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Planning new kitchen....I'd love some help

14 years ago

Our kitchen reno is due to start the first week of August. We've spent more time reading this forum and looking at magazines than I ever imagined we would and now I'm starting to get a little muddled. I'd love some input.

The contractor is booked, the cabinets will be replaced with creamy white shaker to the ceiling, new stovetop and double oven are ordered, and new floor tile is picked.

I'll have lots of questions over the next few months but first things first..

1. I need to choose bigger window over sink. I think 4 feet wide is as much cabinet space as I can give up. What height would look good? what kind?screens?Upper header will be gone and I plan to use glass tile. Should I keep a moulding or frame the window with tile?

2. I need a new patio door. Would like roll away screen but have dogs and kids. I will have to stick with 6 feet due to the budget.

3. We need to find a large double sink ( at least 36 inches )with small sink on the left in stainless steel with a low divide. Does it exist?

any suggestion ?

My first attempt at linking photos did not work...I'll try again

Thanks

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Comments (8)

albemi
Original Author
14 years ago
It worked but.......

I chose medium size. Is there a better way to resize?
I hope I get faster at this or I'm going to have to take a leave from work to get this done!!!

Thanks
chicagoans
14 years ago
I can't answer all your questions, but here is an initial response:

#1. Regarding window size over the sink: what height are the ceilings? Are there other windows or doors in the room and what height are they? Also, it will be less expensive to get a standard-sized window rather than custom, so that might dictate the height of your window.

I personally like the look of molding/trim around a window, whether or not you tile around it too. I think the molding is also part of the framing; not sure though.

Regarding window screen: yes! You will want to open the window to get a nice breeze but not invite bugs in.

#3: Here is one option for the sink. Don't know about the low divide and it's a bit smaller than 36", but not by too much.
Kohler Model Number: K-3356-L; Dimensions: 35-1/8" x 20-1/8" x 9-5/8"
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jsweenc
14 years ago
Wow... Your kitchen is already beautiful. I can understand wanting to make it your own, but just have to say it looks as good as many of the finished kitchens on here. Good to be planning this far ahead!

Will the layout change at all or does it work well for you now?

As far as picture size, I had to ask this question just last week. I found how to resize them automatically when I downloaded and couldn't remember how to change that option. But now I know. If you go to your upload page and see where it says "more options" in blue right under "Upload now", it gives you the option of choosing the download size. I had medium but have changed to large, and it is much better. I think you can make them smaller but not larger, so you may have to upload them again.

Opinions only:
1. Ask your contractor what is the tallest window you could get. That would be my vote... as far down to the counter and as far up to the ceiling as he will allow. (I have an 8' span of windows, two double casements... love them, and wish I could have more. GC allowed me 42" high for my 8' ceilings. I love how easy it is to open them. Caveat -- I have cats, and though they are not supposed to get on the counters, they do, and at night when the bugs come to the windows, they attack the screens, which are on the inside for casements. Didn't think about that until the screens went in. You should be OK with dogs unless they get on the counters to get at the bugs.)

Agree with chicagoans on the molding ... yes. Screens, yes, depending on where you are. Will you open the windows a lot? Do you have bugs?

(I just reread and saw that I agreed with chicagoans on the other questions too, just missed that fact. : ) )

2. ? Not sure what your question was.

3. Here are some sinks with low dividers. Sorry, I don't have time to make active links for them, but you can just triple click to highlight, then command/control C, then control V in your empty or highlighted browser.

http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?prod_num=5838%2D7U

http://www.elkayusa.com/cps/rde/xchg/elkay/hs.xsl/elkay-res-16192.aspx

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0919032530825.html
albemi
Original Author
14 years ago
Funny, I wrote this post earlier today and it seemed to vanish. I couldn't find it anywhere in the forums. I sent it again later in the day, if you happen to see a similar one by me.
Thanks jsweenc, the couple who built this house did a great job on the kitchen.It seems such a waste to rip it out but we are here for the long haul and my husband loves to cook so he's treating himself to bigger appliances, a range hood that vents outside so the smoke detectors will stop going off , and stone counter tops. I just want to get rid of the white sinks and have a huge garbage can.
The layout actually works well except that there is no long run of counter space and even the island is useless to find space to lay things on. So, I think we'll take out the corner microwave and put it with the double oven to open up the corner, move theDW to the other side of the sink and put a flat surface on the island.
We could have kept the floors but they are forest green and everyone has convinced me I'll regret it if I don't replace them now and have to choose all the rest of the colors based on them. So here we are! It's been fun planning but now that I have to stat making final decisions I'm paralyzed by indecision.

1. Chicagoans, we have lots of bugs in the spring here and we back on the woods but I have not been opening the window at all because it opens out into a path on the deck where you walk between a hot tub. I think a slider would work better but I see concerns about reaching over to open it. Any other ideas. I just saw a link tonight with lots of photos with to the counter windows ...I'm going to show them to my contractor. They all put molding on the other 3 sides and it looks good.

2. The kohler sink is a great option, very close I think. I seem to be drawn to something with more squared off corners. jsweenc, I'm embarrassed to admit I can't open the links even with detailed instructions. I'm stuck 'control v in your highlighted browser'..

thanks to both of you...it's so fun to have some input
jsweenc
14 years ago
albemi, don't be embarrassed. I should have simply said "Copy and paste the link into your browser". I use shortcuts but if you're not used to them, it's more trouble than it's worth when you just want to get somewhere. So let me try again.

Copy and paste the link into your browser.

So is your window a casement? The only types of windows I know of are casement, double hung, slider and awning. The awning might be an option; it would still open into the path but not as far, and I think you can still crank them out as opposed to having to push them out. That's why we changed. I could never get our double hung over the sink open or closed without getting a chair, and even then it was difficult without standing somewhat on the counter. Was the link to the windows to the counter on GW? There is a great thread with great pictures about that if you haven't seen that one.

Here is a link that might be useful: Counter height windows
albemi
Original Author
14 years ago
I did it!

I think Chicagoans Kohler sink is the closest so far. I really love the large single zero radius look but I have no room for a prep sink in another part of the kitchen. Have either of you seen anyone put a small prep sink next to a large single?

jsweenc, the counter height forum is very helpful. thanks
willis13
14 years ago
I just replaced my window... I picked the height to match an existing window on that side of the house, which is also the same height as the door (I think houses should look good from the outside as well as the inside if possible!) and the bottom to be level with my countertop. Easy!

A friend cautioned me big time about having a window you have to lean over the sink to open - she can't. So I went casement. Like you they will open into a bit of a traffic area, between the door and the patio steps, but oh well.

I also just ordered my sink - Blanco super supreme. It has the small sink on the right though, but it might be worth taking a look.
albemi
Original Author
14 years ago
It must be true. Everyone says not to use a slider but when I stand there it seems like it wouldn't be too much trouble. Anyone else with a pull up window over the sink?

Your Blanco sink is nice too. They don't seem to have a flipped option. I was hoping for something like the Blanco precision 1 1/2 U but opposite.

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