I am so looking forward to having a morning kitchen in the next house. It's a big place and the kitchen is down a flight or two of stairs. I'm going to take out a bathroom (there are too many) between what are now two bedrooms. The one bedroom will become a big master suite closet with washer and dryer (for family use) and between that room and the master will be a passage way morning kitchen. Currently it's a closet converted to a bathroom, so I'll split it in two with the hallway, one side will have a small sink, fridge and items for after dinner drinks and wine (glasses etc). The other side will have a built in coffee maker and a single dish washer drawer. I can't claim to be the angel that amity is (and I mean that in sincerity! I love people who work their family into their lifes. It's the right thing to do) but I still love peace and sanity in a home with a small child. We have a lovely turret in the room and I can see myself getting up earlier than DS (I do that now) just for that hour of total peace and quiet, enjoying a lovely latte in my jammies :) And at night, the ability to have a glass of port after a long day is not to be sneezed at :) The ability to do it in peace is even better LOL To plan one in a small room though, just think like a hotel (I don't think that's a bad thing by the way). Get a lovely try to set a 2 cup coffee maker on with the acoutremants (spelled terribly dang it) of a pot of coffee with any necessary additives (do you do cream, etc?) If necessary, put a tiny refridgerator somewhere for that stuff, or use the stuff that does not need refridgeration. A couple cups is of course a must as well as a nice napkin and spoon. If you put this all on a tray, and then set that on a dresser or side table, or even in the bathroom if you have a larger counter, you can easily take it to the kitchen with you after your morning coffee time and clean and refill your supplies, then return it to the bedroom during the day after all is tidy, ready for the next morning. I'm sure before we start our remodel this will be my system :) I'm going to add this in our master closet in this house as soon as it's finished :) I have a nice big dresser top that will be free space (something I don't have much of now). By the way, I used to make these trays up for an inn, so I know that once you're used to doing it daily it's about a 2 min clean up and refill. The key being the tray that is always used to carry things back and forth.

I think you can do your plan if you know yourself well - sounds like it as you have had open shelving before. Your present kitchen has a bit more storage then mine, so I can see living without some of it. I do use a pie-safe as a pantry. I personally am glad to have limited space because it keeps me from collecting clutter and dishes / bowls I never use. If you live the same way then your plan should work. The area around the stove will tend to be greasier and need more cleaning then around the sink, so my feeling is I would put shelving on both sides of the window. I did that concept in my basement kitchenette and only use the bottom shelves for dishes and the upper for a few decor or not frequently used items so that only the lower shelves need to be kept supper clean. Another thought is to use some cabinets with glass doors.

Mama's second plan is genius!! With all of the doors and entries, you have lots of light!! Just not a direct window. Use a mirror behind the sink. I would think about moving the fridge to the left of the sink as you are facing it. If the family room is used the most, you will have lots of people traipsing thru the kitchen for a drink. Since there is no pantry and you have accessible seating nearby, I would forgo seating at the island and have back to back cabinets for storage. I would also think about moving the trash to the island. Again, depends on how many people will be getting into the trash while you are at the sink. I am not a big fan of prep sinks in islands. They take up a lot of space, need more plumbing and take up valuable countertop space. Make sure you have a minimum of 42" between the cabinets and the island. 48" is better. I love that she put the microwave separate from the range. Her plan lets you have lots of "helpers" in the kitchen without everybody in everybody's way. Remember, kitchen organization is fridge to sink to stove. Work triangles are great but work stations can be better.

So I didn’t know what a boot washing station was until these comments, and now I now I am like “where has this been all my life!” Anyone have recommendations on which model works. I don’t need something industrial strength, but am looking for something we can put just outside the back door that is not too unobtrusive (preferably one that works without having to bolt down to the deck). Any recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks!