How many are in your family?

My parents, empty-nesters, have a U-shaped kitchen and love it. It's extremely efficient for one cook.

On the other hand, it does create a dead-end, and that is a drag when you have more than one or two people in the kitchen area. We had a U-shaped kitchen in the house we rented during the remodel. It was about the same size as what you've drawn. I was constantly shooing the kids out, something I've never done before or since in non-U kitchens.

It'll just be the two of us... remodeling a home we had rented out to become our retirement home. I do almost all the cooking; we both clean up. There's a long history of layouts I've posted and this is my first "U" shaped option so I was wondering what people thought... especially if you've followed prior threads and know all the "whys".

If it's just the two of you, you will probably love it!!

(And I'm envious of your induction stove!)

I went from a galley-style to a U-shape, and love it. A great, efficient workspace. Important to place appliances so you have sufficient uninterrupted counterspace, which you've done very nicely.

The only thing I would mention is personal - I find I need quite a bit of counterspace around my refrig as "landing zones". We're always taking things in and out and I constantly use my center island for this in addition to the short counter next to the refrig.

I prefer this one to the previous plan. I currently have a U and it drives me crazy with kids but I think it could be perfect for a 1 cook kitchen.

You might consider putting a compact L shaped sectional which backs against the sink side and the right window to maximize floor space and tv viewing. If you do the sectional, you might also be able to pull the table forward to the sunroom and then add some extra cabinets/desk space to the kitchen area.

I'm doing him a favor since the frig line is already there. I could always dump packages on the table; especially since the walk in pantry would be through that doorway.

Here's just for fun if I had/get to have free rein (dare to dream huh!)

Howdy! Are you prepping for Ike already? We are getting drenched in Virginia right now by Hanna.

I like the U-shape, Elyse, for just the two of you, day-to-day. Thinking about any counter seating on one side or the other? I was thinking oven side, if you have room for an overhang there. Also, don't forget to plan for dish storage and trash (I know this is early in the U-concept and you're just seeing how the general shape works).

I like the idea of a sectional behind the sink in the sunroom (just be sure to put a little backsplash wall so that your honey doesn't get a shower when you clean up while he's watching TV).

How much do you guys have company? It strikes me that the area between the U and the fridge could get congested w/ visitors passing thru to the sunroom (and outside, correct?). If you're scooting back and forth to the fridge trying to get a meal cooked/served, it could be a little chaotic, but I wouldn't not do it because of that.

There may not be a perfect layout...there's probably going to be a compromise somewhere...the challenge is to look ahead to how you cook, eat, live, entertain, and clean up, to figure out which compromises you can live with, and which things are absolute top priority. Easier said than done, right? But your compromise could be thinking ahead on days you entertain to gather what you'll need from the pantry to save trips during the pre-spread rush, and just understanding that you might be do-si-do-ing a little to get back and forth to the fridge when guests are milling around.

As far as the "free rein" design, I'd probably swap the fridge and the DO, but that's just me.

Back to cleaning out closets!!

We're half prepped for Ike. Food is bought, generator ready, water on hand, panels go up tomorrow. Looks like we might get lucky and not take a direct hit. But then my heart goes out to those who will. This is a dangerous storm that's going to cause great damage somewhere. I'd be a liar if I didn't admit that when I thought it was coming here as a CAT 4, I was scared.

I thought about the frig issue but think I could live with that. I do tend to gather all my items before I cook something, so that might save some dancing back and forth. I could do a 24" pantry next to the frig but think I'd rather have it as a coffee space so the pot will be out of my way. DH can deal with getting the water across the kitchen. If I used a U layout like this, the laundry room would once again become pantry. If I were to "win" and use some form of the island layout; I'd leave it a laundry room and make a step in pantry with shelves. Either way... there are some things I now feel I won't compromise on and we can "negotiate" the rest.

Elyse, there's a beautiful U-shaped kitchen in the Crown Point gallery that reminded me of your layout. Click on Kitchen #51.

