Can I fit a 36" range in a 40" space between two windows?
Kurt Spring
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
We're doing a reconfiguration of our current kitchen in an old (1929) new england home. We want to relocate the range to an area between two casement windows in our kitchen space but the distance between the window frames (not the trim) is only about 40". These windows face the street and we do not want to alter the original facade by changing the size of the windows so we're stuck with this width. I think we could squeeze in a 36 inch range and hood, but we would need to use narrow (<2") trim around the windows vs. the current 3.5" trim. Any thoughts on if this could work or other solutions? Given the scale of our renovation, the architects believe a 36" range is more appropriate than a 30". Moreover, we love to cook and would like the large oven and cooktop space.
AFTER
BEFORE
Thanks!
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (14)
practigal
8 years ago- PRO
Taylor's Cabinets & Interiors
8 years ago Related Discussions
Is 36' too little space between island and counters?
Comments (29)Don't listen to the people who say 30" is not doable, it absolutely is! I had a 10' x 18' kitchen and I had to squeeze an island in there, that island is everything. I had 2' cabinets (with stove/oven) + 30" walkway + 34" island + 30" walkway roughly. As a designer and someone who cooked A LOT, it absolutely was worth it. I definitely wouldn't recommend it if you enough space to do 36" walkway. I remember in design school our instructors telling us that there is such a thing as too much space, when you have to take too many steps between the stove top and your sink. This is why we do triangle configurations and proper space planning training that addresses practically vs design. I'm building a custom home now and I'm doing 36" between the island and the stove top area, but 42" between the narrow part of the island and the pantry cabinets (where the fridge/freezer and built in ovens will be). I feel that most household members segragate around the fridge and the pantry when looking for drinks, things to eat, and snacks. On a personal level I'm a little biased because I can't stand two people hovering around a stove, so even if you have two people prepping dinner, one will probably on the side of the island washing and cutting while the other is at the stove. Make your space proportionate and practical....See MoreSpacing between cabinets and door, cabinets and window etc
Comments (5)I agree that it's a personal preference. For the space between a patio door and cabinets, I'd prefer not to see a narrow 1" strip of wall space. I'd rather have either 3-4" (more if you have the space). When we planned ours, we also took into account how big the cabinets could be when we played around with that wall space. We have about 4" between the door molding and the cabinet, which gave us a 30" upper cabinet. I didn't want the upper cabinet to be any smaller than 30" wide because I felt that was a good width for our everyday dishes. The same goes for the wall space between the window and cabinets...I just don't like a super thin (1" or so) strip of wall. To me it almost looks like a mistake. There again we have about 4" from the window molding to upper cabinets. Just don't forget to take into account how wide you'd like your upper cabinets to be for what you're storing there. I would work on that first, and then determine how much wall space you'll end up with. You can then adjust cabinet width by a few inches either way to end up with the best combination. Re: hood. It's my understanding that if you have a 36" hood over a 36" range, then you should allow 3" of open space on both sides of the hood. We have a 36" range with a 42" hood. Because the hood is already wider than the range, the hood will be flush against the upper cabinets. A knowledgeable appliance salesperson will be able to explain this better than I am....See MoreWhat to do with space between window casing and upper cabinets
Comments (4)I prefer a bit of breathing room between cabs and window/door casings so wouldn't re-do to push cabs to your casings. I have situation around my corner pantry casing that caused me to pause. Because of some framing issues, the exposed wall around the casing is small and not symmetrical on both sides. Instead of narrow, assymetrical strips of wall paint used elsewhere in the space, I painted them the trim color (also the cab color) so it all blends in together. In your case, I would paint with your wall color....See MoreHelp with kitchen design, trying to decide between two layouts
