The problem with the current range location is not just that there is no landing/workspace to the left of it...it's also that it's right in the main passage through the house. I strongly encourage you to at least change the range location--and vent it externally :-) What are your countertops? If they're laminate, I think you can redo them fairly inexpensively (at least compared to stone or solid surface!) Besides, you have to put in a new countertop on the peninsula and to the left of the refrigerator (unless those are tall cabinets, but you seem to have upper cabinets there, so I'm not sure what you're doing there). Moving the island: How big is your FR? From the looks of it, I don't think you can afford to lose the space in the FR that you will need to move the island into it. Have you considered making the FR's left exterior wall flush w/the MBR & MBA walls? That would give you more FR space and still give you that staggered look, if that's what you're looking for (don't move the Office wall). OTOH, if you don't care about the staggered look, perhaps you should just make that left exterior wall flush the entire length...I would think it would be less expensive or at least the same cost since you don't have to build in the "stagger"...but I'm not a home builder, so I could be wrong. I've seen, however, that whenever you deviate from simple straight lines it costs more! Think about placing the Office door...from which room will you be going to/from the Office the most? That will determine where best to put the door. I suspect it will be the FR, but I don't know that. If you have 2 doors, you're taking precious wall space for your computer, bookshelves, etc. Where is the front door? Your layout doesn't show that. Is there an alternate entrance that family uses (e.g., Garage door)? BTW...if you're going to be buying new cabinets for the island and pantry, I'm not sure it's cost effective to do the kitchen in phases like this. Unless you plan to reuse your cabinetry in phase 2, which is probably doubtful if you plan to redesign the kitchen altogether, then I think you might be better off saving your money now b/c cabinetry is not cheap...it's usually the most expensive part of a remodel (~50% of a remodel cost). I would consider taking down the FR wall to the counter level of your current wall of cabinets and leaving the base cabinets as-is (obviously you will have to take down the upper cabinets when the wall comes down). OR, if phase 2 is soon, perhaps leave the kitchen intact for now and take the wall down with phase 2...that way you don't lose storage now. For pantry room, consider putting in shelving to get you by for now. If you do take down the wall, then you could get inexpensive laminate countertops for now and even put in a small overhang. Then you could also switch the range w/at least one of your existing cabinets and put in the same countertops on that wall that you are putting in the island. Is your range currently vented to the outside? If it is, then moving it now may be problematical...OTOH, moving it now while new exterior walls & ceilings are going up may be more cost effective...of course that means you have to finalize your kitchen's design now rather than later so you know where to place the duct work for the vent....tough decision here! If you just put in shelving to the left of the refrigerator for now you will not need new countertops there. Laminate is usually inexpensive enough that you could probably replace the countertop to the right of the refrigerator to match the new counters on the "island". I think there is a lot to think about...sorry if I'm making this more difficult, but I thought you would want a frank assessment....

