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crnaskater

kitchen for single person

crnaskater
15 years ago

Almost all messages on kitchen design and layout, etc. are by people with SO and/or kids. I would like to hear from people who live alone (the over 50 crowd please?)

Do you cook for yourself?

Do you entertain rarely/sometimes/often?

Have you found the various kitchen magazines helpful?

Since you probably have lived in a variety of kitchens over your life, do you have any 'must-have' for today?

Any thoughts or wisdom you want to share for a single homeowner (no kids/SO/Family) that thinks about the Senior years, would be appreciated.

Comments (28)

  • fandlil
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I think a lot depends on how seriously you take cooking. If you like to cook fancy meals, it doesn't matter that you're by yourself. You may need equipment that's above the usual. Do you stir fry? Make delicate sauces that will spoil if over heated? Souffle's? Roasts?

    You can pretty much rule out a 6 burner cooktop unless you plan to entertain a lot. Are looks and fashion important? The fancy ones come in smaller 30 inch models.

    If age and declining abilities are a consideration, then some of the new technology might be worth considering if you can afford it. They have the advantages of gas -- instantaneous changes in temperature without the heat and hazard of gas.

  • mmme
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Well, I do have kids and a husband now, but I remember fondly the days when I lived alone--and cooked alone every single day.

    My one must-have item in a kitchen where I cook solo is a good sound system. Seriously, when I cook alone, I like to listen to music or NPR. A crummy radio with a lousy signal just can't compete with the noise of chopping, sizzling, or dishwashing. I've got two grandmas who also live and cook alone, and I think they would agree, primarily because they are hard of hearing.

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  • marthavila
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Treeskate, I heart your question! As one who is 55+ and single (empty nester with an XH), I am definitely building a new kitchen primarily to be used and enjoyed by one person -- me. And I love it!

    Now, to answer your questions:
    (1) Yes, I cook for myself.
    (2) Currently, I don't entertain often. But that's primarily because my home has been in chaos for the past 3 years with various reno projects, stalls, etc. I keep telling myself that, once my kitchen is done, I'm going to become the Pearl Mesta of my block. LOL! (We'll see)
    (3) I don't find the various kitchen magazines very helpful at all. I've got a NYC galley-style kitchen in a 1901 limestone rowhouse. Most of the kitchen mags don't spend alot of time on kitchens with my space limitations.
    (4)The biggest "must have" for me is counter space. For the past 20 years, I've been living with a truly unfitted kitchen that has NO counter space. While I won't gain much with this reno, the idea that I will finally have SOME counter space upon which to set things down, prepare foods, lay out cookbooks, etc., will probably feel like reaching kitchen nirvana!

    The other essential is seating/dining space. While I had a kitchen table and chairs before I began this reno, it was primarily used as food prep space. For the past year since I've been in start-stop mode with this remodel, I've had NO kitchen table and chairs. So, another "must have" for me is an actual eating/seating area in the kitchen where I can sit myself down and relax should I care to, as well as be able to invite my visiting family and friends to do the same.

    Now, all that aside, let me tell you that this kitchen reno has become a midlife project of a size and scope that I never envisioned when I first started out. For so many reasons not worth going into, let's just say that I've now multiplied my initial budget many times over. Further, in the course of becoming TKO, I admit to now planning a kitchen that exceeds the needs of a single person. For example (and as As Haus Proud suggests), I should probably have ruled out a 6 burner range for lack of need. But guess what? My beloved antique stove, the focal point of my kitchen "facelift", died on me in the early stages of the project. It was a 6-burner unit with double ovens below and 2 "warming" ovens atop. What did I replace it with? An Aga 6-4 with 6 burners and 4 ovens! Did I need that much stove? No! But am I used to having all the cooking freedom of a big range? Yes. So not only did I go out and buy a range of similar size, but also, I insisted that it look damn purdy as my replacement focal point!