Here is a link that might be useful: Click

I like a U for efficiency and keeping the cooktop at the dead end of the U helps to keep people out of your way, but the frig seems a really far walk for the last minute add-ins that I favor when cooking. Maybe you're a more organized cook than I am? An overhang on the oven run would be great because your guests could still see your gorgeous view.

WOW erika... that IS really similar! I like it alot... though unfortunately my cabs won't be Crown Point! It really gives me a feel for how it would function... THANKS!

supermom... I'm pretty sure he'll be reisitant to putting the over hang on the oven side since it's so close to the hallway leading to the bedrooms but you never know. I'd even be happy with an overhang on the sink side. If they want to sit/see outside there's always the table or screen porch. I'd just be happy with an overhang! I know the frig placement isn't perfect but I do know it's one thing that would make him happy since it's exactly where the current frig is. It's not perfect, but then again what is.

linely and scooter... I would plan on backing the sink run like a wall and figure some kind of slipper/armless small scale sofa /chaise would be pretty cool.

I've had 2 u-shaped kitchens. I loved the function of my last one, and the layout you propose is very similar. It's great for 2 + onlookers. It does get to be a bit of a bottleneck with more than 2 in the kitchen, but I just shoo them out of my way. :)

My current U shaped kitchen is much less functional because the fridge is jammed in between the cooktop and the ovens. I like the way you have your appliances spaced. Good job! Looks very functional.

OH yeah!... cause I may be able to sell this one.

SO you guys aren't as enamored with my dreamy dual island layout as I am? It's probably a huge waste of space and not as functional. Tell me that... really... so I won't want it anymore!

That crown point kitchen is amazing and so like your space!!! I'm sure you can make it look that good whatever cabinets you use. I don't like to work in corners but DH does so we compromised with an L (it was originally a U) however, I think this layout would work really well for the two of you. If only you could get your fridge closer...

Hi Remodelfla: I wish you and your family safety!

On the u-shaped kitchen. I had one in my last home and loved it. It was very efficient. The only thing I caution you on are blind corners. Be sure you have prepared yourself for a couple of "super-susans".

On something a little unrelated.... I ended up getting a 30" cooktop, like what you have planned. If I had to do it all over again, I'd opt for a 36". Not so much that I need 5 burners - but the spacing seems so much better on the 36" cooktops. More room for large pots and pans to cook next to each other. Oh, and I don't know what you're planning on for an exhaust, but we have the telescopic exhaust. I didn't want a big space ship coming out of the ceiling over our island. In hindsight, I might've gone ahead with the space ship, and went for function over appearance. The telescopic exhaust doesn't really seem to give me the draw that I enjoyed with our previous exhaust - which was directly over the burners via a micro/exhaust.
Just a few things to consider.....

HTH....

Boxie

I have a U-shaped kitchen, approx 10"x12", and didn't change its layout much for this reno. I find it very functional, although my fridge is on one of the legs, not across the room. I have a tiny island at the open end which doubles as prep and landing space by the fridge doors.

My only problem with this config is the corners. Corner cabinets, expecially the bases, are notoriously ineffiecient. One of my old ones had a 6" opening to access a 30" square box. When DD was smaller, I used her to fetch items from the back. Now she's almost my size so I need a new plan. Personally, I don't like lazy susans - lots of wasted space when you fit a round peg in a square hole. My new base cabs will have magic corners. They are supposed to be installed next week, but it may be a few weeks after that before I can see how much stuff I can reasonably pack inside them.

Hi boxie... thanks for your good wishes. I just had to call my DS in NY to make sure he was OK with Hanna. After living in Fl for 15 years; the NY storm for him was small change.... thanks goodness.

Did you get an induction unit boxie? I'm planning on a hood... probably one with curved glass and lighting. I'm guessing that if I do a U shaped; with the cooktop against the wall it won't look quite as spaceshipish.

