Enclose the URL between the quote marks in <img src=" " /> and your pictures should post fine.

Here you go:

Hi Mom! You are wise to post here to come up with the most efficient plan. I think this is the most important part of a build or remodel- finding out what works best for your family.

At first glance, the corner sink may not be the most efficient. It would be difficult to access the uppers behind it.
My thoughts would be to switch the fridge and pantry. Many items go straight from the fridge to table. Then move the dishwasher and sink down by the pantry. This way the sink person doesn't get in the way of the stove person...

I would also play with the shape of the island. 36 inches is pretty tight for a main walkway. 42 would be better. Maybe even move the sink to the other end. You would then wash, cut and cook in that direction.

Love the more open style you are going for- best wishes!

I'm wondering if you'd might be happier with the island turned the other way. I personally like a 36" walkway as for me it's easier to just turn without takign a step but I do agree with moving the fridge - that way people sitting at the table don't have to cross into your path.

I almost like the layout of your old kitchen better

I like the old shape of your kitchen better than the new shape. I hope your title is just a joke and you don't really have five children! If you do, when are you going to have time to remodel a kitchen:-)

I have a few questions:
1. In your current kitchen, do you have a wall separating the table from the kitchen?
2. With the current layout, I see that one side of the kitchen already has really deep counters and I would suggest that all sides have at least 30" deep cabinets. I don't know which manufacturer you are looking at for you cabinets but the extra 3" makes a huge difference when you have a small space.
3. I would suggest that you move things around in the current layout rather than add an island. With your space, I think an island may not be practical.
4. Where is your microwave?
5. I also like to see at least 21" of landing space on either side of the cooktop if you can afford it.
6. What are you trying to achieve by remodeling the kitchen? Do you have your appliances yet? Are you a cook or will this kitchen be used for warming up takeout?

Good luck!

Plllog-Thanks for the info on that.
Buffettgirl-Thanks for adding the pictures!

I was also concerned about the corner sink really not giving me extra room. I was thinking about the fridge down there, but didn't know if it would be strange having it right beside the table. I'll be buying a new 8 seat table. I hope it doesn't swallow my kitchen. We have a 4 seat table now. The way our kitchen is now there is so much wasted counter space on both corner areas.
We have a huge support beam in the middle of the kitchen. If we rotated the island I think it would look strange because of the way the lighting would hang down.
My dh changed a couple things around. What about the way it looks this way or swapping the pantry and fridge like you guys said?

In the newer layout, when the dishwasher is open, no one will be able to get to the sink.

Good luck!

Not sure if this is an option: move the larger sink to the island along with the dishwasher and maybe a pullout trash. It will give the dishwasher door better clearance(you don't want it blocking the pathway for sure) may make meal cleanup a little easier, everything moves to island to sink.
You could then put a small prep sink on any of the other counters.
I'm in the camp with the fridge moved to the pantry location as long as you have good door clearance. I'm not too sure the age of your children but they could get their own drinks without really getting in the way of the cooking area.
Moving the big sink to the island would also let you shift the stove down giving more room on each side which is more comfortable for cooking.
Good luck, there is soooo much to consider but everyone here is so helpful and good at their suggestions.

oops, checking your dimensions you would just barely make it with the 33" sink and dw in the island
and no trash pullout for sure

Homepro-sorry I didn't see your message before I posted again.
I do have 5 wonderful children! :) The twins are 4 and the trio is 20 months. It's a crazy life, but the best thing in the world!

1.The only thing that separates the kitchen is the long counter with the upper cabinets that follow.

2.Those deep counters seem to be lost empty space for us.

3.We were thinking the island because it would open up a small area and rid us of the upper cabinets that makes the "kitchen part" seem so closed up.

4.Microwave will be above stove. (currently we have a counter top one)

5.I was wondering about the area at the stove also. I thought I needed more room.

6.Our kitchen doesn't work for us. It's too divided, cramped in the work area, we don't like the long counter top, 2 people can't use the stove and sink at the same time since it's so close together and of course we want something nicer.

Appliances-will be buying a new dishwasher and microwave, but keeping the stove and fridge to save money.

We mostly cook being a family of seven so it's important to me to have a kitchen that works for a large family. I'm thinking long term of 5 teenagers and 2 adults! :)

You're drawing the island as if it was supposed to be able to have stools. If you do that, you need almost 5 feet between the edge of the island and the edge of the table (and all it really does is provide yet another place to sit).

Is there a way to make the table and the island the same? Meaning have some lowered cabinets on the end of the table with seating on three sides - or - sorta gluing the table onto the island at cabinet height or...

Is there a way to have a built-in bench (banquette) on two sides of the table and get some more space between it and the island?

Altho some people here do use 36" aisles, your recommend aisle width is 48" because of the future cooking classes. Currently, you have about 5 feet between the range and the far side of the U. Try putting a box 3 feet from the dishwasher or 3 feet from the range and see how you like it before committing to it.

Perhaps if you could take graph paper and sketch the entire room (your drawing isn't to scale)? If you have a digital camera or a scanner, you can take a picture of the sketch and post it. Or try asking the cabinet company to give you a floor plan for the kitchen in digital form.

What rooms surround the kitchen and how do you get to/from them from the kitchen? Placement of things like the refrigerator cannot be determined without knowing what rooms the kitchen doorways lead to. For example, if the FR is below the kitchen, then the current location is probably the best location...not where the pantry is.

I'll have to do a hand sketch for you guys.
My stairs are to the right on the table (looking sideways) along with the back door.
I have 2 small hallways beside the fridge and to the right of the fridge that lead to a dining room (not using) and the living room. I have a pantry closet already to the right also. Did that make sense?
So you walk into the kitchen you see the kitchen table in the back and the fridge to the right of you.

The table connected to the island sounds good, but if I had to replace the table then it would be connected.
I'm so confused about this kitchen! I'm stressed out about the layout and the work hasn't even started yet.

I don't know if this is helpful, but you can take as long as you like until you're satisfied with the plan. A cabinet person may want you to decide tomorrow, but you're going to live with it and take the time you need.

I think we all would say it gets both better and occasionally worse as the project progresses.

Martinis are good; wine's ok. Long hot baths are da bomb!

I think the best thing you can do right now is to sit down and draw your kitchen up to scale...preferably on graph paper. Include all windows and doors/doorways as well as the widths of each and the distances between walls and the windows & doorways. Once you have a to-scale drawing I think you will begin to see how everything fits, or not!

Yes, there are recommended guidelines for aisles and seating clearances, etc. See the link below.

Take your time...don't let KDs or cabinet guys or anyone else pressure you into making a decision just because they want to get going. As Bmorepanic said, this is your kitchen and you will have to live with it for a long time while they're just around for a short time. Remember, you're paying these people to do what you want, not what they want. Some KDs stress form over function...i.e., they care more about how it "looks" than how it works.

So, relax, step back, and go back to the beginning!

Good luck!

Oh, BTW...don't start demolition or anything else until you have a final design that you're happy with...AND the cabinets and appliances are in. You don't want to be without a kitchen while you wait around for your cabinets...and many times cabinets, etc are NOT delivered on time.

Here is a link that might be useful: NKBA Kitchen Planning Guidelines