    That brings me to my closing point, Treeskate. I've finally decided that it's really "ok" to have the kitchen I want -- at this point in my life because (A)I've never had a kitchen even close to my dreams in all my life and (B) I can finally afford to do it, and (C) There's no one to argue with me about my near-dream kitchen and (D) Heck. I deserve it!

    So, if at 55+, my new kitchen will seem "overbuilt" to some, that doesn't matter 'cause it works for me! In fact, once completed, I intend to make good on a promise to myself to fully use the heck out of my great new kitchen. I even envison myself changing my relationship to cooking as more of task of fun than necessity. That is, I'd like to develop cooking as a hobby and enroll in some specialized cooking courses. I see myself doing lots more entertaining in which I'm trying out exciting new meals, made on my fancy new cooking equipment, and serving them toth family and friends who probably won't give a damn that I just spent years struggling with choices of appliances, cabs, counter tops, backsplash, etc.!

    Or maybe none of that will happen. Perhaps just me and my cat, Zoe, will finally have a warm, comfy, purdy kitchen in which to cook and eat and nestle as we grow old together. Or, finally, if and when I decide to downsize, maybe I'll sell this house to a swell young family that will take one look at my kitchen (as XH and I did with that antique stove 20 years ago) and decide it's just the kitchen for them!

    One can still dream -- and even realize a few -- in midlife can't they?):)

    HTH

  • bluekitobsessed
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Marthavila, what a wonderful post and what a great attitude! Now I want to see your Aga! I'm not sure if I count in answering this question, as I have a teenage DS at home who scorns cooking and another who theoretically visits once a week. I save my best meals for them and for company. I will cook for myself only, but usually either recipes that I know can be used in leftovers or relatively simple meals (eg omelet). I believe that it's important to take care of oneself, which does not mean Lean Cuisines gobbled while standing over the kitchen sink all the time. I take cooking classes occasionally, and like to browse WS, Sur La Table, and such.

    The kitchen porn mags tend to be useless because they have kitchens 20' x 25' and lots of ideas for multi-cook families. I don't see the need for two sinks or two DWs in my house -- they are right for some people, but not me. The 36" range (my wonderful Thermador) feels like a massive upgrade.

    How tall are you? My 84 y o mom, under 5' and shrinking, believes that my hood is too tall for her to reach. (I ruled out a MW over oven early on because I am vertically challenged, and the tallest cabinets are effectively useless). If I were seriously designing for a senior, I would think that everything should be low. Faucets with lever handles are better than faucets with x handles.

    Finally, in a way it's a blessing to not have to consult with a DH on budgets, cabinets, or contractors, and instead do MY kitchen MY way! (with help from GW, of course)

  • abejadulce_z9b
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Woo HOO Marthavilla! I celebrate you and your kitchen!

    I am married, but I have no children and never will. At age 43, I can say that if DH was sucked out of the bed by a UFO as I write, I wouldn't be making a lot of decisions differently. We both cook. He is a more ambitious cook than I am. He will make pasta and bread, pickles, cheese and corned beef from scratch. If the stock is cloudy he'll make a raft and clarify it.

    Our kitchen is a HUGE step up given what we've been living with, but it will still be small and decidedly low-end by almost anyone's standards.

    Overbuilding is an issue to consider for your neighborhood if resale is an issue, but not for one vs. more occupants of the house. Otherwise, create a kitchen that will delight YOU!

    Beatrice

    PS - We will be expecting a LOT of pictures!

  • mustbnuts zone 9 sunset 9
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi there! I am designing my kitchen for me. Of course, it has to fit my budget and the footprint of my current (almost former) kitchen. I liked the overall layout of my tiny kitchen, so I wasn't about to change it and wouldn't have the room if I did (want to change it that is).

    I did set a budget for my appliances and pretty much stuck with it. I wish I could have gone to a 36 inch range, but had only enough space for a 30 inch. I got both the Bosch range and a Bosch dishwasher. I would have loved a DCS, Dacor, AGA, etc., but couldn't afford it.

