Here's an elevation of the kitchen. I couldn't figure out how to put 2 images in at once. Again, we're not going to do the shelves around the window because I thought it would be too much with the arch (not shown) and because they're only 6" -- not big enough for my teapots that I had wanted to display.

I actually have a very similar situation in my kitchen. I also don't want the small hinged cabinet. I've been collecting images of open corner cabinets for inspiration. Let me try posting one.

This post was edited by belle_va on Mon, Mar 18, 13 at 16:52

Thanks, that's a good image to consider. I have found these on Houzz:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/historic-foursquare-kitchen-rustic-kitchen-minneapolis-phvw-vp~690883-Foursquare-Kitchen-traditional-kitchen-minneapolis

https://www.houzz.com/photos/blue-bell-pa-traditional-kitchen-philadelphia-phvw-vp~878764-Bell--PA-traditional-kitchen-philadelphia

http://www.houzz.com/projects/2945/Repainting-the-kitchen-cabinets

https://www.houzz.com/photos/special-kitchen-traditional-kitchen-boston-phvw-vp~1775261-KITCHEN-traditional-kitchen-boston

I'm trying to figure out if having an open L-shaped cabinet to left of sink and closed 30" cabinets to right will look funny.

mopsmd, thank you so much for the links. those images are really, really helpful to me, especially the third one. i actually am considering an open cabinet next to a stove hood. i think open cabinets could look nice if they relate to your overall design- i.e. would you have some open storage anywhere else? i think if this is the only open shelving anywhere in your kitchen, it might not seem balanced. can your KD do a mock up drawing for you? that will probably help a lot.

Thanks for that thought. We will have the open shelves on the island -- half-circle, 36" wide, 12" deep. So coming in from one entrance they would mirror each other.

Glad those links are helpful. I've been combing the internet all day for such pictures!

I can ask my KD to do a design (I think at this point she's a little tired of me, though honestly she has only herself to blame because last week she got me to consider and agree to an entirely new arrangement!). I definitely need to see something, have a hard time visualizing without it on paper.

One thing is I'm not going to have much of a molding at the top, so I wonder if that will affect the look of an open cabinet.

What kind of hood are you having?

Also, have you seen this thread - there's a picture that might be of use to you, with an open cabinet next to a hood.

Here is a link that might be useful: open cabinet next to hood

Of course, I see the open shelves now. I should have looked more closely before asking! I do think they would mirror each other and could be a nice design feature. FWIW- I don't think the gap you mention as a possibility on either side of your window would look bad though I know it would cut into your storage space since you would need to replicate on the other side. I've seen some kitchens with a purposeful gap and they looked good. Like you I need to see everything mocked up. I have a hard time visualizing, especially scale. (BTW, the space between the fridge and the range seems very tight. One design we considered had a similar space and I just could not figure out what I would do with that counters pace. Of course, I feel like every time I solve one design problem, I create a new one.)

I would like a feature hood- maybe a flared chimney style though that is probably not going to work visually. It might end up being a sort of chunky mantel type. My space is small. Very small. The corner like yours runs into my range instead of my sink. The thread you linked to really helped! I am more resolute about using an open cabinet now.

This post was edited by belle_va on Mon, Mar 18, 13 at 18:23

Yes, the range is very close to the fridge -- 12" -- but if I move the range over for more space I'll have almost no space between the range and the sink. I can't move the sink because of the window. It's the window that's really messing things up. My architect wanted me to have the sink in the corner but I said no - I need it to be below the window.

Of course, my previous kitchen was a tiny galley with 3 doors and 2 windows and almost no counter top space. So this seems luxurious to me.

belle_va what do you think of this -- this is similar to what I have in mind (the open cabinet next to the sink with a valence or something across the sink) but mine would be L-shape.

Depending on the size of your hood, I'd be wanting to make sure the open cabinet didn't feel overwhelmed next to it. But I think it could work esp. if you have some crown molding up at top.

Here is a link that might be useful: open cabinet next to window

I think that would work just fine in your space. Especially since you have the open shelves on the island. It will tie everything together. I definitely have found myself wishing for three more inches here or six more inches there... but I guess the challenge is to work with the space we have.

Yes, I tell you just an extra 3 inches and I could have had the arrangement I really wanted! Plus if I could just move my kitchen window 6 inches to the right....

I searched that blog and found a better picture of the entire kitchen where you can see how the open shelves look next to the window. I do think it's worth me considering. I'm also having a white kitchen and the open shelves add some visual interest and color.

Here is a link that might be useful:

An extra inch is all that is needed in the corner with insets, 3" is overkill. Do they do size modifications? Combine cabinets?

First of all, do not rush this decision, being without a kitchen is inconvenient now but you are spending too much money to not take the proper time to decide what you want. Large gaps around the window would look odd, the small shelves do not fix that, and I am not sure why filler would ever have to be used for a blind upper if you are using inset cabinets. My kitchen is similar in layout and we have the fridge at the end of the sink run on the far right, it allows more space around the range. As far as an open corner cabinet goes, they look so unfinished and odd when they are the only open upper shelves in a kitchen. My upper corner is almost the same dimensions (24 x 28) and opens into the center, the doors are not so small as to look odd or be less functional. If you move the fridge to the far right then you could have glass cabinets to the left of the fridge for display or you could flank the rage with glass cabinets.

Here's a pic detailing that, from one of my early inspiration pictures.

I stay out of these things usually but surprised the layout gurus haven't had at it.
RE what athomeinva had to say (especially take your time)- and my question about combining cabinets- here is one option

This works IF you combine cabinets and use a D sink (a better option than a double in my experience but YMMV :)
messed with the island a little just to bring it up. This is doable in many semi custom brands and has better storage by a lot.
Have no idea what your space is like but this is one of the options I'd likely be suggesting depending (I hate when KD's don't draw the whole space)

This is all I'll have on this... I have work to do and like I said don't mess with these, I'm just a sucker for small kitchens :)

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elevations