Need the plans. Look at space saving appliances, nothing bulky.

Photos of the space would be helpful, too, in addition to the plans.

I have a narrow galley kitchen just outside a city, and I can't stress enough - make your aisles as wide as possible. We recessed our fridge into a utility room and used narrower depth base cabinets to ensure that there is at least 48" between the runs of cabinets. (Remember to include your counter overhang in measurements!) Four feet is just enough - the wider, the better. Those little kids grow up quickly - my 13yo is 5'11" and takes up a lot more space than when I first joined GW to plan a kitchen remodel.

I'd also advocate for as big of a sink as you can fit - I keep a cutting board over mine so that it can double as useable counter space. If you post your layout, the kitchen gurus here can give you really valuable advice on maximizing your space.

Greetings from a fellow New Yorker!

Seriously, go with the L.

Space is at a premium, every inch counts, we don't live in the Spelling mansion.

Make it feel more open. We just did a very small L with ours after vacillating in every direction, and we love it.

Let us know what you decide!

Welcome to the Kitchens Forum Steven!

Please get some graph paper (download for free on the web) and draw up your space. We need:

• A fully measured layout of the space under consideration - the widths of each wall/window/door/doorway and the distances between each wall/window/door/doorway

• A sketch of the entire floor the Kitchen is on so we can see how the Kitchen relates to the rest of the house and how traffic flows in, around, and through the Kitchen.

Pictures of the existing space are helpful as well.

"Verbal" descriptions really don't work well for designing a space.

We have a Layout Help FAQ that has a sample of the layout we're asking for and a description of the other information that will help us find your best layout!

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

wow, great response. Thank you. I'm very sorry but I can't figure out how to upload the images I have. The files seem to be blocked. I'll keep trying and will re-post with pics. Thanks again.

I find some browsers upload images better than others. Chrome seems to work for me, Microsoft not so much.

The photos need to be on your computer, not on a website, and they should be in a standard image file, like jpg, png, tiff, etc. Then you just use the photo button below the message composition area to add them to a post.

You can't link to a site like photobucket from here and have the pice show up.

Taken from the New to Kitchens/Read Me thread (http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4306041/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first)

.

If they're on your computer:

Option 1: Using a picture on your computer

1. Place your cursor in the message text box where you want the photo to appear in the message.
2. Select the "Photo" icon. (The icon is next to the Bold, Italic, etc., formatting buttons below the message box when you're in edit mode.)
3. A "File Upload" window will appear.
4. Navigate to the folder/directory your picture is in on your computer.
5. Select the picture you wish to post in the message and select the "Open" button
6. The picture will appear when you are returned to the message text box.

Again, thanks to all who have responded. Deciding on the best layout has proven to be such a challenge. Nice to find so many with great ideas and who are willing to help. Please excuse the quality of the images. If they post I'll be happy.
I was indeed off with my numbers. The width is in fact not yet determined, as we are bringing down a wall and are limited only by how far into the entry foyer we want to go with the island. Obviously, we're going to avoid an island that obstructs the path into the apartment. Regarding the galley, 25" counter depth cabinets on the "work" side, 20" cabinets on the island, and a 42" aisle would put us at about 7'3". This allows to maintain a relatively wide and unobstructed foyer (the island will start about 2 inches to the left and 6 inches in front of the door to the apartment when swung open.)
Other vitals: 24 or 25in fridge, 30 inch oven. The galley would allow for an 18" dishwasher and an 18" sink. With the L plan we can get a 20-21" sink (or bigger, I guess) and an 18-24" dishwasher. The island would likely be 48* long which would leave about a 44" entry.
As I'm writing this I'm leaning more and more towards the L design. It gives us more counter space where we do the most work and allows for a larger sink and larger dishwasher if we want. There would be some sink splash issues but I'm not overly concerned about that (easy to say, now.) It avoids the sink at the end of the run that we'd get in the galley, which would be less than ideal but I'm sure I could get used to it. I guess the main concern would be, as this is a bit of an unconventional layout, will it feel too cramped with two people in the kitchen? And will that path to the fridge be as annoying as it looks on paper? I think the entry will be wider than it appears here; it's 36" but we will go with 44". So, you can factor that in. Thanks for whatever ideas you have.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2696249/my-finished-nyc-galley-kitchen

Use a workstation kitchen sink. They will increase the workspace in a smaller kitchen.

