Suggestions for more counter space (peninsula, base cabinet, etc)

13 years ago

Hi Everyone, I've long enjoyed this forum, and this is my first post, so be kind :)

I recently did a little remodeling project in the kitchen to allow for an additional counter space, but I need some advice. Right now I just have too many ideas running through my head, and I've always had troubles just making decisions.

{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}From kitchen

So if you look at the image provided, there is a red box in the lower middle where there used to be a drain pipe, with a wall extended out 1x1.5 ft, making that wall pretty much unusable for anything. I rerouted that pipe and now the wall is flat again, leaving a 3ft stretch.

My question is how could I add both prep space and seating room for when there are guests?

My original thought was build something like this kitchen peninsula found here http://www.handymanclub.com/projects/articletype/articleview/articleid/5297/piece-of-cake-kitchen-plans.

with the short edge against the wall.

My wife felt that it stuck into the room to far, so we tried turning it long edge against the wall(which would have to be shortened) and she like that a lot better, but I think that limits us to seating or prep, but you couldn't do both.

Then I thought what if it was movable, so you could leave it against the wall long ways when no ones there, for prep, then pull it out to the middle of the room like an island when theres guests that could sit against the wall.(I think the room is too small for a permanent island)

And with that thought I went farther and thought rather than have it open on both sides, what if I used a bookshelf, or wall cabinet on a base, and had a 10-12" overhang, so that it would look like a normal base cabinet, but then when you pull it out, tada! seating by the wall.

OK, like I said, I'm awful at decisions, and I keep thinking of things. I need HELP!!!

What do you think I should do?

Ryan

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Comments (14)

User
13 years ago
I think that limits us to seating or prep, but you couldn't do both.

Unfortunately, I think your space limits you to seating or prep, not your design.

If you do something like a base cabinet or bookshelf with a 10 inch overhang, then the small table, wedged as close to the wall as possible to avoid those doors, will also have minimal legroom. How much do you like your guests?
rrschmitz
Original Author
13 years ago
I am attaching some live photos of what I'm talking about.
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
From kitchen

Ryan
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remodelfla
13 years ago
What if you were to use some kind of a gateleg type table or prep space that had a hinged part that you could flip up for additional eating or buffet space?
rrschmitz
Original Author
13 years ago
I've thought about that, but just cant figure out how that would really work. I mean what way it would open to, what would it me used for, etc. I have a rolling cart that has a flip up table, but it never gets used because its awkward.

I'd also like to mention, I hope it was obvious that the table in the pics was just a prototype for experimenting :) Didn't want people thinking I was actaully planning on using that.
remodelfla
13 years ago
How about something like this?
{{!gwi}}
or this?
morgne
13 years ago
I'm sorry. I'm not sure of the scope of the question. Do we get to move things around or are the current items/counters/etc stationary? You said you had just done some work in there so I wasn't sure.

M.
motherof3sons
13 years ago
I wanted this when my kitchen was remodeled in 2002. Wood Mode has this feature (or had). This would be a project for a cabinetmaker. Really like the sample from Remodelfa.
ironcook
13 years ago
oooh, remodelfla... i really like that.

could you provide a link?

thank you. :)
ironcook
13 years ago
hi ryan,

it took me a little while to figure out your plan (i'm slow), but the photos were a great help.

i think your idea is terrific. it's so nice you are handy and can build that.

my only concern with the base cabinets would be 1) knee banging and 2) tipping over the island. but my guess is you are very capable, and would figure out how to avoid that.

good luck and please post pictures when you're done! :)
rrschmitz
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks everyone for your feedback.

To answer some questions, I'm afraid the item posted by remodelfla is very cool, but way to big for the situation, plus I don't see how having the counter move in and out is that big of a help because you still have to stash the chairs somewhere. For those interested, here is the actual link to that product: http://www.wolffurniture.com/Item.aspx?ItemID=-1994755930&ItemNum=4024-505%2b2x591.

For morgne's question, the only thing I am changing is the 3 ft wall where we removed the pipe, the rest of the cabinets are staying put.(though I know they are not perfect, but I'm not doing a complete kitchen makeover.)
herbflavor
13 years ago
think 24 in depth-projecting out from your 36 in space..this can be open below or a cab below for some storage-as this projection moves into the middle of room, sculpt a circle or curved end with some circular dimension which will be right behin sink/stove area-for prep-can stick a counter height stool or 2 there. This is like a peninsula-but get that curve at the end-will add interest.
rrschmitz
Original Author
13 years ago
so similar to my first 2 pictures, but with a rounded edge? That could make a lot of sense, because my wifes issue with that configuration was that she was afraid of running into the corners if she wasn't looking.

that table is 24"x40"

Ryan
still_lynnski
13 years ago
I think an extended counter might be more useful in the current fridge space than isolated on the 'new' section of wall. You could move your fridge to that newly-flattened section of wall (though you might want to reverse the direction of the door swing). Since you're handy, I bet you could build a counter in such a way that it could fold to transform from full depth counter to shallow counter top so that you could have prep space or the occasional space for guests. But IMO, the new counter would work better where the fridge is now. Can you bring an electrical outlet to that new section of wall?
herbflavor
13 years ago
the curve part can be just curved corners, or a regular circular projection of some sort on the end-half of a circle or such. With no squared off end-can come out perhaps to 50 in or so-since there is a continuous curve back

Suggestions for more counter space (peninsula, base cabinet, etc)

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Suggestions for more counter space (peninsula, base cabinet, etc)

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