    I currently wash everything by hand (I don't see the need for a dishwasher even though I had one). I will be training myself to use my new Bosch dishwasher once it is installed. Since I was replacing those appliances, I decided to replace my fridge to a new french door one. So far the jury is out whether or not I will like this over the top freezer model I previously had. I don't like side-by-sides at all.

    Now, do I look at Kitchen Porn. No. Most of those kitchens are way too big for my space. Most of those kitchens are way too expensive for my budget. Now, that said, I guess I can say I do watch some Kitchen Porn on DIY, HGTV, Fine Living, and the Food Network. Those are about the only tv stations I watch.

    Do I cook? You bet! I live alone and I am worth cooking for! I love to cook. I usually entertain once a week. I do everything from fancy to good old home cooking. I will seek out the best ingrediants and am not afraid to try new things or seek out the best the local farmers have to offer. I love doing that! I am part of the slow food movement and also belong to Community Supported Ag. I get my box of locally grown organic veggies and fruit each week. I love figuring out what to do with the kholrobi which looks like Sputnik!

    Soon the yearly local fig fest will happen Can't wait. We had a peach fest yesterday but was at a fundraiser dinner put on by all the local restaurants. Yummy good! I love talking to the chefs at these and finding out all the info I can about them, the prep for the food, what they are serving, ingredients, etc.

    Hope this makes sense. One of my Italian ceramic pieces decided to fall on my head today and break both my head and the piece. Just got back from ER and need to get to bed but thought I'd check what was going on in the forum before I turned in.

  • crnaskater
    Original Author
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    What a great variety of posts! Thanks! I hope more 'singles' chime in soon. Lots to think about!

  • paulines
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Great topic!

    I don't live alone and haven't quite tipped the 50 year mark, but I'd like to add a few considerations for the young at heart reading this thread (I'm a freelance KD that specializes in kitchens for people that are real cookers and have recently branched out into universal design) ~ hope you don't mind?

    Knobs can be difficult for arthritic hands, pulls are better.
    Take special care with flooring surface choice; if choosing tile, make sure it has some 'tooth' and >16" are better as grout lines help to make it non-skid.
    Bluekitobsessed brought up an important point for the height impaired - if you are on the short side (or very tall side), consider counter height, MW & wall cabinet placement & sink depth carefully.
    Good... no, *great* lighting!
    Stools were not designed for the aging back (or backside, lol) - think standard chair height seating.

    mustbnuts, I'm *so* jealous of your fig feast ~ if you'd like some great fig recipes, give me a holler! (or if you need help disposing of some of those figs, lol)

  • joycedc
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel. I live alone in downtown Washington DC, and am half-way past 50. I designed it for me. My kitchen is a galley, 7' wide and 8' deep. I have purchased a 24" all gas Bertazzoni and the 24" Fagor fridge/freezer. Those appliances along with the 18" dishwasher will be perfect for my situation. I am thrilled so far with the new construction; they removed soffits, added a ceiling so I can have recessed lights, and have rewired so I will finally have more than 1 outlet in the kitchen. Drywall should finish today. Floor will be laid tomorrow or Wednedsay. Cabinets come a week from today. Appliances on 3 July. Granite person comes on 7 July. I've waited a long time for this and am enjoying every minute! (Even with the dust!) Do what is right for you and you will never be sorry!

  • crnaskater
    Original Author
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thanks joycedc-I'll have to check out the Fagor fridge/freezer. A new frig is all I need for appliances as my gas stove and DW are fine.

    Maybe this summer I will force myself to get scanner capibility and learn how to scan floor plan into this site.

    I basically like the current floor plan except for the once tight corner---which is being resolved by moving the frige to the opposite wall. I moved my current one there and visually it opened up the room. While 12 x 14 seems a good size room, I have 4 doorways that really cut up the room - only one long wall - and 2 doors are next to each other (entry hall and door to basement.)

    I tried looking at galley kitchen photos to see if they called to me.....not good.

