I would definitely want some open space on both sides of the sink...will you have none? In addition to the space problem that means you have water almost constantly splashing on and around the wood cabinet.

YOu need 18" of full depth counter space next to one side of the sink and 24" to the other for good functionality. If you prep next to your sink, then add another 12" to the 24" dimension in the direction of the prep zone which is usually somewhere between the sink and the stove. If you can have those open counter space and still have room for your hutch type cabinet that is large enough to look right, then go for it. If not, then functionality should win out.

I considered making a sort of hutch cabinet right next to my sink, and then decided against it. I just thought it would be too inconvenient not to be able to just dump dishes on either side of the sink when clearing up after a party or a big dinner, or when emptying the dishwasher. I also didn't like the idea of water splashing on the cabinet.

It was one of those things I just decided to give up. I would really think it through, and really picture exactly how you would use the space.

I love them too, for the same reason. I think it depends on whether you're more driven by function or appearance. (Maybe you should ignore my advice, I'm very driven by aesthetics.) But you certainly won't be happy if the design is unworkable! It seems you might feel OK with the lack of space on one side, especially if you have an island near the sink where you can work. Stand where the sink will be and mimic the kind of work you're likely to do there, to make sure.

As for aesthetics, I made a scale model on graph paper, including all the features of the cabinet run in question, like the window over the sink, the apron front sink, even the cabinet details. Then I made scale cutouts of different kinds of uppers to see which looked best. It really gives you a good idea of what the finished appearance will be. The proportions have to be right to succeed. You might be able to play with the upper cabinet height and width to give the sink area a little breathing room, if necessary.

I've looked at tons of pictures and you see all kinds of things in kitchens, especially in old houses. Unless you're looking to create a formal or traditional room, it's surprising how things blend into the whole.

Good luck!

If you do the hutch cabinet you might consider furring out the lowers from the standard 24 to 28 or even 30. This would give you some counter depth in front of the uppers and also give you more room behind your sink for the faucet. But if you do this, you may need to make adjustments elsewhere to maintain enough space between the perimeter and the island, for example.

Yes, the crowding to the left of the sink was my concern. I'm not worried about loss of counterspace in general since I feel I have enough, but that 18" of full depth counter to the left of the sink is probably critical. Re: form versus function, I am definitely driven to some degree by form, and I will even put up with (minor) inconveniences to get a look I like. However, counter-sitting uppers is in part driven by function for me; we are a short family and even the second shelf in a typical wall cabinet, especially one above a 24" counter, is a stretch for us. Anything placed above that height can't be things I need to access everyday. So lowered uppers would be useful for storing the everyday dishes and glassware.

Bringing uppers down to the counter reduces full functionality of both counter and cabinet.

Using the counter as a landing spot restricts access to the cabinet- can't open up the door because you'd knock items off the counter. I'd think you'd be inconvenienced quite a bit with this configuration by the sink. JMHO.

What is the distance from your sink edge to the cabinet you want to come down to the counter. I just looked at your layout in a previous thread as it looks like your sink is 3' from the stove wall. And I think you where going to get rid of the upper corner cabinet. Is the cabinet you were considering along the stove wall?

Here is a link that might be useful: victoriajane layout

Mom2lilenj, yes I am eliminating the upper corner cabinet (I recognize this contradicts my original post; if you are having trouble keeping track of my constantly changing design configurations, so am I!) I will still have a corner because I can't get rid of the partial wall along the peninsula (load bearing.) My thought now is to not have an upper cabinet on this wall at all , but to use that 2 1/2 or so of free wall space to the left of the sink as a place to hang large utensils (spatulas and the like) from one of those metal grid rack things (or those shiny chrome utensil bars, but I am afraid they would jut out from the wall too much.) The upper cabinet that would sit on the counter is the last one along the stove wall and it would hit the corner. Because I foresee a difficulty opening the cabinet door with the wall right there, I am considering open shelves for this cabinet, with a drawer underneath it on the counter , and using the shelves for dishes and cups. I would still have much more than 18" between drawer and sink with this layout. Thoughts?

I think that sounds fine. You would have 2' to the drawer if you make the drawers 12" deep matching standard upper depth. However I think the hutch closest to the DW would be the best place for your dishes cups, glasses, and silverware. Glasses and cups are close to the DW, fridge and morning room. Plates, silverware are close to DW and morning room. Another thing to consider is if you have a coffee maker on the counter and where would you want that to be.

If you don't need the extra storage, could you put that utencil rack along the stove wall and then maybe put some artwork on the sink wall or leave it blank. But then again, I like open wall space.

Victoriajane, we are thinking along the same lines. I am debating between having the glass cupboards at the counter with stacked cabinets above them (Victorian look) or glass cupboards starting at the ceiling with drawers below. Leaning toward the former -- a cleaner look I think and I am also short so having the cupboards lower is really a good decision from a functional point of view.

I am thinking of having the glass cupboard doors built as sliders rather than hinged so they won't open over the counters. There are several pros and cons to this idea -- such as dirt accumulating in the tracks -- but here as elsewhere, there are some pragmatic reasons for doing it and it looks neat, especially if you are going for a Victorian/library kind of look.