If you don't need the storage, I would skip shelves across the windows for the simple fact that they would make cleaning the windows more difficult.

One idea for above the dishwasher would be a few rails. I have 2 of the Grundtal rails, one above the other, and I use hooks to hang caddies that hold oil, vinegar, and potted herbs (the temporary kind from the grocery store used in cooking) next to my stove. Above your DW, you could hang small herbs for temporary use (and toss when you leave) or perhaps a plate drying rack (the Ikea site has ideas) that could hold plates, or fruits/veggies, etc, which could also be removed when you leave. This set-up wouldn't require as much dusting/cleaning and could actually be functional while you are there. I'm also a fan of the small potted herbs simply for their greenery. Temporary, of course, but lovely for a week or so.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wall units

No to the glass shelves across the windows. I have never liked the look of those generally because they obstruct the windows while pretending not to. I wouldn't do it even if I did need the storage.

Shelves above DW, maybe! But I like the idea of hanging bars even more, maybe three of them 8 or 10 inches apart one above the other. You can hang vintage tea towels there and it will be both beautiful AND useful right above the DW. (I let my dishes air dry to use less energy, and they often need a swipe before being put away). Displaying tea towels, especially if you can find some fun ones or really old ones, or your kids can make some for you, is an EASY way to add vintage charm and little spots of color to a kitchen like yours. When we added a towel bar in our kitchen we used a long handle for a small appliance. It was sturdier, more substantial looking, and looked like our other appliance handles. Just a thought--

I like all the ideas peony suggested and agree no shelves across the windows, but am partial to your idea of a clock, particularly if you get an old one - not that I have antique clocks or anything ;-) !!! Just don't do a battery operated quartz. Make it something of the house vintage.

Or this one I can really see - it's large and fills the space, simple, and the entire face is marble.

Geez, love those clocks.
Diane

Love those clocks too! If mtn isn't interested in the last one, could you share where you found that one? Thanks.

The clocks are gorgeous, but for a kitchen, I think 2 or 3 enameled colanders, in colors to match the kitchen, would be perfect, if predictable. They'd be handy to use for fruit bowls, or rinsing veggies for prep.

Your kitchen is going to be wonderful.

Thanks guys for all the great suggestions.

In the intervening hours, I went to look at floor tile, and then took samples to the appliance dealer, who has the yellow Northstar appliances on their showroom floor.

Newsflash. Decided I do not like the yellow. Especially not with anything I wanted to do on the floor. Do you see how I flail when I try to do colors, I am so awful at it!!!

Anyway, we were offered a great deal on a floor model Fratelli. I like it so much better. It is in ivory. I will still get a Northstar retro fridge, painted to match the ivory.

The additional widht of the Fratellil (35" vs 30") meant moving stuff around, and I ended up going a whole new way. I like it much better. Guess what it looks like (hint- scroll up)?

TWO NOTES: 1. I don't show a range hood yet, still looking for a simple yet retro one
2. For reasons too complex to go into, it will not be as crowded as this looks... there is more room between the end of the run and the door then shown.

Here she is:

PS Mama Goose, where did you get those colander shots? So cool

This post was edited by mtnrdredux on Thu, Nov 21, 13 at 21:29

mtn I like that layout MUCH more and that stove is TDF. Make sure you have a heat proof counter on the Mousehole piece so you have a place to land hot pots and pans.

Thanks Diane

cyn427 - those are my clocks, all antique. Search E. Howard marble wall clock to try and locate.

Thank you, DLM.

And thank you for the clocks you posted. OMG I have never seen anything like that marble one! Do you hang them all. How many do you have?

I love the new layout. I missed some of the threads... how are you handling ventilation? If you are able to keep that area open, I think open wood shelving over the range would be a great way to show off those colorful colanders from MamaGoose.

I do like the looks of the Fratelli. I am hoping the distributor for the US is now stable, as I think the products look great. I saw a few when I was shopping for more range. Is there any side heat problem with the skirted sink?

PS: I too warn about glass, open shelving of any kind in a second home. They are dust traps and the first thing you notice due to the way the light hits them.

This post was edited by gooster on Thu, Nov 21, 13 at 21:50

Like the new layout....love how the stove is centered between the windows. Question - is that the existing width between the windows or are you completely remodeling including changing window sizes? It looks so much narrower in the the original plan

Gooster, I haven't selected the range hood. I assume it is required by code. The guy said the skirted sink is no issue; ie you can hang dish towels on the door ... We would have it taken care of by cleaning help, but just the same, you are right ... it will be a virtual dust microscope1

Kellie - The windows are all new and custom, so they can go anywhere and be any size. It will not cause an issue with the exterior fenestration patterns either, in this case. I am doing 6/1 like the other windows in the kitchen. The width of the windows I chose was dictated by the 5' wide sink.

ooooh, never thought about a heat issue with the sink skirt - good catch gooster.

mts the wall clocks all hang on the walls ;-) but I also have 2 tall case (grandfather) clocks that sit on the floor and table/mantel clocks. I have thinned out a bit and am down to a total of 8 but plan to sell 2 of those before we move.

oops - forgot about the 2 carriage clocks because I don't keep them wound, so that makes 10. My name is Deb and I have a thing for antique clocks.