    I currently have lever handles on all entry doors/screen doors and will go with handles not knobs for cabinets. I'm 5'5" so counter height is fine. And I am keeping my 30 x 36" butcher block table with regular chairs.

    Since I rarely cook (traditional) on a daily basis, cabinets are mainly filled with cooking utensils rather than food itself except for cereal and canned goods, condiments type stuff. I also hate anything that will collect dust or need frequent cleaning, hence putting in 13" travertine floor tile years ago.

    I'm hoping a few years after this renovation, to put a small addition on the back for a mud/laundry/pantry room. I saw the perfect design in Fine Homebuilding last year. Currently my washer/dryer is in the basement and going up and down 2 flights of stairs really effects my bad knee. But the kitchen needs to be brought into current era instead of the plywood 1952 era when it was built.

    So much to think about and decisions to make!!

  • scootermom
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Have you looked at glycera's kitchen in the FKB? Forgive me if anyone's already suggested this and my quick perusal of the thread didn't find it.

    Anyway, on her FKB page, she has a link to a very detailed site describing her kitchen, her design choices, etc. Worth a look!

    Chris

    Here is a link that might be useful: Glycera's kitchen

  • karenfromknoxville
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi,

    I'm single also and just barely over 50 years young. I hated making all those decisions on my own, but LOVE my kitchen. It is such a blessing to enjoy my morning coffee in my wonderful kitchen and worth every bit of agony and angst experienced during the remodel!

    I'm disabled now and renovated most of my townhouse so I would be able to stay in it as long as possible. I was very fortunate to have a friend that is a KD. She helped me design a beautiful kitchen for the way I cook and bake. I have cork floors in my kitchen which are so soft on my feet and feels great on my back when standing long hours chopping, mixing, or stirring. I also love my French doors in the kitchen which lead to a patio filled with flowers and herbs (which I can see from the kitchen table). The herbs are nice and close to the kitchen so I can just cut off what I need and add them to whatever it is I'm cooking!

    Although I looked thru all those kitchen magazines, they didn't seem like real people used them or lived in those houses. I found the FKB more useful and of course all the advice from this forum. I haven't entertained yet but plan to as soon as all the boxes are unpacked and stuff put away!

    Karen

  • glad
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I live in a condo with a galley kitchen - not much room for flexibility, but I fit your profile ;), so I thought I'd chime in! I linked my pics.
    Do you cook for yourself?
    Sometimes. But I eat a lot of salads and my microwave is most-used appliance.
    Do you entertain rarely/sometimes/often?
    occassionally. i've had up to twenty people here -- buffet style.
    Have you found the various kitchen magazines helpful?
    this board trumps any kitchen mag!!
    Since you probably have lived in a variety of kitchens over your life, do you have any 'must-have' for today?
    did i mention a microwave. :) also, i have a knee hole (i.e. no cabinet under the counter if I want to eat in the kitchen. most people in my building who remodeled filled it in, but i find it convenient..and a great place to hide the trashcan and step stool!!! You can see it in the secod picture "After-Right" at the end.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Pictures

  • Rudebekia
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I fit your profile, but I'm trying to think of things I did (or will do) in the kitchen that are specifically geared toward being single. I live in the Midwest and have always lived in historic homes, so kitchens tend to be pretty small and relatively utilitarian and simple -- the typical kitchen glossy magazines are useless to me. I am more comfortable working in a smaller (as opposed to huge) kitchen. Still, a goodly amount of cabinet space is essential for holding the many items that only get used a few times a year. In my remodel, I made sure to get cabinets that went up to the ceiling and bought a nice little, sturdy step ladder with a nook to store the step-ladder so its always handy. In my previous kitchen I installed an 18" dishwasher, but honestly now that I'm in a kitchen with a full sized one I find it much more convenient for large pots, pans, etc (even if I run it only every 3-4 days). If downsizing anything, it would be the refigerator. It is just your basic size, nothing oversize, but it is never full and probably uses a lot more energy than needed. I might opt for the refrigerator drawers instead. I also like a good radio (NPR is always on).