I'd do super susans in a heartbeat or any kind of corner unit that would work. Someone posted these Blum corner space units that were pretty cool but I don't yet know if it would work with the general layout. I can't wait till I can worry about those kind of details.

Thanks again for your input and wishes!
Elyse

Elyse - Since you asked . . . no, I definitely prefer this layout over the dual island layout. I think you will find it pretty efficient since it is just the two of you and it sounds like you do most of the cooking. I love the Crownpoint kitchen linked and it sounds like your SO/DH could probably come up with a similar look if you wanted.

To be honest, I usually prefer to be the only cook in the kitchen and just like guests to sit and talk while I'm working. And I don't think the location of your fridge will be a real problem if you get everything out prior to fixing (I try to do the same) and may actually keep people out of your workspace when they need something from fridge.

Just a thought--if you are going to put your laundry room into use as a pantry, you could put his coffee station in here, maybe even putting in a small prep sink in a hutch-like piece. You could also locate your microwave if you wanted it out of your main kitchen. I know w/ my DH this would really work since he would have a water source for his coffee and the microwave to heat up old coffee (a regular occurance)--we usually only use the microwave to reheat things or sometimes to defrost).

Good luck to you and you neighbors w/ Ike!

That's exactly what i was thinking but I'd slowly have to introduce all concepts... probably in steps so he could assimilate all the info. He tends to be a little resistant to change initially. I'm planning on an Advantium somewhere in the uppers on the cook side and wanted a cheap counter top MW so he could reheat his coffee. It really shouldn't be too hard to put the coffee maker in their with a small sink since there are already water lines there from the washing machine. I"m excited that this U layout is being well received. I've come up with some pretty "out there" layouts and my poor forum friends must have been wanting to soften the feedback for fear of breaking my spirit! I'm so appreciative for all input positive and negative.

I have U-shaped kitchen and love it! The corners have super susans and they work great. So I think you're on the right track here. Our kitchen opens on to the family room and we sit at the table and watch the fire. I'm coming to your layout party late so forgive me if you've covered this ground.. I'm also concerned about the fridge. I think you might like it better if the fridge were inside your work space. Ours is across from the table so guests can get things but I have easy access to it. The micro is to the left of it so reheating food is easy. Outside the work areas I have a cabinet with things I don't use all the time. You might notice our eating area/banquette is attached to the pennisula. I really like this.. it's a nice place to hang out with the cook. Our table was placed like yours before but now the traffic flow into the family room is better.

Final comment: The best tip I got for the layout was to make sure you had a place for everything. And then make sure it's a place that makes sense - like your dishes should be in a good place for unloading the DW and setting the table...

beth... thanks so much for posting your layout. I love hearing how your U shaped space works great for you. I also love the table attached but that won't work because I'm hung up on keeping my round table that I've only had about a year and love. I had stalked it for 3 years and then found it at a discount store for $400 ($3000 retail!), I know the frig thing isn't perfect; but with this layout option, I'd rather have the counter space then frig within the work area. The pantry would be through the doorway anyway so I'll just get what I need ahead of time which I tend to do anyway. I tried a galley notion on the left side (along with a zillion other iterations!) but didn't like how broken up it felt and I didnt' have as much counter space. To me... at least right now... this U feels more open kinda like a modified island since there would be no uppers on either leg.

I've got a u-shaped kitchen. Sadly, it's a poorly designed u-shaped kitchen so it's definitely not my favorite. Mine has nowhere near enough counter space around the stove and none near the fridge. The builders also scrimped on quite a few things which makes it even less functional (corner cab not all the way to the wall, silly angle that wastes tons of space, etc.).

My one thought on your layout (other than the fridge placement) is that you don't have enough space to the left of your stove. That placement is similar to ours and it's the one thing I truly dislike. While I have decent counter space to the side and opposite the stove, I hate having to turn / pivot every time I want something from the counter.

I do love the fact that the peninsula lets visitors interact with me yet keeps them out of the kitchen proper. OTOH, that big open side of the U means people tend to pool into the kitchen until I shoo them out to the other side. I can have three people total actually working in my kitchen but anything beyond that is too much.

