skip to main content

kitchen renovation: change layout?

6 years ago

I'm renovating the kitchen in my apartment. Should I change the layout? Here's what I have currently (note: I dont have exact measurements right now, this is just very roughly where everything is right now).

Comments (5)

Stan B
6 years ago
I'd want to see a more detailed drawing with dimensions since I can't tell just how tight the space is. If the diagram was close to scale it looks like there is about 10 feet between the "counter" and "sink" and "dishwasher" and "cooktop" if we assume 24" base cabinets. I'm guessing that's not the case?
cpartist
6 years ago
We'd need to see a layout of the kitchen space and a floorplan of how the kitchen relates to the rest of the floor space with measurements.
Related Discussions
Advice for renovation with layout changes hampered by bay windows
Q
Comments (27)
We DIYd our fireplace/chimney removal. We are not particularly gifted in the ways of DIY either. We did a total gut renovation on the house and our structural engineer confirmed the chimney wasn't supporting the house in any way. The fireplace was pink and huge--maybe 4x7 footprint? Our house is single level with the chimney continuing to the basement. We rented a drop box for the brick and an impact chisel from home depot to remove them. My husband started on the roof and removed brick by brick dropping them down the chimney where I'd gather them in 5 gallon buckets to take to the drop box. In all it took us a weekend and probably $500 in rental fees. The roof was repaired as part of our GCs scope of work in the remodel, so I'm not sure how much that cost, but it was a very simple patch It seems to me that chimney and fireplace removal is totally unskilled labor if it isn't holding up the house. As such, it really shouldn't cost a lot.
...See More
Renovating: layout changes?
Q
Comments (4)
That's a challenging space! If you can move the lower door over, you could put the sink and DW on that wall and have a galley work zone. It's unclear if there is a pass-through between the kitchen and dining area, but you could use shanghaimom's example of a range with pass-throughs (pic to follow). In such a small space, I'd use an integrated cutting board to extend the prep counter. If you leave a positive reveal on the sink, a custom cutting board will be supported by the exposed edge of the sink. I'd suggest leaving the landing space between the fridge and ovens, for convenience and safety, with the wine fridge below. You could have a deeper than standard upper that comes down to the counter, with an appliance garage at counter level. Doors on the appliance garage can open downward to rest on the counter, and provide a wider landing space. I did this with my MW cabinet, and covered the inside of the door with sheet metal, to use as landing space for hot pans or dishes from the oven. I use it often! In the little space in front of the column, I designated spice storage--racks or a custom shallow cabinet. You could also have racks for hanging utensils and pot holders. There's an upper cabinet on the wall to the right of the range hood, and uppers over the sink run. The cabinet to the right of the range hood would be 24" wide, so if there's at least 12" between it and the hood, you can have two 12" doors. Shanghaimom's range:More pics of her kitchen Link to pic of my MW cabinet door 'landing pad': link
...See More
Seeking layout help for tentative Spring kitchen renovation!
Q
Comments (27)
Right. Mama_goose I also noted the similarities in those two designs (yours and this one I've modified) I guess I don't love the idea of *any* work zone being in that aisle and the reason is that front door and the sloppy shoes (we are in the NorthEast and in the middle of winter) walking through from visitors (people that live here use the garage door) The main reason we chose the fridge for that area of the kitchen is because it seemed to make more sense in the L shape of counter as a prep area than it did over on the side adjacent to the front door where there wouldn't be as much counter space to spread things out for prepping. But what you say about walking around to a distant corner to grab a drink or something also is an inconvenience. I am also at such a loss as to where I will store canned goods and other pantry items in this design. Having our kitchen at the front of the house is something I had a hard time getting used to at first, but now I embrace it. I do want it to be as inviting as a kitchen can be when guests arrive, and walking into a range area is probably not a great idea.
...See More
Kitchen renovation layout
Q
Comments (21)
The designer has the dining room entry moved, I am assuming so there is more area for the island. However, it puts a very clear traffic plan right through the kitchen. Also the pantry seems to be in another room, it looks like your existing kitchen has plenty of storage space so that is probably working for you. In the sketch that I posted, move the dining room entry to the right if possible... that wall I would then do cabinetry around the fridge, to the right of the fridge would be dining ware and flatware, to the right a pocket door that looks like a regular cabinet, but when you open it you can walk into a nice pantry. The island can extend further toward the family room, there is a cased opening and it wont get congested there due to that being open. On the family room side of the island I would put in a drink fridge with a cabinet front so it is hidden. If you are doing a waterfall island, then put it to the left of the stove closest to the family room. One last thing, the cased opening from the family room shouldn't go all the way to the countertop, it should stop at least 6 inches before.
...See More
Buehl
6 years ago
First, it's a bit difficult to read white text on a light gray background, black text would be much better.