I'm probably missing something but why not a U-shaped kitchen? If you void the corners you'd be able to get bigger appliances/sink and decently sized full depth cabs imo.

You can center the range but since fridge will block the view anyway I'd prefer more b/w the sink and the range.

Can you give us the measurements of the kitchen plus show a floor plan of how the kitchen relates to the rest of the apartment?

The u shape is a great idea but it won't work for our space. It'll take us too far into the foyer and obstruct the entry way. But you'd have no way of knowing that as I have yet to post a floor plan. I'll get on that soon.

Yes, I'll post a floor plan next chance I get.

What width refrigerator and range?

25" fridge. 30" cooktop/oven. Cluelessincolorado, your kitchen looks great. Generally not into granite but the one you chose is beautiful. Mind telling me more about your cabinets, fridge and floor?

25" fridge. 30" cooktop/oven. Cluelessincolorado, your kitchen looks great. Generally not into granite but the one you choose is beautiful. Mind telling me more about your cabinets, fridge and floor?

Was also thinking U open to living area. I would put use a pony wall at sink to contain splashes. Dead corner next to the sink with drawers on the other side of the pony wall for stashing shoes, backpacks, wallets, etc...

You could also have a full wall by the sink with some interesting art glass to provide light and separation from entry. I love these transoms :)

https://www.houzz.com/photos/spindrift-victorian-hall-boston-phvw-vp~454560

We have interior transoms and they're fabulous.

Love the idea of the pony wall. We've considered it but it's super helpful to see the image. Sorry again for not yet posting the floorplan. The entry is in fact on the other side of the kitchen but that doesn't change the attributes of the suggested U shape. We are a bit reluctant to keep the space entirely open as it's a small living space and we like the idea of some division between the two spaces. My biggest issue with the U shape, however, is the lack of big drawers, which we would get with the plans that include some form of a peninsula.. We're short folk and lower cabinet drawers appeal to us much more than uppers, though upper cabinets have their place as well.

here's a screen shot of a partial floor plan that includes the entry, kitchen and living space. The kitchen layout in the plan was a preliminary design by the architect but is not what we'll be going with. This should give you a better idea of how the kitchen fits in with the rest of the space.

I don't think you have room to put a wall separating the foyer from the kitchen. Or am I reading what you wanted to do wrong?

I had that all wrong didn't I ;)

Will you have a dining area where it says patch and refinish? Now looking at those plans, I think I'd put at least a partial wall on the right side, gives the bathroom a bit of privacy.

No wall between the kitchen and the foyer but that is where the peninsula with 20" depth cabinets would go. This would give at least some separation between the two spaces and allow us to have some drawers. While privacy for the bathroom would be nice I'm reluctant to take even the 4 inches necessary for the wall away from the interior of the kitchen, trying to maximize the space between oven and sink. Besides, there's a second bathroom by the bedrooms that is generally the one people go to. Just curious, anyone have any strong feelings either way regarding the galley option?

Well that electrical panel could have been placed more thoughtfully. Here's an odd question for you: can you change the direction of the swing of the entry door?

Also, take advantage of a google search "gardenweb NYC kitchen" and look at the threads other New Yorkers have posted through the years. I remember NYCbluedevil....

What I'm saying is that putting a 20" peninsula will make for an awkward entry into the apartment because it will mean entering, then jogging around the peninsula.

If you were able to flip the entry door and the closet, it could work well but I doubt you can flip the door.

Otherwise, I wouldn't go more than 12" for a peninsula. That could give you storage for cans, cereals, etc behind closed doors at least.

Here's what I'd possibly do although what I'd do before anything is if you really want the 20" peninsula, I'd mock it up with actual boxes coming out as it will actually be. This way you'll be able to tell if it will work. Taping the floor won't work because the feel is different when the actual space is taken up.