Remodelfla,

Thank goodness it looks like Ike is going to miss us!

I've been following your kitchen evolution plans over the last few months, but haven't weighed in. I think your changes are SMART. We will shortly embark on a now huge renovation that started with just the kitchen & now is resulting in the whole middle of the house in order to utilize our screened porch as part of the house (soon to be the dining room). The whole thing will also now necessitate us moving out of the house for at least 3 months-- argh!!

All that said- I reiterate that I think your new approach is really smart. I also like your latest layout. I haven't done it yet, but our layout plan includes a U-shaped layout with a small island. I also was looking to to have a large expanse of counterspace. especially around the cooktop, which we have none of in our current kitchen. Do you have room to push the layout some into the sunroom to make room for an island?

I'll try to post my recent layout (although I don't think I have the most in a form to post).

Hi pbrisjar... thanks for weighing in on this. Hmm... are you saying that the roughly 36" there is on either side of the cooktop won't be enough because it's a corner? I didn't realize that. I love the idea of as large a prep space as possible. I figure that the 4' to the side of the UC oven would be good for prep/baking. I could put the UC oven over by the frig... but it doesn't benefit me in anyway since it already nets me counter space. So actually.... that entire run can be used for prep which is pretty cool.

bdkitchen... how exciting for you! A complete new renovation. We initially planned on that but DH had a meltdown and we decided to scale way back since this is suppose to be our retirement home. We don't need much for the two of us. I forget... where in So. Fla are you again? I'm NW of Ft. Lauderdale; the home we're remodeling is in Hollywood.

I like the idea of trying to fit an island in. I can't push the upper L out square since the window takes just about the entire wall. I can however; try to do one cab on a angle out to gain depth. I tried to draw something like that but my dismal drawing didn't work out. I'll try again.

Thank goodness Ike headed south. Now I worry for the poor people who got hit and those in the Gulf states who may potentially get hit by a CAT 4 after is builds again over those warm waters. This is one powerful dangerous storm.

Remodelfla,

I'm afraid I may be the one having the meltdown about the bigger project!

When you move to Hollywood, we'll be practically neighbors! We live in NMB off Ives Dairy Rd. I love Hollywood- it's so charming and has a fun, funky small town feel, so unusual in S. FLorida. I had wanted to move to Hollywood but DH works in Aventura & can practically walk to work.

I have a friend in the neighborhood who has just done an IKEA kitchen, She not' quite finished, but so far has been very happy, and the project has been incredibly FAST. While I've been dickering around with layout changes and new architectural drawings, and permitting, her no permit required, use the exiting structure and layout (like you now intend to do) has been about 3 weeks from start to nearly finished. When she invites us in to see the final result I'll try to take pics for you.

BTW, I had an IKEA kitchen years ago. They have improved leaps and bounds in quality since then, but even nearly 20 years ago, my teeny, tiny IKEA kitchen (it was about 7x7) was the the MOST efficient kitchen I've ever had.

P.S.-- hope Ike doesn't wind up threatening the Gulf coast states again.

I know... those poor LA and TX states. Ya' mean something like this? I pushed up the sink run. I'm not sure what I'd do in the case about the angle/corner. I know there are angle cabs available (I just remembered that!) so I could tweak it. For basic cabs I figured I could use one 12" regular depth and then a 12" depth cab then some filler I guess so I could curve the granite into the window frame and curve out from the corner so it meets. I'll take any suggestions on how else I would handle something like that if this is the preferred layout. A BB island was always at the top of my wish list things... would be awesome if I could do it.

I do like the kitchen on that side of the room. It feels more connected to living room (which I think you wanted that open feel) and it gets that extra doorway out of your work space. I do like the double island, but I also like this too. How about if you take the sitting room side peninsula rotate it 90 degrees and make it an island with overhang?

mom2... I'm not sure I understand what you mean. I am showing a peninsula on the sink run peninsula. Am I being dense?