Bmore, Sorry for so long replying. I've had a somewhat crazy Friday evening and even crazier Saturday morning. I should have better explained my reasons for certain flow, etc. when I posted but spent too much time for the background information. I am going to try to explain as best I can with the following: 1. The area between the range and sink is the primary prep space for the primary cook of that particular moment. They are relatively close to one another and ease of movement from sink, to counter, to range. There is also the space underneath for cutting boards for ease of use and cleanup. 2. The other side of the range would be a secondary prep space if needed with a BB top...for looks as much as function. This space would be for produce only. We use a lot of produce and as my DH loves to chop and cut produce this would be his area when I am the primary cook. I would have already washed it of course b/c that is what I do now! He just wants to be the chopper. When he is the primary cook he can stay in his primary zone. 3. Dishes and flatware are located diagonally across from the DW for ease of unloading and actually close proximity to the breakfast table which is where we eat all of our meals. This also allows for table setter not to enter primary workspace. So you can see where they would go from sink, to DW, to drawer, to table. After eating they would flow back to island and area between hutch and sink for cleanup and loading. 4. Coffee station is near water but out of way of cooking zone still near BF table and sofa area for lazy weekend mornings. All supplies would be located in this area: mugs, sugar, creamers, filters, etc. 5. Fridge is located in an area where it is handy to snack station and cooking station. This keeps the snackers out of my way. I haven't decided on the type of fridge yet but am considering SxS b/c of the depth of the doors. I don't want a FD otherwise it will be a bottom mount freezer w/ door opening to kitchen. Overflow fridge will be in utility room. 6. Island will have a two-way trash for snackers and cooks. I haven't decided what will be on the pantry side of the elevation behind the dishdrawers as it will only be about 5 - 6 inches deep. Probably an electrical supply and I don't know what else. The end of the island will have one barstool. This is not for meal eating except for the occasional bowl of cereal or sandwich but more for a hangout spot for the seondary cook/helper. The island will also be used for appetizers, etc. when entertaining and as a barrier to keep people (i.e. kids) out of my space. 7. The pantry is laid out in relation to use of items per snackers and cook. The walkthru between it and the island are also a pass thru for DS' coming from their rooms and into the keeping area without crossing over into the prep,cook, cleanup areas. 8. The cookware is to the left of the range as I don't put it in the dishwasher so it is further away while the glass bakeware I do put in the DW so it is closer. Also the above counter space will also be where I do my mixing. Mixer on counter in corner. 9. The butler's pantry will have a hutch that will house formal dinnerware,silverware, and crystal. It can be brought to the island for plating, etc. when needed. The hutch can also be used for a dry bar or buffet when needed. 10.The second oven has been ditched and the bench will run along the entire wall. This space is there so that junk doesn't build up in my kitchen proper as it does now. IT can be put away when formal entertaining takes place. The armoire will house docking stations, paper shredder, dust vac, etc. 11. I will have a rack for saute pans and such for ease of reach on the brick wall. Also a shelf for ease of reach for major spices, etc. This is to be a very utilitarian workspace with hopefully everything thought out. HOwever, that is also a problem as I am truly stuck in this layout and I can't get to anything else this is why I am asking for thoughts. I think this is everything right now.. I am sure I will think of something in a few however. Gotta go change a diaper!!!!

Hi all. We met with our house designer today. The goods and the bads. Bonus - he was able to give me another foot on the fridge wall (yay) so that helps with the blind corner (I want to close it off to preserve drawers) and the pantry was also enlarged which will allow for my small chest freezer. The overall kitchen dimension is 9' x 15'. The 'it will have to do': pantry is still around the corner. I think it will be okay. It will keep my peeps out of the sink/stove area. They will access pantry for cereal and snacks and the fridge is right there out of my work zone. I could get creative and have the kitchen side cabs open to the pantry and put the cereal and most used items there - how fun would that be? Because that wall backs to pantry I can also recess the cabs and fridge if I need them deeper as well. The MW has to go on that wall...and they are deeper than 12". I am feeling much relieved as this last draft that he did for us (he already sent it because our changes were few and to other parts of the house) is 99% on. We are still studying it though. :) I will post this latest draft with a few questions and see what you all think. There are 2 main things I am contemplating. One is the cupboard pantry reach through (I think dh would think that is CRAZY) but I think it may be a perfect compromise. Would that be something that is super expensive to do? The other is still trying to fit in this sort of thing. It is Michelle16's and she has a fridge and pantry flanking whereas I'd have just the fridge to the right and a corner would be on the left. I have 4' to play with there from fridge to where corner would start. I will try to post the new layout tonight but it may not be until tomorrow! Thanks. Lisa

OK, I don't like the tile I posted and wish I'd been more precise. You're not going to go wrong with white subway, but if you wanted permission to walk a little bit on the wilder side, I think your kitchen could pull it off. What I was trying to suggest was a shape idea, like this perhaps. I disagree about using a traditionally laid herringbone accent, especially with a thick border. I would think it was too stodgy if this were my little kitchen, (except maybe the sideways pattern in eam's first two examples.) If you want an accent and use subway, you could also consider a stack or a chevron pattern. Here they use that pattern for the whole backsplash. Or do the BS in matte tile and the accent tile in a gloss finish. Or lean a large, funky handmade ceramic plate behind your range and support a starving artist. Your kitchen is darling. You didn't ask but I'd paint the stools. I'm just full of good ideas for your time and money, aren't I?