skip to main content

Kitchen layout advice please

Justin Schwartz

11 years ago

What do you think about the kitchen layout that I have attached? We are struggling with the trash location and think maybe it should be moved to the right of the dishwasher? Also, we are considering swapping the oven and pantry locations.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

aprilmack
11 years ago
Do you have the option of having two trash locations? If so, I would do one near the dishwasher as well.
muskokascp
11 years ago
I think the bigger issue is the distance of both the fridge and oven from the sink. Hopefully the design experts will chime in and suggest a more functional layout.
Related Discussions
Kitchen layout advice please!
Q
Comments (3)
Where is the oven in Option 2? The microwave has a place, but not the best place. Things that go in the microwave will come from mostly from the fridge/freezer and sometimes the pantry, so it's often best to have it near the fridge. I had it situated as you show in our last house, and it was 'ok,' but it was a tiny kitchen and absolutely the only place to put it up off the work counter. Why the double basin sink in the island and the smaller sink by the window? It seems to me there will be lots of zone crossing with the fridge on the opposite side of the cleanup area from the stove and prep area in #1. I consider the fridge a crucial part of my prep and cooking area, and don't want to travel back and forth through traffic and other activity in the midst of preparing a meal. Other people wanting to access the fridge can do the walking, since the timing for them is not so crucial. My opinion and according to the way I like to do things. May not be the same for you. I have 2 dishwashers, but don't consider them to be dish storage, because I want to know where to find things. Obviously sometimes I have to check a dishwasher if it hasn't been unloaded yet, but I don't want to encourage leaving things in there on purpose. What happens when roughly 1/2 or 2/3 of the contents have been removed? Or even 1/3? At that point, it doesn't seem to be an efficient use of the appliance to leave it partially full. Do you wait until it's all been emptied, or do you hit a certain point when it actually needs to be cleared and someone will understand that? I'm not trying to be sarcastic or anything, I just don't really relate to the idea, I guess.
...See More
Kitchen layout advice, please
Q
Comments (23)
Oh, so many helpful replies that my mind is reeling. Thank you all so much! Blfenton, yes, there are 53" between the sink and the island, and 38" between the range and the island. I'll post pics in a few minutes. I'm having a hard time picturing the triangular island, but I like the idea. Between the end of the sink run cabinet and the sliding door is 32" of wall with an electrical outlet and light switches. That is where the cat fountain and feeding dish are at present. It is unlovely. Davidrol, lol! Yes, I am practical. I want the kitchen to be pretty, but first I want it to function without smoke alarms going off and smells lingering. I don't want to keep opening and closing those annoying bifold doors in the garage entry. Note to self: Look into replacing those with different doors. Herbflavor, aha! I seem to have an acute lack of vision, which is why I came here in the first place. Okay, I will try to commit that to paper. Thank you for opening these possibilities for me. Rosie, I am trying to get my head around moving the doorway, mostly because I don't know what you mean by "bottom wall." The sink wall? Yes, a good counter and storage. Island or perimeter, I have no preference. I'll just have to play around and see what will feel the best. The thought of reorienting the island has just made my jaw gape open. I honestly hadn't considered it. Doh! More soon.
...See More
Kitchen Layout advice please
Q
Comments (3)
Three things - I would at a minimum trade the ref and the oven. This is because I use the ref a lot more than the oven, it makes an easier route to the ref from the sink or cooktop, and I have a chance to get into and out of the ref while people are seated. Which is the another thing. You may not be able to open the ref door while people are seated, or at least without the thrill of potentially hitting someone. I know this is shocking, but a 36" wide ref has at least a 35" wide door which means it will stick out into the aisle at least 35" plus a little bit more here or there for handles and door depth. A seated person sticks out into the aisle about 24". You have only a 42" aisle from the counter edge to the ref (without handles). The seated person and the ref door overlap by about 18". Excepting its likely worse than that. The island really isn't going to be 36" wide, it will be about 39 to 40" wide. A normal cabinet is around 24" deep without its doors or a decorative back. Both of those elements add 3/4" each. The countertop overhangs the front of the door by another 3/4". So the counter top is 26.5" plus 12" for a seating overhang or 38.5". Because your other aisle is already narrow (will actually be more like 38" wide, the seating aisle in front of the ref will be about 40" wide. Personally, I would get rid of the island seating and use a 30" wide top. I would want an aisle of about 60" (but at least 54") where seating is in front of important appliances. The last thing is I know you think its safe to have your cooktop with a seat in front because you placed a 42" tall counter behind it. It's not to me. Poor dh actually lit a newspaper on fire seated at that exact position. There is something about the raised bar that "feels" reassuring even when its dangerous. Aside from fire, spatters and splatters of hot fluid will easily go high and further than you think. Over time, I grew to resent the height of the stools and the loss of workspace right beside the cooking surface. I strongly encourage you to build a full height wall, but only right behind the cooktop and to consider having the seating at the counter height instead. I would tell you it was cheaper, and it is because the hoods are so much cheaper, but honestly, it will occur to you that you can use the difference on really fancy tile.
...See More
kitchen layout - advice please!
Q
Comments (1)
. Most specifically is the fridge too far from the sink? Room is about 18 feet long so fridge to sink is going to be 14 feet apart. Yes it's too far. 9' or less is considered ideal. On the non working side you need a minimum of 36" of walking space.
...See More
seattlecraftsman
11 years ago
Some like to have counter-space to a side of the fridge to help with loading from a grocery run. Your island would probably work alright.
I don't have a big kitchen, so while muskokascp is right in that your "work triangle" is pretty sizeable, I am not sure what kind of deal that would be for you. I personally prefer a range or oven right by cooktop to allow for pan sear with oven finish, but that still won't bring your fridge closer to the sink for the prescribed 9 foot max spread. It is only a suggestion afterall.