Sorry for the confusion. I'm sure you're not dense it's my explaination. I'll try to explain it better, LOL.

That sink run peninsula with the DW is the one I was referring to. Take the sink run peninsula out then make it an island facing the table (DW and sink in island). So the layout would be an L with an island. The bottom peninsula with the oven would stay the same and the cooktop run would stay the same too.

I hope that's more clear, I'll see if I can draw it up...

OH! I see... I had something a little similar at one time but the feedback seemed to be that with the table there; it made for a traffic jam. (if I'm remembering correctly)

Your sink seems a little far from the refrigerator. Is there a reason you don't swap the legs of the "U"?

Also, make sure you will have enough clearance to fully open your oven in this new formation.

jayne

Well, yes if people were sitting at both the table and the island it would be tight, but if you get a couple of backless stools you could slide them under the overhang and out of the way. With the peninsula overhang in the sitting area it makes that spot a bit tight.

I think either peninsula or island would work nicely, just another option.

Another idea is if you go with the L with island, you could put the uc oven in the island and sink/DW in the bottom peninsula. That would give you a big 7'x3' uninterrupted workspace.

If I were to do an "L", it would be the bottom leg I'd get rid of. It's kinda the pathway that opens to the mini hallway that goes to 2 of the bedrooms. Below that is the family room and entrance to the house. More options to consider. I just came up with the U concept because it seemed so efficient. The pipes for the sink and DW are where the table is in this rendition so I thought it would be easier to access exisiting pipes with it in the same general location... just down a bit.

If you went with the "L", perhaps you could have a double-depth island, something like you were thinking about more recently. Would you consider putting your oven next to the cooktop?

jayne

oh... the double depth layout but on the right side? I hadn't thought of that. The main reason I thought of the double depth was 1. I loved the look of the Hansen cabs and 2. I couldn't think what else to do to make things fit on the left side. I don't know if it would make as much sense if I were to bring the kitchen over to the right because I have the benefit of the 10' wall which I don't have on the left. I'll play around with some things some more. As always.. thanks so much for the input.

Sounds like you're doing a great job of working out the design issues for what you need! Fantastic! Maybe now the fun stuff can start of picking out cabinets and appliances and the very important hardware/cabinet jewelry : )

My "thing" will be countertops and backsplash material. That will absolutely positively be the think I'll love doing most. If I ever actually get there....

Hey Elyse!
I see that you're posting again today, so you've made it through another day safely.

Yes, we brought home the new induction cooktop today. It'll be replacing a regular GE Profile glass top.
Can't wait to have it installed.
Guess I'll have to (hand)wash the new set of pots n pans I bought for it! :)

I like the Super Susans. Not everyone does. Sure, there's some wasted space, but in the past, the alternative was to lay on the floor and try to stretch your tippy tippy fingers to latch on to whatever you're trying to get out. I think someone mentioned some new-fangled thingies, and I am eager to hear more about it when they're installed. What I like best about the Super Susans is that I can get to the stuff whether it's in the front or the back.

Anyhooo... just thought I'd check in. Good to hear that you're safe!

Boxie

I like the second version of the "U" better. To answer your other question - in my case, I have 12" and then fridge on one side, 12" then turn on the other. So what you had in the first wouldn't be nearly as bad as what I have but close. The turn helps but it's still a nuisance.

One other issue with the U shaped kitchen. I find that people "pool" into the kitchen and don't know how to get out. Think of a stream with a little side pool. Things pop in there and get stuck just spinning around because there's no clear "out". Of course in my case the opening is right on the major pathway through the house. In your second layout, with that little island, you'd have a diverter.

Do you think having an overhang in the sunroom space would keep people out of my workspace?

I think having your inviting round table that close to your work area will encourage people to hang there while you work, especially w/ a smaller kitchen. I do like the 2nd one w/ the island because it will give you another good work spot and landing zone from wherever you are in your kitchen.