This post was edited by dlm2000 on Thu, Nov 21, 13 at 22:38

Like this Cornish layout better than previous one, def. however, I am iffy on the skirted sink, dust or no. I think you are skirting that uncomfortable line between vintage and country, iykwim, and gathered fabric in any amount just says "country" to me.

KSWL -
Funny you should say that; DH and I keep discussing that very issue. How to NOT be country.

The photo I plunked into the layout is just the best head on one I can find of that sink style. I wouldn't go all puffy. If I do a skirt sink, I am thinking more of a straight linen piece. But I will have to see it in situ to decide. I don't want cabinetry, and I don't want it open (need the storage there).

You could do a skirt that is something mostly straight, but has inverted pleats on the corners and in the front, where it opens. But still....

You could do something different, like translucent glass doors down there, II do like the new way it is going. Ttytt, the other range looked stagey to me. The one in the current iteration looks both vintage and current. IMO that is the best possible combination.

I like the second layout better and I can see a simple barrel hood over the range.

I went looking for some sink pictures for you. These are all from Country Living's 500 Kitchen Ideas book. I hope they're helpful, but in any case it gave me an excuse to page through a couple of kitchen books again. : )

This one is the plainest installation...I'm not even sure what's holding it up. No hidden storage, but you could easily use antique baskets, wood boxes, metal cans underneath for storage.

This one has a simple frame with a shelf underneath. You could string curtains across the front if you wanted to enclose the storage.

This one has a combination of legs and a curtain, and the curtain is un-gathered and simple like you mentioned. As an added bonus, the legs would keep the curtain from coming in direct contact with the stove.

This last one is from Martha Stewart. It was one of my inspiration pictures when I did my kitchen.

I'm not sure if any of these will be helpful, but I hope so. It's so fun to see your planning!!!

Learn something every day here. Have been rearranging my kitchen with a good portion of an open concept. Bought a solid wood workbench with 4 drawers, a shelf beneath, and butcher block top. Putting it together today.

"Mousehole" is my new word for the day, now I can see the workbench as what I wanted it to become, rather than what it was meant to be.

Your kitchen gives me hope. Love all the different styles that go together so well. Especially like the little green cabinet. And the curtains under the sink. All you are heading for is charming.

KSWL,
Well, I have always wanted a skirted sink. So I will probably end up with one here. And, hold on to your petticoats, I have two vintage wall sinks I am planning on putting in my new MBA, and they will be skirted!

ArlosMom,
Hi! Great photos. I think in the first one there is bracing in the wall. I think total openness might look odd within the run I am planning, like a missing tooth. Plus, although I freely admit that I sometimes do choose form over function, I think I need storage under a sink. So I will have our carpenters build a frame and simple shelves.

I don't think our curtain will touch the stove, not that that would concern me; we perennially hang a dishtowel on ours now.

I can see how that last photo inspired you, me too! I love the non-palette palette!

Thanks, Technicolor. I'd love to see your bench!
Just FYI Mousehole is the name of a town in Cornwall, and I am using it as short hand to refer to a wonderful cottage that KSWL first found for me when I was looking for beachhouse decor themes. If you have not seen it, google it with "Hooked on Houses". TDF

The "green cabinet" does not exist as such, i would have my carpenter copy it to make a front for my D/w drawers. It is the bottom of a hutch photo I found, which i just cropped the top off of and then resized.

Another vote for second layout.

I'm 100% certain that you can achieve the look you want with a skirted sink.

The link below shows a very "kitchy" kitchen, but it's unfitted and has a sink skirt.

None of these read country to me.

Keep the fabric simple - would be my recommendation, though. And by doing it with velcro, you can switch it out. do something fun for the holidays.... The sky is the limit!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: unfitted kitchen

Looks like I'm the only one who likes a glass shelf for herbs. BTW, I like the new layout so much better.

You've probably gotten way past the point I'm about to mention but I can't help myself....

Are you moving the wall to right of the range? Have you ever tried to cook in a kitchen with a wall or a refrigerator on the right of the stove? In a tiny kitchen without other options it doesn't bother me quite as much. But I lived in a great big kitchen where there was only 12 or 15 inches on my right, between the stove and the fridge, and tons of blank countertop elsewhere, and it drove me absolutely mad.

Do you have even have room for the pot handles to face right? I must be seeing this wrong.

Re: colanders--I searched 'colorful enamel colanders' (images), but Walmart and Amazon sell them online.

Since you're planning a vintage kitchen, you can also search flea markets, ebay and etsy for the real thing. For display only, shabby, beat-up, rusty old colanders would be charming, but if used for food prep, I'd go with only those in excellent condition.

Here is a link that might be useful: vintage enamel colanders on ebay

I love the windows, in the second layout...but I would worry about the range being so close to the sink fabric. What about this...with plate rack above? :)
{{!gwi}}From Kitchen plans

Janice, thanks for the images! Great ideas there.

