Kitchen Layout, plshelp me make up my mind (about to lose it)!

12 years ago

Just when I thought we were set on the kitchen layout, a couple of major debates came up (more between my left half and my right half than between my DH and me).

Debate #1: Layout of cabinets on the Fridge side wall

This is purely about what tall cabinet should go where. The three options I'm debating about are (click on image for full size):

I realize that we will never stand behind the outer wall and stare at these cabinets, so it should be more about functionality than aesthetic appeal. This image annotates the functionality layout of various cabinets (as in Option 1):

The double oven cabinet has a big enough cutout that will allow me to put a shelf besides installing the MW oven and the oven. I choose to have the cookbooks above the oven to make the MW oven at a comfortable height for me (5'4"). I don't know for sure if the oven handle will ding the fridge door or not, but it doesn't appear so according to the installation guide.

What would you choose? (But probably you will want to know what's the layout across hall from this wall. Please read on.)

Debate #2: Is 69" of countertop for clean/prep/cook zone too long?

When I look at our new kitchen layout, I know I will be spending 80% of kitchen time between the sink and the cooktop. Right now, it's 69" long. I can easily move the pantry pullout (9") and change the 27" drawer base to 24" to shorten that stretch of countertop by 12". But should I???

A few other images may help you see the big picture:

Can anyone see the towel rack I came up with (in my head) under this breakfast counter? I'll rig it with some aftermarket drawer glides. So basically, it'll be a drawer with a few rods for the bottom. Then I can hang and hide towels down there.

Comments (3)

aloha2009
12 years ago
Breathe in, breathe out. Layout is so important and you want to get it right, but it does take time.

Question 2 - I will have 69" countertops too. When I posted a thread about shortening them up with floor to ceiling cabinets, it was overwelmening to keep two long 69" countertops.

Questions 1 - Have you read the negative threads about desk vs no desk. If you have, then you know what you are getting into. If you haven't I strongly encourage you to. I put one in my last remodel and it just collected papers (and I'm not very junky). Moved and our current house has a desk, that just collects papers. From what I've read on GW, I have plenty of company too. I realize that doesn't answer question 2, other then possibly rethinking the desk.
mudworm
Original Author
12 years ago
Aloha! thanks for sharing your thoughts!

As for the desk -- actually, it will not be used as a desk since our office desk area is right by the kitchen. It is just a breakfast bar type of area. But I wanted a lower countertop (30" vs the 36" height in the rest of the kitchen) in case some activities such as kneading call for it. A desk base cabinet allows for it without customization. I was also pleased to find out that the desk base is only ~21" deep, which will allow me to use 24" deep countertop (to be flush with the side panel of the tall cabinets) and still have a decent overhang. I'm planning to store dishes in those drawers.

The void to the left of desk base is also not meant for sitting. It will hide the pet feeding zone, a stepping stool and my innovative towel rack (can you tell I'm excited about that idea?).

Does any of those three layout options (of the tall cabinets) speak to you?
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blfenton
12 years ago
Question #1- I wouldn't do layout #1 because it just seems kind of chopped up so either one of the other two. What I can't tell from your renderings is where the fridge and ovens will be in relation to the stove. You might be better with the one where the fridge and ovens are right beside the desk so that they are not across from the range. The width of your aisles will come into play for this decision.

Questions #2- Definitely keep the 69" of counter. Where is the DW? Is it around the corner from the sink?
If things were squished at the stove end you might have wnated to adjust the configuration but it doesn't appear to be the case.

Kitchen Layout, plshelp me make up my mind (about to lose it)!

Comments (3)

aloha2009

mudworm
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Kitchen Layout, plshelp me make up my mind (about to lose it)!

Comments (3)

aloha2009

mudwormOriginal Author

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blfenton

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mudworm
Original Author