Need Help With Designing Tiny Old Kitchen & Laundry
8 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (14)
- 8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
- 8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
Related Discussions
Need help designing a tiny kitchen
Comments (7)Welcome Annet! How much are you willing to do with it? Are you planning to gut it and start over? That would probably be the best way to "fix" it. As a short-term fix, I suggest clearing off the counters. That will not only make it look less cluttered, but will free up valuable counterspace. I would also consider putting all the things hanging on the wall someplace else - in a closed cabinet, if possible. Finally, the open shelves are part of the problem. While open shelves can sometimes work, they can also make a room look cluttered if there is too much going on on the shelves. Long term... I recommend checking out the layout help FAQ. We need more information to be able to help you find the best layout for you and your family. How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information . We also have a "read me" thread that may provide other useful information for you. New to Kitchens? Read Me First! http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638784/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first ....See MoreTiny Old Kitchen in Potential New Home
Comments (29)This kind of thing happens in my town all the time. The wonderful local architect, Stratton Hammon, built beautiful, gracious houses, but the kitchens were small an designed for a cook in the kitchen, with the family being served at all meals in the DR. Baths were small, too, and usually only a 1/2 bath on the first floor, an ensuite for the master, and a small family bath for everyone else. Yet these houses are much sought after and lots of money spent "fixing" the small kitchens and baths and adding more bathrooms. Personally, I'd save the money and hire a cook with it and keep the kitchen as it was built!...See MoreDesign help for tiny kitchen - another set of eyes
Comments (19)nhbaskets, you asked for full floorplans, so here you go. I added placeholder furniture so that you can see how the whole space works (doesn't work, currently). Note that in the original plan there's a large obstruction on the right side: That's the area where we're removing the walls that currently enclose the closet, fireplace, and utilities in the garage. It's about 11 feet by 4.5 feet. Our household is 4 people (2 adults, 2 teens) and 2 pets (small dog and cat). We do EVERYTHING in this one room: Cook, eat, watch TV, work (my husband and I, the dual desk is ours), play board games, play video games, crafts, reading, music practice (piano, accordion, singing), exercise. This room has to do it all, as efficiently as possible. Oh yeah, and entertain any friends and family that we want to have over! This room is also the main through-traffic space for the house; the front door, garage door, and hallway to bedrooms all open into here. The house is on a lot that is only a few feet wider on each side than its footprint, with a backyard that is about 15 feet deep. Point being that there is nowhere else to get space from, this is as big as it's gonna get. ORIGINAL FLOORPLAN NEW FLOORPLAN...See MoreTiny Kitchen Design - Can tiny spaces be affordably well designed?
Comments (21)OK, so it sounds to me that you are trying to do this little kitchen on the sly. I'm going to say you need a drain for a washer/dryer and sink. Yes you have one where the sink is now, but I'm advocating moving the sink. If it is possible to move the window near your sink, I would. I'd put a stackable washer/dryer in a cabinet to the right of that window. I'd have lower cabinets along that wall with a corner easy reach wooden lazy Susan. Then I'd put the kitchen sink under the next window (yes, have the window above the sink). The dishwasher to the left of the sink and then more cabinet space, then a counter depth full size refrigerator/freezer also in a cabinet (which could have an icemaker) and a pull out cabinet. The seating area would be in the middle. In the space between the doors, I would put pantry storage. It might have to be two 42" wall cabinets stacked on each other with extra depth (yes, you can do that). Check out Starmark cabinets. They've got all kinds of great organizational cabinets and even a bread board. Their reputation is good and they appear to have quality cabinets. I know about them because I'm designing a new kitchen for my small space and have researched about 40 cabinet manufacturers. You could have your microwave under the counter or on top. Code requires a landing space within a certain number of inches from a fridge, which is why I put some between it and the sink. It's always nice to look outside while at the sink. Also, it's probably not that much to move the windows up or replace them (worth the money). Smaller appliances cost as much as the full sized ones, so I wouldn't compromise on the fridge/freezer. All this being said, if you cannot move the windows, then I would put a storage cabinet where the current sink is, a bench seat under the window, then sink, dishwasher, stackable washer/dryer in a cabinet. Left of the next window would be a refrigerator and cabinet space. The seating area would still be in the middle. The narrow depth pantry space would be the same as previously mentioned. Since the whole area is small, it's not far from the fridge to the sink and you still have landing space around everything. Good luck with your project! Oh, and you can get counter top induction cook tops (2 burner) and wonderful convection microwaves, both plug into regular wall outlets. I get that you just put those windows in, but it's still better to replace the one near the current sink than to have a horrible layout. Can it just be lifted the 10" you need, having it start at counter top height?...See MoreRelated Professionals
Federal Heights Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Plymouth Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Ridgefield Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Riviera Beach Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Woodlawn Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Albuquerque Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Athens Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Eagle Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Elk Grove Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Glendale Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Green Bay Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Omaha Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Walnut Creek Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Hanover Park Cabinets & Cabinetry · South Holland Tile and Stone Contractors- 8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
- 8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
- 8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
Related Stories

UNIVERSAL DESIGNMy Houzz: Universal Design Helps an 8-Year-Old Feel at Home
An innovative sensory room, wide doors and hallways, and other thoughtful design moves make this Canadian home work for the whole family
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNKey Measurements to Help You Design Your Kitchen
Get the ideal kitchen setup by understanding spatial relationships, building dimensions and work zones
Full Story
MOST POPULAR7 Ways to Design Your Kitchen to Help You Lose Weight
In his new book, Slim by Design, eating-behavior expert Brian Wansink shows us how to get our kitchens working better
Full Story
BATHROOM WORKBOOKStandard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath
Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNKey Measurements to Help You Design a Powder Room
Clearances, codes and coordination are critical in small spaces such as a powder room. Here’s what you should know
Full Story
ORGANIZINGDo It for the Kids! A Few Routines Help a Home Run More Smoothly
Not a Naturally Organized person? These tips can help you tackle the onslaught of papers, meals, laundry — and even help you find your keys
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNDesign Dilemma: My Kitchen Needs Help!
See how you can update a kitchen with new countertops, light fixtures, paint and hardware
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESGot a Problem? 5 Design Trends That Could Help
These popular looks can help you hide your TV, find a fresh tile style and more
Full Story
STANDARD MEASUREMENTSThe Right Dimensions for Your Porch
Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space
Full Story
SMALL SPACES10 Tiny Kitchens Whose Usefulness You Won't Believe
Ingenious solutions from simple tricks to high design make this roundup of small kitchens an inspiring sight to see
Full Story
lisa_a