Since everyone is worried about the distance of the fridge to your workspace, have you considered moving it to the bottom of your U-shape, replacing the unnamed cabinet next to your 24" cab (especially if you do your 2nd layout w/ island)? Then on the wall you have moved the fridge from, maybe a large hutch that could also serve as your coffee station?

farmhouse... that's another vote for the pushed out U with the island! I'm not concerned about the frig placement really. It wouldn't work on the bottom of the L because there's no wall there. It would be cabs with end panels giving me a more open look like I've wanted to achieve from the beginning. At least in my mind it does! I haven't done a rendition in 3D yet. I can only operate with IKEA on my sons computer since I haven't mastered google sketchup yet.

I think between the round table and the overhang you'll be fine. In my case it's a matter of just herding everyone past the kitchen and into the living room area (which also has the peninsula overhang. Once that's accomplished everything is fine. Strategic food placement is key to this maneuver.

I remember that in a former thread (one of the first couple, I think), that I had a vague whim, wishing I could design kind of a cockpit or command center for you, where you were kind of surrounded by kitchen and workspace. I never mentioned it, because it was too vague for me to make something concrete out of the idea. I think, though, that this latest plan of yours almost accomplishes that. I actually like the first version at the top, as it looks very efficient, and I don't see any problem with work area around the stove. Is that the main reason people have been against it? That's all I found when I read through, but it was a quick glance, so I may have missed something. But if you can fit in your BB island, I guess the 2nd is worth a try, too.

Will you be able to extend the counter over the UC oven toward the family/living room so that it's even with the fridge wall?

That's ironic rhome! I just wrote to you on your thread and mentioned this one hoping you'd weigh in! I tried the second rendition because some of the feedback on two corners made that questionable. Also, one poster mentioned an attempt to push it back so I could create an island. The right and left wall are even; bad drawing on my part. Most of the general feedback on the U shape has been positive. I think way way way back someone suggested it but I was so stuck on the notion of a completely open layout that I couldn't get my head around it. Someone recently posted a pic of their kitchen; just fabulous, with one long wall and two opposing islands. It was a dream setup for me. However; their space is much much larger then mine and I need to reconcile that it just won't work as effectively for me. That being said; the U seems to give the feel of an open layout; at least in 2D; and funny... seems to leave enough room for the table and sunroom to remain such. It doesn't seem to work as well on the left side because the door way is there. It would require that he agrees to take out the old pantry (about 4') and leave the 5' of wall we have to leave on the left end. AND.. the plumbing would have to be tweaked but I thought it wouldn't be as bad since the current run is in the same general area but down more to the left.

One thing I don't like about the bigger U is that the area in front of it becomes tight for almost any use. A TV in the spot where you show it will be good for you in the kitchen, but that's about it.

If you want it drawn in my software's 3D, you know where to find me...Since I have your kitchen drawn in other files, it's not too hard to change it around. (email me to make sure I don't miss a request posted here...Since I really AM going to try to stay off of here more and break my addiction!)

I agree that the extra 2' with the peninsula leg bumped out in the 2nd layout diminishes the functionality of the sunroom. I want to mix materials anyway ... so I can always get a nice piece of edge grain BB to put on the 21" counter next to the frig. WHY? 'cause I love the material. I also LOVE blue granite and marble. But.. once again... I jump ahead to the fun part. My point is; I'm not sure the bumped out version really benefits me greatly. I love to see 3D renditions when/if you have the time. I'm still so far away from this becoming a reality; so no rush at all. You're the best rhome... THANKS!

The first layout should show an overhang for stools. Three I"m assuming would be about right.

I am in the middle of a remodel now, and have a U-shaped layout with another strip on the other wall where the fridge and pantry are.
I STRONGLY second the advice on paying very close attention to the blind corners and door clearances. We are catching (in time) issues relating to drawers opening, needing filler strips, making sure that doors don't hit each other). However, it wasn't something we had quite thought through in advance. You may need filler strips.