you have in opt#2 : ) I think keeping your prep sink is a good idea too, at either ends of the island (I'd prefer it near the fridge, if I HAD an island with a prep sink LOL).
I have a couple of questions........Do you have a spot for the pantry, if your wanting one? Is the corner angle already in your kitchen? If not, you might be able to put a pantry in the corner and the sink/dw in the island. Just a thought : )
HTH
huango
16 years ago
quickie:

- how many cooks/cleaner in the family?
- how old are the kids?

Thoughts:
- You only unload groceries about 1-2x a week, but you'll be at a sink/range more often.
- I like option 2 because someone can cook at the range, while someone preps/clean ups at the sink w/out bumping into each other.
I'm just not a fan of corner sinks.

- check measurements: I don't think you can fit 4 stools in Option 2; I'd take away the one closest to the stairs/patio.

HTH
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annab6
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks huango and saskatchewan_girl,

I will answer all of the above.

So far I am the only cook and DH is the clean-up guy but we have 2 DDs (8 and 11 but growing fast) who want to cook with me more and more now.

We also have many activities so eating is often in shifts. So we decided that it is best to keep the fridge and dishwasher/dishes together to make it easier to get another plate, another spoon, juice, ketchup etc. and put the dirty dishes into the dishwasher when done. Also easier for the kids to have a quick breakfast or make a sandwich without the whole kitchen needing a clean-up after that.

Regarding the corner range for Option 1 - it could look great (however the main sink and the d/w would have to go on the island) but would it then be limited to only one person using the range at any point?

Regarding the tall pantry - not a priority for me, I would prefer a pantry consisting of a lower cabinet with drawers or pull-outs and a taller upper cabinet (like a hutch). I am 5'4" and tend not to use the items stored on the upper shelves or towards the back of a deep cabinet. However I do want a small broom closet either next to the fridge or next to the wall oven.

Regarding the chairs - we'll make sure four chairs fit in either design for those days when we are all there at the same time. If it is tight in Option 2 we may have to slide one down and make the adjacent cabinet smaller. But I really want to have a curved seating area, not all in a row. We now have a 48" round table which is my favorite thing about our current kitchen.

thanks
annab
sarschlos_remodeler
16 years ago
Hi Anna -- I've been following your layout with interest because I am working on a similar (although smaller) L + island layout. Personally, I like a hybrid of your two layouts. I like the flow of the second layout (no corner sink) on the L, but I like the seating on the first island much better. The second island looks like at least one seat would interfere with Fridge/sink traffic and a lot of bumping knees.

Also, you might want to consider putting a prep sink on the range end of the island to keep better zones -- a total luxury, of course, and maybe it would eat up too much storage?
gardenwebber
16 years ago
I am watching your thread with interest. I too, am using a simliar L + island layout and going back and forth about which end of the L to put the fridge and which way to orient the seating at the island!
rhome410
16 years ago
Another con to the corner sink is that you were afraid of the view of the sink from the dining room when I had your sink where the fridge is...Now it's more in view.

I like Saskatchewan girl's suggestion for swapping the range and corner sink. It would give you much better zone separation and puts your range on display instead of your cleanup sink. The zones, as they are, criss-cross with fridge-to-prep-to-stove traffic going past and through the cleanup zone. Swapping the stove and cleanup sink would solve that and make both sinks easier to use...And then I'd like that plan the best.

Can't you use whichever island shape you like best in either plan?
sarschlos_remodeler
16 years ago
Question on the corner range option -- If you're using a 36" range (and the corresponding 42" hood), how much wall space on either leg of the L would that take up to get the range in the corner? And would you then have to build an angled wall for the range to rest against?
rhome410
16 years ago
If you did the corner range, why would the sink and dw have to go in the island? They could go where you have the range in option 1...Just a swap.

Again looking for input on the layouts

Comments (8)

saskatchewan_girl

huango

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Again looking for input on the layouts

Comments (8)

saskatchewan_girl

huango

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annab6Original Author

sarschlos_remodeler

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annab6
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