  • plllog
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'm not quite 50 yet, but would like to join in. I do cook for myself, and will cook more when I have a kitchen which doesn't make me crazy. I keep moving my entertaining to other people's houses because the current kitchen is so bad (the appliances especially--stove and oven both suck). I have a huge family and cook for 20-50. The caterer is relaxing, but I never like the food as well as homemade.

    I enjoyed the kitchen magazines when I bought the house and was saving for the kitchen, but when I got serious and found this forum I stopped looking at them. There's more and better information here.

    Must-haves: A floor I can spill on (mostly water) and not slip on until I'm ready to wipe it up.

    Top notch appliances. There is nothing better than putting tray after tray of hors d'ouerves in a Gaggenau oven, setting the timer and walking away, to have them precisely ready when the ding goes off. None of this looking and adjusting for how brown each tray is, rotating trays, etc.

    A comfortable place to roll dough.

    A place to spread out prep ingredients.

    Did I mention top notch appliances? A freezer that freezes fast and holds temperature. A fridge that doesn't freeze vegetables and water on one setting or spoil the milk on another. An oven that starts cold, heats evenly and holds temperature. A good hot stove with a quiet, good drawing hood. A dishwasher that's easy to load and isn't a hike from the sink. That's the most important thing to me...great appliances.

    And cabinets. Lots and lots of drawers and cabinets. A place for everything. Wouldn't that be nice?

  • pamghatten
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'll be 50 next year, and am single ... never married. I just remodeled my kitchen last Sping/Summer, for ME! My sister is an interior designer, and was amazed I did most everything without any help from her.

    I do entertain, all the family gatherings are at my house .. guess it's everyone's chance to come relax in the country, since my home is on my 20 acre farm.

    I do cook, though mostly on the weekends, and I wanted color, counters and cabinets! I moved the stairs to my basement and basically doubled the size of my kitchen. I couldn't be happier. This is the first and probably only time that I have done a kitchen for me ... it's bright and airy and very colorful.

    I also didn't want surfaces that required work ... the counters are solid surface and the floor is Marmoleum, with radiant heat under the floor ... vert toasty in the winter.

    This is the kitchen for me and my fur babies ...
    {{gwi:1906933}}
    {{gwi:1906934}}

  • charlikin
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I also fit in the not-yet-50 but single category. Great fun designing a kitchen on my own - on the one hand, I have no one to argue with. On the other hand, I have no one to argue with. ;-) Thank goodness I have this forum!!!

    In any case, I don't cook much - live mostly these days on bagged salads, cottage cheese and fresh fruits. (Great way to lose weight!) I hope to cook a little more once I have a more functional kitchen, but I'm not going to kid myself (too much). I have a tiny NYC galley kitchen - not much play in how to lay things out, which is good. I'm having enough trouble just choosing a cabinet color!

    I do hope to do much more entertaining once the kitchen/bathroom reno is complete and I've redecorated my living room (which comes on the heels of the reno). My house will be gorgeous! Right now it's kind of run-down, old furniture and carpet, original k & b in a 1948 building... I can't wait to live in the kind of apartment I've always dreamed of living in. It's all very expensive to do, but I've given myself permission to spend some money on myself, even if it means delaying retirement a little. I *deserve* to live in a nice home.

    As for the kitchen porn magazines - they were an interesting place to start, but really not very useful at all. My kitchen is tiny by anyone's standards, and most of what they show in there is irrelevant to me. I would love a kitchen porn mag geared to NYC apartments, but even that might not be right because it would probably feature little jewelboxes of kitchens in $1 million+ condos. I can't afford high-end custom cabinetry or appliances, nor would it be appropriate for where I live (in Queens).

    The thing I'm looking forward to the most in my new kitchen is the dishwasher. I've never owned one! Oh, and having more countertop space. How luxurious!!!