Second, I'm guessing it's not to scale b/c it looks like the top and bottom walls are not as deep as the side walls - or, are you putting in deeper counters along the side walls?

We really need measurements! Here's a link that discusses what we need:

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-should-i-include
.

This link has general information that may also be helpful:

New to Kitchens? Read Me First!
- http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4306041/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first
.
Buehl
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
What I see so far -
- The DW is in a poor location - it should be next to the sink -- it looks like you have plenty of room for it, but without measurements, I cannot be certain.
- One of the worst locations for an oven is in a doorway b/c someone coming through may not realize the oven door is open and slam into it as they come through (it's even worse if you have children b/c they are often running!) It's compounded in this case b/c that doorway appears to be rather narrow.
- The current layout does not follow Kitchen workflow of
  Refrigerator --> Sink & Prep Counter space --> Cooktop
  (or, Ice. Water. Stone.Fire)
- Is that your DR in the room with the window seat?
Please get us measurements ASAP! :-)
Buehl
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
These may also help:

Kitchen Design Best Practices/Guidelines threads -- These threads explain best practices/good design guidelines for items such as work zones, aisles, island/peninsula seating, etc. These threads will help you understand questions/comments you will receive.

Kitchen work zones, what are they?
- http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638270/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they
Aisle widths, walkways, seating overhangs, work and landing space, and others
- http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638304/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc
How do I plan for storage? Types of Storage? What to Store Where?
- http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638376/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage
Ice. Water. Stone. Fire (Looking for layout help? Memorize this first)
- http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first
.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Couple Renovates to Spend More Time in the Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Artistic mosaic tile, custom cabinetry and a thoughtful layout make the most of this modest-size room

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Barn Wood and a Better Layout in an 1800s Georgian

By Jeannie Matteucci

A detailed renovation creates a rustic and warm Pennsylvania kitchen with personality and great flow

MOST POPULAR Choosing Color: See How 3 Bold Palettes Change 1 Kitchen

By Jennifer Ott Design

Designed to be flexible when it comes to color, this kitchen easily handles different color schemes

RANCH HOMES Houzz Tour: Ranch House Changes Yield Big Results

By Mary Jo Bowling

An architect helps homeowners add features, including a new kitchen, that make their Minnesota home feel just right

KITCHEN DESIGN Determine the Right Appliance Layout for Your Kitchen

By Vanessa Brunner

Kitchen work triangle got you running around in circles? Boiling over about where to put the range? This guide is for you

MODERN ARCHITECTURE The Case for the Midcentury Modern Kitchen Layout

By Flavin Architects

Before blowing out walls and moving cabinets, consider enhancing the original footprint for style and savings

TRANSITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Change of Heart Prompts Change of House

By Mary Jo Bowling

They were set for a New England look, but a weekend in the California wine country changed everything

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: More Light, Better Layout for a Canadian Victorian

By Vanessa Brunner

Stripped to the studs, this Toronto kitchen is now brighter and more functional, with a gorgeous wide-open view

BEFORE AND AFTERS Reader Kitchen: A Dallas Refresh for $40,000

By Erin Carlyle

With minor changes to their kitchen’s layout, a couple add more storage and counter space and create a breakfast nook

KITCHEN LAYOUTS The Pros and Cons of 3 Popular Kitchen Layouts

U-shaped, L-shaped or galley? Find out which is best for you and why

Sponsored

More Discussions

Quartzite Veins Turned Pink/Red

35

Chip in brand new laminate countertop by cabinet installer!

11

Countertop and backsplash suggestions

4

White Tiger Quartzite?

7

Omega cabinet shaker door outside edge profiles

0