I would switch the locations of the stove and the fridge. Currently if someone opens the fridge and stands there looking in it, no one could get to the sink. It's better when someone can grab a snack without getting in the way of the person/people cooking.

After switching the location of the stove, I'd also offset it in opposite direction from the sink so the stove and sink aren't back-to-back.

Also, it looks as if the current fridge wall could extend down another foot or two at the bottom of the drawing. Is there a reason why you didn't use that space? If you've got it, might as well extend the stuff on that wall and the island as far as you can.

And finally, you might consider a pocket door between the mudroom and the kitchen. I think that's a door you'll leave open 99% of the time for easy of entry, and when it's swung open, it'll block whatever that basket thing is and generally be in the middle of the room.

Thanks Jillius,

I was trying to keep the range near the exterior, due to the hood. I have never had a hood before, I suppose it's no big deal having it on an interior wall? Otherwise, i love the advice and would much rather have the fridge on that side.

I just did my stair math the other day and extended them to their true length. it's another 3ft, which is a nice size cabinet. thanks for noticing!

For the mudroom entrance, i was thinking i might do a dutch door (do dutch pockets exist?) because I think we may be leaving the dog in there during the day. That basket was a pretend bed for him to remind me of that.

Thanks again, i am going to refigure te fridge and post a new photo for reference

Here is it with those two swapped, is this oven offset enough?

Are you planning to keep food in the pantry? Perhaps that's not the best location. The washer and dryer create heat and humidity which are on not good for the food, although keeping the dog in there while you're out may solve that problem; he'll eat anything not in a can.

Will you keep your dishes in the drawers next to the sink?

Yes, mostly food. Didn't think about the humidity in there, thank you. Maybe a change like this?

and yes - planning on dishes next to the sink. Never done drawer dishes before though, so not 100% sure.

You should extend the island down to end even with the stove wall. That's 3 feet of great prep space that you'd gain.

Venting is something you should discuss with your contractor. It could be very easy to vent the stove on that wall or very difficult, depending on the direction your joists run.

I'd love the space - and maybe could give it another foot or two and center. Right now, from the corner of the island 4.5 ft over is the back corner of a sofa in the living room. Don't want to cut into that walkway too much.

Should have known about the venting - that makes sense!

Thank you!

I suggest storing dishes across from the DW in the cabinets next to the hood. If you store dishes on the other side of the sink, they will be less accessible for setting the table (b/c of running around the island), people will be getting in the way when setting the table or putting dishes away while you're working at the island prepping, and you reduce the amount of convenient storage space for prep tools & appliances (e.g., mixing bowls, knives, measuring cups, mixer, food processor, etc.)

In addition, I recommend the trash pullout be placed to the left of the sink in the Prep Zone. This location is accessible to all three primary work zones - Prep, Cooking, Cleanup. (Trash pullouts are used far more during prepping and cooking than cleanup!)

One thing you may have to get control of early is the tendency of most people to take the shortest path b/w two points - even if there's a person in the way! What you don't want is people coming in from the Mudroom and attempting to cut b/w the island and range - getting in your way when you're trying to prep or cook. (Imagine trying to take a pot of boiling water from the range across the aisle to the sink in the island - with kids running in from the Mudroom to the Living Room or to the stairs to get to the bedrooms.) Train everyone early - both DH and future children!

Ideally, the Cooking Zone (with the range) is the Zone most protected from traffic. With your layout, though, there isn't a protected place.

BTW...I agree with you about being careful how much space is b/w the island and the sofa - you don't want a crowded aisle. 4' is fine - but I like that you have 54".

Regarding venting - since this is a new build, then plan with the venting in mind. It will be a lot easier for you than for someone remodeling!

Good luck!

I'm a little concerned about natural light now that the fridge is moved. What is above the kitchen -- could you put in a skylight? Or how high are the ceilings here -- could you put a clerestory window above the fridge and its adjacent cabinets?

If you round the back of the island where the seating is, could you extend the island down to be even with the stove without impeding the walkway behind the sofa? (I'm not totally clear on where the sofa is.)

You now have a lot of doors between the outside and getting into the kitchen. I presume that is the same path you'd take to get groceries into the house? I'd definitely make sure they are all pocket doors (as you have them now) so they can be left open as if they aren't there as much as possible, and I would make all the doors very wide.

Getting bulky bags through a series of narrow doors before dropping them in the kitchen seem like it would be a daily frustration and result in a lot of banged-up doorways. My parents have a narrow staircase with a tight turn at the bottom between their garage and their kitchen, and it is not ideal to say the least. And the walls all along the stairwell have never looked nice as long as I've been alive (28 years).

Buehl - thank you, def want to try dishes in drawers to see how i like it, but either way there will be space (even more than before) on the oven side. I will work on a configuration of cabs/drawers on the island, i really only wanted drawers there but we do accumulate a lot of trash between us and the dog. I have a peninsula now, so this will be my first island. I will take your advice and work on the path from the mudroom early on. I am usually cooking with DH gets home from work so that's a great point.

Jillius - I could do a sky light there, right in front of the fridge. The second story does not cover the 8 ft sliver of the mudroom and fridge wall. Also, 11.5 ft left of the island is the exterior wall, with french doors on the top side and windows down the rest. The ceiling there is 9 ft.

i like the set up and the pantry space but i do not like the doors. I would imagine the door between the kitchen and pantry would almost never be shut unless guests are over. The majority of the house will have 36in doors, i really don't want anything less than that. I will work with my team on making sure there is space for a pocket door that deep.

Thanks again,

Here's some thoughts on laundry/pantry. I may be able to get by with smart storing. The two doors are too much.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0710560820029.html

Here is a link that might be useful: Is this weird? Pantry in my laundry room?