Anyway, some quick renders so others can picture and provide layout feedback:
dljmth
11 years ago
Would it be possible to somehow swap your range with your sink and perhaps center your range in the wall? That way your sink is closer to the refrig and your cooking spot is directly across from the island so you can turn and serve. Maybe you could put the dishwasher to the left of the sink and then you have a really nice prep corner from sink to range. Just a thought...
Justin Schwartz
Original Author
11 years ago
seattleCraftsman,
That is an amazing render. Can you make a new one with the oven and the pantry swapped? Also could you make the countertops white and the floor dark grey?
seattlecraftsman
11 years ago
Yep.
Swapped pantry and oven. Lighter countertops (not quite white) and a floor with some gray in it:

(Click through for larger versions)
herbflavor
11 years ago
put a 2nd sink in for starters....and break up your counters by doing 2 different colors if not materials.For example, looking at the pic with the dark counters-it looks great wrapping the perimeter under the window-draws attention and provides a "home" for the eye. Then do the lighter or something different for the island and inside wall counter area.
sena01
11 years ago
I think if you move seating to a peninsula beside DW and decrease the size of the island, traffic will be better.

I tried to draw something. I am accustomed to the metric system, I hope I got the measurements right.
User
11 years ago
This is a kitchen that will help with weight loss. Lot of extra exercise! It's too spread out and not at all conducive to good work flow.

The layout suggested by sena01 has MUCH better workflow. Except that I would eliminate the island entirely and scootch up the peninsula closer in to the range to give better clearance for the seating. Now you have a nice tight triangle and easy access to everything you need without walking for miles.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Smart Investments in Kitchen Cabinetry — a Realtor's Advice

By Tiffany Carboni

Get expert info on what cabinet features are worth the money, for both you and potential buyers of your home

Straight-Up Advice for Corner Spaces

By Shawn Gauthier

Neglected corners in the home waste valuable space. Here's how to put those overlooked spots to good use

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Design Tips Learned From the Worst Advice Ever

By Mitchell Parker

If these Houzzers’ tales don’t bolster the courage of your design convictions, nothing will

TASTEMAKERS Book to Know: Design Advice in Greg Natale’s ‘The Tailored Interior’

By Grace Chamia

The interior designer shares the 9 steps he uses to create cohesive, pleasing rooms

KITCHEN STORAGE Knife Shopping and Storage: Advice From a Kitchen Pro

By Tiffany Carboni

Get your kitchen holiday ready by choosing the right knives and storing them safely and efficiently

LIFE Get the Family to Pitch In: A Mom’s Advice on Chores

By Alison Hodgson

Foster teamwork and a sense of ownership about housekeeping to lighten your load and even boost togetherness

HEALTHY HOME How to Childproof Your Home: Expert Advice

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Safety strategies, Part 1: Get the lowdown from the pros on which areas of the home need locks, lids, gates and more

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design

By Buckminster Green LLC

Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Sound Advice for Designing a Home Music Studio

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

How to unleash your inner guitar hero without antagonizing the neighbors

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating Advice to Steal From Your Suit

By Sophie Seeger

Create a look of confidence that’s tailor made to fit your style by following these 7 key tips

Sponsored

More Discussions

Americana Cabinets by Midwest

0

Are counter installers covering a mistake?

8

Klearvue cabinet measurements

2

base cabinet and sink size

4

wood wrap for under the island

2