    This forum is the most amazing place - all these wonderful people willing to obsess with me about every detail (because they're obsessed about their own!), share their hard-won knowledge, and generally be emotionally supportive. I don't know how anyone renovates their kitchen without this place! (And special greets to everyone from the NYC get-together! Hey, marthavilla, I loved your post!)

  • marabklyn
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi - I'm a brand new member here but I've been reading the board for a few weeks.
    I am a middle-aged single person who is just about to start a kitchen renovation. My current kitchen was redone about 25 years ago by the previous tenant and is sadly in need of a rehab. I am now working with a contractor to finalize my cabinet design. I have already put down a deposit on my appliances. My kitchen is tiny - under 5 ft x 8 ft. - with no where to expand but I am doing the best I can. Since I don't do a great deal of cooking I am just planning on a two-burner cooktop, combination microwave convection OTC oven, 9 cu.ft. fridge, no dishwasher. It is really hard finding small appliances. I won't have too much free counterspace but it should work out. My main problem is the huge number of choices for finishes - I love this board for ideas. I will share my photos when things get going and thank you all for the help I've already received.

  • marthavila
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Wow, Treeskate, I was not kidding when I said I heart this thread! Each of the entries has brought big smiles to my face. Just from the content and quality of the posts, I can see we've been needing this kind of focused discussion on the joys and challenges of our particular demographic. Thanks!

    Some of the advice on things to consider -- like knobs vs pulls, layout and location choices, or sink depth and countertop heights -- become so much more important as one is moving up and on in life. These are not things I would have worried much about even 10 years ago. But I do now!
    And, thanks, BTW, to Bluekit and Abejadulce and Charlikin for those encouraging back pats. Backatcha! Mustbnuts, I'm sure we are likely kindred spirits in the good food/good cooking universe. (Like I said -- I intend to ramp up my culinary game once this neverending reno is completed.) And, Charlikin, I'm laughin' and lovin' at how you described having the means to afford your reno. That's 'cause, like you, I probably also won't get to retire for another 30 years but I'm determined to have one heck of a Marthavila kitchen before I do. :) Maybe one as lovely as that of Pamghatten!

    Great thread all. Single (or near single) and over 50(or near over 50)TKOs unite!

  • growlery
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I find I have to keep yanking my designer away from designing a "Barbie Dream Kitchen" and get her to be OK with a layout with LESS storage space and amenities. (I have repeated my needs often enough, and absolved her of any responsibility if I've set the bar too low, so she's OK with it now and her last sketch is in the ballpark.)

    All my simplifications are done with the idea that I'm getting something, not the idea "Oh, I'm just one person, I can't justify a nice X." That would be depressing. I'm getting a normal size table, even if I eat at it alone every night. But if a little breakfast bar right in front of the best window in the house seems cozy to you, put it in and enjoy it!

    The one thing I disagree with a little is that to be a "serious cook" you have to have a certain kind of kitchen or certain kind of appliances.

    Space is a luxury. Time is a luxury. Extra money in the bank is a luxury. Not worrying about what other people think is a luxury. I think kitchens for one can be simple, reflect their owners in wonderful ways and be marvelously luxurious in surprising ways.

  • crnaskater
    Original Author
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Gosh everyone, thank you!!! I tend not to spend $ on myself - it is always used to keep my home maintained/ sellable should that ever arise in my retirement years, but also realize I can go only so far within the house footprint and my budget....but I can dream, right?

    Universal design has come a looooong way in recent years. It took several knee surgeries, shoulder surgeries, and two cervical neck surgeries to fully realize the value of 'placement/location.'

    I think that enters into my not wanting a penisula of any kind (bar stools, etc.) By keeping my center table and chairs, I can always sit down for icing my knee or just catching my breath....plus heaven forbid I need a wheelchair for a time, I will have turn around room and the half bath is right off the kitchen.