Comments (79)You know, I agree with you that the island perpendicular to the window wall doesn't feel as right as the island parallel to the window wall. Interesting. I stopped and thought about why that would be. My first thought was that, with the island perpendicular to the window wall, the end of the island closest to the living room now feels as if it's intruding into the walkway between the kitchen and living room. Even though the island ends in line with the side of the fridge closest to the living room, the island still feels as if it's intruding. However, when I look at the island parallel to the window, I also think the end of the island closest to the dining room feels as if it is intruding into the dining room. Even though the island ends in line with the side of the perimeter cabinet closest to the dining room, the island still feels as if it's intruding. So when you're standing in the living room, you like the perpendicular-to-the-window-wall island orientation less (because the island feels as if it's intruding towards you). And when you're standing in the dining room, you'll like the parallel-to-the-window-wall island orientation less (because the island feels as if it's intruding towards you). Given all that, I actually think this shape island (posted earlier upthread) feels the best from both perspectives: That is because the island is completely and clearly inside the invisible borders of the kitchen as delineated by the side of the fridge closest to the living room and the side of the perimeter cabinet closest to the dining room. A square (ish) island doesn't even touch the borders -- it's well inside them by a foot or two, making it impossible for the island to feel as if it's intruding into another room. This home layout is so open that it lacks some of the normal cues (walls/doorways/floor changes) marking where the kitchen ends and another room begins. So in this island's case, a setback from the technical kitchen border helps to clarify things. The island's definitely in the kitchen and only in the kitchen. Here is an edited version that stops the island a foot or two short of the borders in both directions: I'd recommend having seating just on the living room side of the island. Seating on the dining room side puts those chairs back to back with dining room chairs, and I always think that looks/functions a bit oddly....See MoreKurt Spring
8 years ago
mama goose_gw zn6OH
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoMy house was built about the same time, and I understand working around existing elements. Are you planning a tile backsplash? Will you use window treatments--curtains, shades, etc.? Is there any reason (safety code,
aesthetics) you couldn't have the hood overlap the windows slightly,
then tile the window wells up to the level the hood starts, with window
trim above? Or tile to the ceiling, and all around the windows, skipping
the wood trim? Would that look to institutional? I suppose the tile
would need to be set out slightly to match 3/4 thick window trim, or
window trim would need to be re-sawed to be the thickness of the tile.Obviously, I didn't include a chimney. Click to enlarge:
Fori
8 years agoLE
8 years agoBuehl
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoBuehl
8 years ago
1929Spanish-GW
8 years agodesertsteph
8 years agoUser
8 years agojanedoe2012
8 years ago
Related Stories
SMALL KITCHENS10 Things You Didn't Think Would Fit in a Small Kitchen
Don't assume you have to do without those windows, that island, a home office space, your prized collections or an eat-in nook
Full Story
THE POLITE HOUSEThe Polite House: Can I Put a Remodel Project on Our Wedding Registry?
Find out how to ask guests for less traditional wedding gifts
Full Story
LIVING ROOMSIdeabook 911: How Can I Make My Living Room Seem Bigger?
10 Ways to Make a Small Space Live Large
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNHow to Find the Right Range for Your Kitchen
Range style is mostly a matter of personal taste. This full course of possibilities can help you find the right appliance to match yours
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNHow to Fit a Breakfast Bar Into a Narrow Kitchen
Yes, you can have a casual dining space in a width-challenged kitchen, even if there’s no room for an island
Full Story
SMALL HOMESCan You Live a Full Life in 220 Square Feet?
Adjusting mind-sets along with furniture may be the key to happiness for tiny-home dwellers
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Design Fix: How to Fit an Island Into a Small Kitchen
Maximize your cooking prep area and storage even if your kitchen isn't huge with an island sized and styled to fit
Full Story
5 Stunning Modern Range Hoods
Today's kitchen range hoods can look like sleek sculptures. Here's what to look for when you go shopping for one
Full Story
SMALL SPACESHow Portability Can Make You Happier at Home
Downsizing your stuff and going for maximum mobility can actually make your home feel bigger and your life feel fuller
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESAsk an Architect: How Can I Carve Out a New Room Without Adding On?
When it comes to creating extra room, a mezzanine or loft level can be your best friend
Full Story
Taylor's Cabinets & Interiors