plan 2:similar to my kitch and you will appreciate longer counter run to the left of range.The other option is move sink over instead, but you aren't doing that, so I'd definitely move the range.The 2 dbl door cabs to the left of the range are better-have you thought of open shelves to the rt of micrwave instead of single door cab?

Does a dishwasher open into this aisle, too? If so, on which side of the sink?

Can you show a floorplan layout of each idea?

I think the look of the centered range in plan #1 is lost because the sink is not centered. Therefore, my vote is plan #2.

Also, I would rather have the one large upper cabinet than the two narrow cabinets. Plan #2 may even be less money because those two small upper cabinets in plan #1 will probably cost more than the one large cabinet in plan #2.

DW placement is important in this decision however my knee jerk reaction is plan 2 for the same reason herb mentioned... I'd prefer the longer prep space run.

A dishwasher does open into this aisle on the right side of the sink. The left side of the sink will be used for prep with trash below. Here are the layouts:

I vote for #2, as well.

Since the wall is open to the dining room, I would probably opt for the symmetrical centered on the wall look. It might be less functional, but it looks like splitting two big sections of counter on either side still gives you two sizeable chunks to work with.

I like #2, since the sink isn't centered anyway it doesn't look "off" to me. I think you'll be happier breaking up those spaces a little, so that a person doing clean up at the sink with the dishwasher open will not be in the way of the person doing prep and cooking at the stove. That would bug me big time!

The longer prep run, the DW placement and the ability to use the counter to the right of the stove as a MW drop spot (since almost all MWs are left hinged) make plan 2 my preferred plan. I also see the longer prep run as a drop spot for food that comes across the aisle from the frig. I'd go function over form. I also like herbflower's open shelf suggestion for often use spices and oils. If not open shelves perhaps a glass door there.

As an aside,do you find that people really sit at the counter? I have that, and I'm eliminating it when I can.With the table and a family or living room so near, people do not sit up there to stare at the small kitchen. I'm going one level, with 1 or 2 counter stools at the curved end, that can tuck under.

I like plan #2 since the sink isn't centered.

I like plan #2. Maybe add glass doors on the upper cabinets, furthest to the left of the range...and it should feel more centered :)

I sure appreciate all of your responses. Not having the sink centered does seem to defeat the purpose of centering the range.

So with that in mind... Here are two new options after playing with your suggestions.

#1 Centered range and centered sink

#2 Off Center range and sink with open shelves

Herb - Good point. Currently, the counter does not exist. I do not see the counter being used daily dining, more for someone to perch (stools tucked under the counter) and chat while cooking, cocktails, etc. A nice way of keeping them out of the kitchen. LOL

Thanks again for your input! I love hearing your reasoning too. It sure helps.

I like plan 2, Then I was thinking-would it work to move the sink down towards the window? and then do drawer stack, sink, DW? Then the faucet won't be the center of the view from the DR and you will a long run of counter, which is a great thing to have. Then the dish drawers will be right next to the DW which is a real pleasure. Just and idea.

I like plan #2 because I think the long counter run next to the range would be ideal. Additionally, it would prevent collisions if there are multiple people in the kitchen at once. I don't think the lack of symmetry would bother me.

I like #2. I'm not crazy about the open shelves, I like the cabinet better.

Plan 2 but not with open shelving.

You should take a moment to read this thread as well as tsdiver's subsequent follow up, though I can't find it right now. Very similar layout and issues.

original plan 2

Original Plan #2. I wouldn't sacrifice function for symmetry, but thats just me.

Thank you for your votes and your ideas. You all are the best!

Sixtyohno - I understand what you are saying about the dish drawers near the dishwasher. I love that set up. I went back to the software program and started moving cabinets around like you suggested. I liked the idea except for a small deal breaker. We have to share the trash with clean up and with prep. That is why the trash is on one side of the sink with the dishwasher on the other. I sure appreciate you taking the time to post your idea.

Marcolo - Yep, that's me. I posted a link to the follow up below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Follow Up

What about reversing the order on both sides? If you have the dishwasher where it is now it blocks the entrance to the kitchen when it is open. You could prevent that by putting the 9" pull-out next to the window, then the dishwasher, sink, trash, dish drawers and drawer stack. On the stove side, you could put the two drawer stacks next to the window, then the stove, with the pots and pans drawers next to the entry. I think the seating at the counter is a good idea.

Sally - Very interesting idea there. We are limited as to our sink location, but I definitely need to find out EXACTLY how far I can move it. Here is your idea in pictures:

centering the range is preferable to shifting it left. You will want a run of counter immediately...push the range to the right-you can even go to within 18 in of wall..your body mechanics will drift leftward-counter, frig, sink as well as entering and exiting the space...that's where your counter should be, as the bulk of activity is at the counter.

I haven't read the other posts, so maybe someone else has already mentioned this.

I've had the MW over the range, and really disliked it. No head room, DH would want to warm up something while I was cooking and get in my way, and in your case, I don't think it's very attractive as a focal point from the eating area. Sometimes the MW has to be over the range due to the small size of the kitchen (as was the case in my previous home), but you have space to separate the two in your kitchen.

I'd center the sink, put the range somewhere to the right, and the MW to the left--maybe at counter level with a shallow shelf above it so that your cabinets are still lined up so that you could do something interesting with them to make them a better focal point. That would also allow someone to use the MW and the sink with out interfering with the cook at the range.

Anne

Good point Herb about the immediate area to drop groceries etc.

Jimanddanne - Yes, you are correct. An OTR micro hood is not the best scenario, but it is in our little kitchen. We tried different layouts with them separated, but we just kept coming up short on cabinet space. Also, since we cannot vent the hood outside, the "worth it" value of a separate hood was diminished. I do appreciate you bringing the topic up. It is always good to look at things again, especially since they have usually been through so many different incarnations.

The fact that you don't have a snazzy hood makes the range much, much less of a focal point. So centering it is kind of pointless. Leave it to the right as it was--best function that way.

What's the point of the open shelves? I'd keep them closed; its a displeasing asymmetry. If you had to use open shelving due to window clearance, put in a complete cabinet box with finished interiors and no door.

the open shelves may not have a practical"point", but situated there, with the sun through the window, one's small ceramics/kitchen collectibles,a plant or a few cookbooks can really invigorate a small space. Do you have a vase or a sugar bowl or anything from grandma? Enjoyment factor.

That's my point--they don't look good. The run ends in a microwave followed by a random asymmetrical set of open, unconnected shelves.