Pictures and layout drawings are going to get you more and better answers around here. Read the thread 'New to Kitchens??" for how to post pictures.

Thanks bahacca..
I needed to resize them...

Here is my problem area

Here is the layout

Thinking of turning this into the pantry... It's a catchall right now

Thank you for any help

I don't know how much space there is across the kitchen, but I would eliminate the peninsula, move the fridge to the end of the run of cabinetry on the sink wall and then center the stove along that left wall. Then I'd put a long island in the middle...you could add an overhang for eating at on the far side. Then depending on how much space you have, you could do a pantry or if not even 12" deep cabinetry would make a great pantry....

If there's not room for a pantry on the far side with the island, then you could probaby fit a tall pantry cabinet in that lower left corner and then center the stove on the remaining part of that wall....

Hi There - I know you're primarily asking for layout advice, but my first observation is that you can get new cabinet doors for all of your cabs from Barker door for much less money. You can specify door style, wood species and hinges, and since you have framed cabinets, you could even design them to be inset doors (with inset hinges) that I would love to have. You can also order new drawer fronts +/- drawer boxes, or just upgrade you drawer slides and door hinges. They have alder, and offer a clear varnish factory finish. 11K is outrageous for new doors for a kitchen this size.

The easiest modification for your layout is to move your fridge to the center of your catchall area, build out the cabinet to the left of it to be flush to the fridge front. This way your fridge is in a spot where others can use it without entering the cooking or clean up zones. This also lets you leave your pantry alone - or you could move the center catchall cabinet there. You can then scootch your stove over and just add a single lower cab to the left of your range for some elbow room and much needed counter space. If you really want a lazy susan, go for it, but there are other corner options, including just keeping the base you have. Here I would recommend Barker Cabinet (I don't work for them - link below) in whatever style you like, as they come in custom sizes and are easily assembled and of excellent quality.

http://www.barkercabinets.com/default.asp

Best of luck, and I hope your hubby is better soon. E

Here is a link that might be useful: Barker Door

Thank you for the replies.

I didn't realize that layout pic was so small when I posted it last night. Here is the larger one.

I have been looking at Barker Cabinets. I'll have to figure out what I need to get a price.

Thanks again

That seems like a great idea to move the fridge over to the catchall area. I'd second that one. That'll really make a big difference.

11,000 also seems like a H of a lot to me, too, for what you need.

Good luck!

Really, you have quite a few issues that make tearing out what's there and replacing it a better option than attempting to rework what you have. 11K is a bit steep for refacing, but realize that you also asked for quite a bit of labor in moving around stuff. Moving old stuff is more costly than ripping it out and replacing it with new stuff.

Issue #1 is the fridge location. There are several possible solutions to this, but all would require remaking a large part of your layout.

Issue #2 is your DW is right in the middle of your prep zone. That complicates being able te separate the prep and cleanup functions and keeps that area muddled.

Issue #3 is the paucity of actual prep space. You're mostly standing in the corner facing away from anyone who might visit you. I had a similar layout, and it always felt like "time out" punishment to me.

Issue #4 is the bookcase/MW area that serves as a dumping ground rather than an area for decorative items or even a functional snack area. (Move the fridge here with the MW and you now have a great snack area.)

Issue #5 is the soffits taking up valuable "overstock" space for seldom used items. That's not space you'll drag out the stepstool and use everyday, but it WILL be useful for turkey platters and the seldom used espresso machine.

Issue #6 is the need for better lighting in the kitchen. You need to address this no matter what you choose. Under cabinet lighting becomes more of a must as we age because our eyes need more light to be able to see as well as we did when we were young. Under cabinet lighting puts the light directly onto your work surface where you need it. You also could probably use tweaking of the existing central light fixture into a couple of semi flush lights and possibly some recessed lighting.

Issue #7 is the lack of proper landing space around your range, which is one of the things you hope your tweak will help with. Yes, it can, but your proposal doesn't go far enough in addressing all of the issues as a whole.

My advice would be to take this layout to several local kitchen shops and see what type of suggestions you get offered as to how to make the space more functional. (This is after getting lots of suggestions here that can open your eyes to the possibilities.) Talk the the KDs about the various "average" costs for the different lines that they carry and the number of options offered by the manufacturer both in door style and stain as well as the thickness of the spec book (indicates the number of variations offered, i.e. the line's flexibility)

For the same 12K you were quoted, I could get you all new taller cabinets in Shenendoah along with granite countertops and the installation of all of that. I'm not counting the electrical for the lighting or the demolition of the soffits in there, as costs for that will vary depending on if systems are located in them as well as drywall repair varying depending on location.

In the end, for just slightly higher than you were quoted, you could have a MUCH better functioning kitchen with all new cabinets and countertops.

Thank you for the ideas...

I wish I could put an island in but I don't have the room.
I like the idea of moving the fridge to the catchall wall and moving the pantry there also.
I went to Lowes today and had the designer plan a layout to get an idea of prices. I had him move the fridge and pantry. I had him put a 12" deep pantry in. I have trouble with the 24" deep pantry I have now. I had him take the soffit out and put the wall cabinets to the ceiling. I had him move the oven to the center of the wall it's on now and put cabinets on both sides of it.
I am thinking of the OTR microwave. The price he gave me for the cabinets and installing them was $7,766.
I'm feeling better about this now. I'm going to contact the local cabinet company, Republic Cabinets, that build there cabinets locally and see what they come up with.

I'm planning on doing under cabinet lighting and a couple of pendants over the peninsula. Also thinking about Track lighting for the main lighting.

I really appreciate your help.. Thanks

Oh I forgot to tell you the price included all plywood construction and they had a bunch of freebees!
I was excited about that! :)

wastebasket cabinet
sink base
tiered wood cutlery drawer
upgrade on finish
hardware

I really don't understand why taking out (or installing) cabinets is such a huge deal. I'm coming to believe people charge what they think they can get away with. Frankly, if I can do it, they can do it faster, cheaper, better, and more safely.

Anyway. This has been covered in so many threads, it's almost like deja vu. There's always one contractor that's going to make everyone else look better.

Since you do have cabinets in good condition, you might want to ask (when a site visit is done) what can be reused with new doors, and what cannot. Or, if they can move them to the basement or garage. If anything, since you say they're well-made, custom cabinets, please donate them.

I think to get a whole new look you should just let them put in new ones and that would let you do away with the soffit. That is such a bossy element!! It makes you have to get smaller cabinets with no trim and it will give you the most updating bang for your buck. You may be able to reuse some elements but if I were spending that much money I'd want to have a really visible update and lose the soffits. My mom didn't do that and her cabinets are so small and she hates them. Also, our cabinets are some sort of engineered wood for the boxes and then real wood doors, trim. They are very strong and the savings allowed us to get the extras that really make a difference in the look and usefulness such as pullouts, upgraded door style, end panels, glass inserts, crown molding, bump outs with trim, island trim and rope moulding at the top. I still love them and they have held up very well over 14 years. The manufacturer is Kitchen Craft made in Canada.