Nsoccer, I think the fact that it is a second home makes herbs a little iffy. And the poster who mentioned dust in the sunlight convinced me. Even though we will have it cleaned at least weekly when we are there, that kind of thing can get dirty in a day or two.

Jamies,
You are looking at my first elevation. I ended up opting for a larger stove and putting it in the middle.

That said, I don't think the corner would have been a problem. This is a beachhouse in an area with great dining very near. Even at our lakehouse, were there were only 1 or 2 good places to eat,and each was 20minutes away, I almost never cooked anything elaborate enough to use 4 burners. So no biggie.

Mama_Goose, We are not doing shabby chic or country here, but vintage. It's a fine line to walk sometimes. Oddly enough our primary home has a fair amount of distressed, shabby chic stuff. But this home, even though it is a vacation home, is more formal. The LR to me is quite formal and so I want to veer away from distress.

Lav,
I am going to have to shout this, since it is about the fifth time someone has said this. THE STOVE REQUIRES ZERO CLEARANCE. YOU CAN PUT FABRIC NEXT TO IT OR HANG FABRIC FROM IT. THIS IS GENERALLY TRUE WITH ALL STOVES, ESP. TODAY. : )

I answered in the other post about the dish rack --- dishes will go in the Butler's Pantry or the DR china closet, not here. That said, I really prefer a d/w on the right, so I am mulling over your layout twist. THANKS!!

Whoa, I am reaching for my smelling salts at the thought of three skirted sinks in your Ship captain's manse.... my petticoats are all agog and my metaphors are all mixed :-)

Another thought for under the kitchen sink, though... a built-in dog cubby under the sink, very cute~

Well, KSWL, I only now realized that proper dogs have throw pillows. With Kravet fringe, no less.

Yes, I guess the herbs are an issue for a vacation home....

Lol, nothing but the best for Mr. Fluffy.

(Actually, mine have dog blankets from Ballard designs that are sage check on one side and that fake shearling stuff on the other, so they will go nicely on the new bedroom sofa I had upholstered in sage check :-) Mr. Fluffy would probably prefer Kravet, but the other dogs would not even know the difference, poor things.)

Nosoccermom- I like the herbs! That is a great way to screen a view, but still have light for herbs :)

Mnt. Me thinks you just created a new word. I like the "mousehole" concept, regardless of where it originated. You must have a fun creative life coming up with these things.

And the green imaginary cupboard works so well, another very creative direction. Hopefully you won't mind my stealing from you.

Thanks for the link, I think I remember perusing quickly. Will go back and enjoy.

One issue with the Fratelli might be the availability of parts. Have they come out of bankruptcy? Are they still in the US market if they have?

Here is a link that might be useful: Fratelli

KSWL, really a dog blanket? Not a dog bed?

Lav, yes, but they would die even if i lived there full time, let alone in a second home!

Technicolor,
Thanks.

I knew that the D/W needed more visual weight, so I wanted to put false door fronts on it. I seached for cabinet with multiple drawers and got this:

It's actually part of a Paula Deen furniture line. Looked one-off to me. See link

PS After much back and forth with the dealer trying to unload the Fratelli, we decided that even at a very very deep discount it made no sense. We dont' want to take the risk, especially since we would then be basing our color scheme around it and paying to get other appliances custom painted to match. Moreover, we have a good source on restored Chambers and are leaning that way. I avoided true vintage before because I wanted to design with the possibility of rental in mind, but DH is so against it I have kind of given up on that hare-brained idea!

Here is a link that might be useful: Scroll down for cabinet

Hi ChestersHouse,

Yes, thank you. I was posting at the same time you were.

We knew Fratelli was, at the least, troubled. The dealer didn't know (or obfuscated) whether it was the distributor or the parent, and whether the stove was still being made. However, after calling around, we have decided that it isn't worth the risk, especially as it will go in a second home a few hours from us and so it would be a real pain to have to go back and forth with a problem. The dealer was willing to stand behind it but who knows what that would ultimately mean?

Moreover, we have been looking for brands that "feel vintage", and as it turns out for about the same price I can get a real vintage one that is fully restored. We have a woman who cooks for us and helps with the kids, and her brother is very involved in antique stoves, writes about them, etc. So if we go that route I know we can do so with confidence in the quality and value.

Ironically, as I started to look at all these other brands (anything that I can get in an ivory, white, or blue, that looks vintage), I started to worry that any number of them could go out of business. You'd hate to spend upwards of 7-15k on something and not know if it can be serviced, esp something that is supposed to last 30 years!

We have LaCanche in our primary home and it is just beautiful. We have had more service issues than I would have expected. The US distributor however, has been very responsive and reliable. I would consider them again, but I kind of want a different look this time.

I would go for "real vintage" in a heartbeat - especially with your connections. With a Chambers no one will ask about whether a sink skirt is too close!

I'd be amazed if "feels vintage" will last 30 years, what with the electronics, at least in duel fuel versions. And I say this as an owner of an Ilve (very steeply discounted) in a vacation/future retirement house.

For what it's worth, the Ilve drives houseguests crazy -- the routine of holding in the knobs to get the burners to light that I think the Fratelli has too. Might do the same to renters.