Here's an idea. Notice I made the peninsula 12" deep. One idea is if you need the prep space it to put a folding "table" on the peninsula on the side opposite the kitchen. That would then give you 24" deep additional prep space.

I also added a second closet in your entry for a pantry closet.

I'm not too sure if this doable but wouldn't be better to have the island at the other side.

Not sure I got your dimensions right but I'm thinking something like this.

hello to all. Sorry for taking so long to respond, just returning after some time with the family in Michigan, where, might I mention, I could get some beautiful real estate for what we pay for a little apartment in Brooklyn. But that's not news to anyone. I have to say the thoughtful responses I've received on this thread, aside from being helpful, have warmed my heart.

Ok, hope some of you are still out there.

We're not yet certain where the dining area will go. The two obvious choices are by the doors to the patio or across from the kitchen. Either will work fine for the dining. The more important consideration is how we want to configure the living room. Sena01, I like what you did with that layout. (My favorite part is the door that leads to the idyllic green pastures outside, ah, if only. It actually goes to the bedrooms, but you couldn't know that as I left that part out.) There will be a door to the patio on the wall with the radiator. Do you still think the table would work there? The location of the island would in fact work better there as it would not be as close to the entry door. I have to see if the dimensions will allow that layout as when the architects did the drawings they didn't seem to be able to include the dishwasher.

Cpartist. Funny you mention mocking up the design with boxes. I tried to build an island with cardboard. I'm no carpenter. It wouldn't stay up but I got some worthwhile raised eyebrows from my kids while doing it. The boxes are a much better idea. Nice thought with your placement of the fridge. We've thought a lot about that and would very much consider it if it weren't for the fact that there is a 10 inch column (that the architects left out of the drawing) at that end of the wall in the kitchen that would push any appliance forward about 5 inches. I love that it would allow us to get the oven as hidden as possible from the living space. It would mean, however, breaking with the clean lines of the cabinetry by about 5 inches. We won't know exactly how it would look until we start breaking some walls down, which I'm considering doing very soon because I can't stand trying to design this space not knowing the complete aspect of the room. I'd like to check out some design rooms to see what a 12 inch drawer/cabinet looks like. I do think we can squeeze and 18 or 20in island, however, that would allow the door to swing entirely open and would allow for us to enter without having to step around the island.

By the way, you are all so good with these computer generated designs. What would take me a lifetime you seem to have little difficulty with. Can I ask what software you use?

Hope at least some of you are still listening.

If I may be so bold, another item we're struggling with. Thoughts on the doors to the patio (the wall with the radiator and window.) Could be a single door with a nice clean adjacent window, allowing us to keep the radiator under the window. Other options, move the radiator, do double french doors that would open into the apartment or sliding patio doors. And would this impact where we put the dining table?

I'm not sure I understand where the door to bedrooms and door to patio are.

If I'm reading correctly, the yellow line is the door to the bedrooms. The blue line is the radiator/patio door.

Yeah, I could understand that. Guess I should have posted the layout to the entire apartment. Why makes things easy? I'll try to post it when I'm home again. That little hall separating the bathroom and the kitchen goes to the bedrooms. The wall with the window and the radiator will be the exit to the patio.

You got it KP

Can you draw the column in too?

I'd use the 26" setback space opposite for a fully integrated frig. Like this Miele which will easily fit. If you can get by with the capacity. Panels will completely hide it. . . .Or this SZ.

I'd place a 24" induction cooktop on the small side of the 'L'. This Miele should do. Close to the end gets you side access to help when two people are in the kitchen space. When not in use it's more counter-like in usability. Put a Miele steam oven below. !8" Miele dishwasher has really good capacity. A good size single bowl sink along the long wall. But 24" is the largest I'd go with a Karbon faucet. You can play around with small seating area at the end.

Oh, thanks now I got it.

I think you can move the dining table across the kitchen.

I don't know why I missed cpartist's layout which I like a lot. I think you have room for full depth cabs on the island if island is around 4" long.