if it's what you want just do it because now is the time! Framing is easy :-)

Make sure any permit is changed appropriately

Here's what I would do: I would take away the 12" cabinets flanking the range hood and would run the 12" uppers on the sides straight into the wall (no easy reach). Easy reach does not give you that much more storage space and I prefer the cleaner look that comes with just running the 12" cabinets into the wall.

Then I would center the windows in the space between the 12" uppers and the range hood. The windows in #1 would be too hard to wash since they are tucked into the corner. So I think this is an "Option 1 and a half".

Just one man's opinion.

amy - do you think kitchen #2 is clearly better (design, appearance) than #1? In terms of function, I could like either one...

I definitely prefer #2...depends on how much additional cost over #1.

I like the 12 inch cabs flanking the hood...I'd continue with what you are doing.

Stan Z - thanks for your hybrid take on it! I like that option too.

Thank you everyone for your responses.

Sounds like most everyone likes some version of option #1, except herbflavor was brave and went against the flow. Hmmm, will think hard on it for the next few minutes and then tell my contractor.

Can I change my answer? I like option 2 with the windows flanking the range, but change the hood to 36" and easy-reach to uppers dying into the wall

If you want the hood as a focal, #2. I think that with option #1, you will essentially be using the sides of the flanking 12" cabs as an extension of the hood and the sides will likely get icky. I also think that 12" is going to look awkward by itself in the corner.

Also agree to increase size of hood to 36" for better performance and also a more impactful feature.

Is it too late to weigh in? I liked the 15" cabinets beside the hood, with the 15" drawers below, but 12" is very narrow. Definitely agree with the above posters about the 36" hood, especially with no cabinets beside it to help contain steam and grease. You don't need a bigger blower, just a bigger capture area, so the only extra expense would be the bigger liner and more wood planks. If you need to sacrifice the flanking cabinets for a wider hood, I'd do it, and let the side cabinets die into the wall. Does the new cabinet line offer 15" deep uppers?

Where will you store spices, oils, etc? Do you need the hood-flanking cabinets for the storage? Something to consider.

I wouldn't spend the money but would definitely do as Stan suggested and not do the easy reach cabinets, but would have the uppers die into the wall.

Remember it's not only the change in the window but if he's already ordered the windows, it means a restocking fee to him which is passed on to you. Additionally is it worth the 10%-20% extra he's going to charge?

cpartist - we'll still use the same windows, so the cost was all in time and labor, well, a little bit in materials. This remodel is a very surreal experience overall, because it goes against the grain of a lifetime of frugal spending. This morning I asked him to move the windows, at the cost of several hundred dollars. If I think about it too much, it really starts to bother me. I'm just not going to think about it anymore, and try to minimize any other changes to the plan.

mama goose - thanks for your advice, and for putting up with me! I don't know why I have such a crazy hard time making decisions about the kitchen. I should've just stuck with your advice from last week about these windows, instead of letting myself get freaked out last minute about not having any uppers by the hood...would've saved me a lot of stress and cost! But I'll definitely go with the 36 inch hood. Yes, the cabinet company (Cliq Studios) does offer 15inch deep upper cabinets - I've been researching the web to find out what people's experiences with them are (if they're too "in your face" or limit the amount of usable counterspace), haven't found very much said about them, but the few reviews I've found say they've been working well for the users. Do you have any experience with them?

Oh mama goose, I hate to break it to you, but they most likely won't or if they do will never let you know!

;)

4 -12" cabinets hanging from the ceiling are going to look like teeth hanging down and not only that but will be completely useless. It is going to be difficult to get things out of them if something is in the back. One 12" or maybe 2, but 4 - no, that's a waste of money and is poor planning.

I don't have EZ reach uppers, never wanted them but I would think about those as well. IF you don't need the upper storage I would just do 24" uppers and just end them in the corner without turning the corner.

But, not my kitchen.

"4 -12" cabinets hanging from the ceiling are going to look like teeth hanging down "

blfenton - that's going to give me the giggles the rest of the day

No opinion either way on the EZ Reach, but unless you are using pullouts in the 12" cabinets, I'm not sure how useful two of them will be.

blfenton, how else can she have upper cabinets on the perpendicular walls, since standard depth is 12"? A lot of kitchens have cabinets on the sides, which die into the back wall, so I don't understand why that seems so strange. While I don't think the 12" cabinets beside the hood will be really useful, except for oils and spices as the OP planned, I don't think they'll look as bad as you seem to imagine--maybe because I've seen the rendering she posted in the other thread.

Historical Colonial in Pasadena · More Info

mathnmusic, if you keep the narrow cabinets, to make them more efficient, you can use door mounted spice racks, or check into the spice racks that fold out. The pull-outs would be a good option, too.

Pull down spice rack--Target

Door mount spice holder--Amazon

My comment was only relevant IF she didn't need that much upper storage.

IF she needs it then yes, the EZ reach is the option.

Thanks again, mama goose, for those awesome suggestions! Love those spice racks that you linked - thank you! That's great to know that the 36-inch hood can use the same blower as the 30-inch one. You're a wonderful wealth of knowledge, so appreciate you.

I really appreciate everyone's replies!

The windows have been moved and they're 27 inches away from the perpendicular walls, with 49 inches in between them. Roomy space to put a nice 36-inch wood hood in the middle and let that be the star, with no cabinets flanking it. You've all helped me to get to this better layout and I'm grateful!

Here's the pic (pardon the insane asylum look, the sheetrock's just gone up the past few days)

now onto deciding about the depth for the upper cabinets (thanks for the link, mama goose!)

You made the right choice! Can't wait to see more progress:)

Mathnmusic- Good call on moving the windows! It probably would have bugged you to no end, if you hadn't done it : )

MamaGoose- I always appreciate your advice. Thank you! And that first picture you posted is exactly what I would like in my farm kitchen.