    Step stool is a must, and I have two for getting things out of the upper cupboards (top shelf) but now I am beginning to wonder about the lower cabinets and if I should consider large drawers instead of cabinets with shelves? Has anyone put in the bottom drawers? Have you considered them?

    Keep posting everyone! I am sooo glad to know I am not alone!

  • writersblock (9b/10a)
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    >The one thing I disagree with a little is that to be a "serious cook" you have to have a certain kind of kitchen or certain kind of appliances

    Yep, I have a good friend from Italy who's an incredible chef, and at home he's been managing to cook amazing meals for a couple of years now on an old corningware ceramic top stove (remember those?) with one working burner. I showed him this site and he got quite a chuckle out of it.

  • joycedc
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Treeskate: I have gone with lower drawers instead of cabinets for the very reason you mention. I thank God I don't "need" them now, but they are there for the future should/when I need them. FWIW, when I remodeled my bathroom two years ago, I had the tub removed and a walk-in shower with bench installed. I also purchased the grab bars at the same time. Haven't installed them, but I like the idea of being ready when the time comes. It's oddly empowering to me to be making these decisions today with an eye open to the future.

  • paulines
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    treeskate, I'm a big advocate of utilizing deep, wide drawers and a pantry cabinet, to reduce the need for wall cabinets. Of course in a small space, some wall cabinets and/or open shelving are necessary.

    The only things I keep in my wall cabinets (of which I have 3, including the one over my fridge) is drinking glasses, mugs and large, infrequently used items, such as the griddle & barbeque rotisserie items.

    Dry goods are all assigned to a 24"w x 12"d x 86"h fixed shelf pantry - it holds a ton if you order extra shelves and plan your storage effectively. Dishware & pots & pans are in deep, wide drawers. Cutlery, knives, cutting boards, cooking utensils, spices in wide, shallow drawers.

    writersblock, I agree with you. I've worked with restaurant owners & chefs and they are so much more concerned with an efficient, effective layout than whether their cabinets are cherry or maple, although a high output range is high on the list :) It's funny, you'd think they'd be drawn to stainless/butcher block for counters, but many choose formica or ss (solid surfacing), as they're stainlessed out at the job, lol.

  • rosie
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    This thread has been a real pleasure to read and a breath of fresh air. I confess to needing a second chair at my breakfast table but hope you guys and others continue to hold forth on this forum about kitchens for people who are single, urban, older, and maybe living with 11 Weimaraners or retired to Florida and refacing mobile home cabinets with driftwood, or...?

    BTW, for those who are older, do you feel all those years behind you signficantly affect your ideas of what you want and need, compared to what they once might have been?

  • crnaskater
    Original Author
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Rosie,

    In spite of having 4 homes and multiple apartments over the years, my favorite kitchen was in my first house, a 1901 that had been converted into a duplex. The kitchen was just a galley but it had a tiny 2 seater fold down table under the end window, an old gas stove, but the best feature was the old porcelin sink with the drainboard to the left, and the sink had a high back that housed the faucet. I loved the drainboard the best!!! And the sink with the high faucets made washing pots etc a breeze. I even had my first veggie garden and put up 13 quarts of tomatoes. That little table saw my first attempts at bread making. I loved that long galley kitchen so much!

    All my kitchens have been miniscule till this house. 12 x 14 may be small by today's housing, but it is more than twice the size of any other I have had.

    Funny how I think back and see where size is not the key, but placement/location and utilizing the space to make me feel comfy now is paramount. While I doubt I could find that type of sink again, I think my carpenter would definitely nix the idea as the style of my house would make it seem totally out of synch.

  • growlery
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Treeskate:

    I bet you could find that sink easy: Salvage.

    And you'd be surprised what you can work in stylistically, if you're clever.

  • plllog
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Growlery,

    You don't even need to go the salvage route to get one of those sinks! I have been lusting for the double drainboard one but can't figure out how to make it work in my kitchen. Physically. I have no problem stylistically putting a repro farmhouse sink with a Gaggenau oven :)