spacing between range and fridge. Which layout is best?
cali59
6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (16)
suzyq53
6 years agocali59
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Final debate between kitchen layouts...which would you choose?
Comments (12)I'm with rhome in tossing B first. There are things I like about A and C, but I think I'd have problems working with either. If non-cooking traffic is a major concern, A could be a problem, especially if you are having to carry pots of boiling water or pans with hot grease across that end of the kitchen to get to the sink. That layout needs a prep sink in my mind and the island would make more sense than giving up limited counter space in the cooking area. Also, make sure you'd have room to get into the corner cabinet -- the dog dish and shelves look like they are too close. The fridge is too far removed in C -- I'd want to put in some fridge drawers near the range so you have a tight work zone there and let the large fridge store food to the table and extras. But that would take away storage for pots and pans unless you want them under the top of the work table. Without it, I'd have a very hard time working in that kitchen. If it were me, I'd keep working on DH and working with mock ups of the layout (tape, boxes, move tables and chairs, take notes about every move you make in the kitchen during the day -- and try to walk through planning a big dinner party, birthday party, etc. I think the sink island and shallow storage idea or the prep sink in the island give you your best use and function of that space. Is DH afraid of the cost or just saying it can't be done? I moved gas to my island when we bought the house, then capped that off and ran water and electricity to the island to have a prep sink when we remodeled. We have a slab foundation, no basement and a bathroom above. That aren't a lot of arrangements more limited than that and I used to think it was not a possibility for us, but we did it and it wasn't that expensive (about $500 for running lines under the slab). We got so much out of it too. We also closed off a doorway (we had 3 going to the driveway and garage along one wall of the kitchen and breakfast room) and gained a hutch with refrigerator drawers and and espresso machine that has turned out to be a popular favorite -- but we almost didn't do it because we thought it would be too difficult and expensive. The cost wasn't that great (spent more in cabinets and the fridge drawers). The challenge came when both reusing and matching brick were more difficult than we expected. Instead of a brick wall, we put in a faux barn door that ties in with the garage door. There are ways to work around many things that are less trouble and expense than you might think. I'd at least ask those questions before you close doors on possibilities....See MoreWhich layout do you like best for my awkward L shaped kitchen?
Comments (11)Thanks for the great feedback so far! Keep it coming!! The original island was 8'x3'8'. The new version is 4'6x8'. It was initially supposed to be a workspace/table combo, but I realized to Lisa's point that it will really be only used as a table if we keep it like that. I also had the concerns about more appliances than storage, and that's part of why I started modifying the island. If we were to use the architect's design as is, we would add an additional workspace, much like you did. We were thinking something less fixed, like this: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/architectural-portfolio-eclectic-kitchen-portland-phvw-vp~2936999) [Eclectic Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2104) by Vancouver Photographers Shawn St.Peter Photography However, our concern is that with 2 islands and the corner nook, it starts to get very cluttered and busy. That led me to want to move the dining area to the nook and use the island as a work station w/ more storage. There are only 2 of us for now, but with house guests and entertaining, we would want to be able to seat 4-5 regularly and 6+ for special occasions. You make a good point about the limited side seating, so we will remove it. I'm glad you all pointed out the issue with the dinnerware being so far from the dishwasher. My concern is that if we move the sink/DW back to the corner, there's not really any more storage over there, and then the sink is really far from the fridge. We could put the dinnerware and glassware in the uppers over the DW in my layout to resolve the issue, and then would just need a place for the flatware - either over the tupperware or back in the corner by the ovens. I could also probably get 18-20" of drawers next to the DW if I cut the tupperware/wraps drawers in half and take the extra 6" from the drawers on the other end (which would also put more counter space between the sink and ovens). OR the dinnerware/flatware could go in the drawers on the end of the island. So let's assume we can solve the storage location issue - would you still move the sink? (I don't think we could do a second sink because of the costs, so let's assume only 1.) How does the pantry on the left allow more space for the fridge doors? We would have french doors on the fridge, so I assumed it wouldn't matter which side. I actually wanted the left originally so I could put stuff from the fridge directly on the counter to the right, but since the laundry and pantry are paneled it looks better to flank the fridge with them. I guess if we kept all cabs the same color, it wouldn't matter as much. We put the fridge and pantry at the same depth as the laundry for 3 reasons: 1. a 36" deep fridge would look built-in without built-in prices 2. deeper pantry = more storage and 3. if we put the "tall things" in a contrasting color to the other cabinets, we would want them all flush so they form a wall. We haven't seen the ovens under the counter in person. We are planning on using the new Bosch swing door ovens, so hopefully that helps with some of the bending issues (only down vs. down and over). It does mean that we would want 30" clearance on either side, though, for the door to swing out. There is also a chance we may not be able to use both ovens because we only have 100 AMPs and it would be very $$$ to upgrade, so we could reduce to a double wall oven or just a single. I'm not a huge fan of the double wall oven because it seems like the top oven is too high to easily see and reach inside. However, I don't have personal experience using them so maybe it's not really an issue? Here is the link to my other post for reference: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/remodel/msg0812432221051.html I plan to add an update as soon as we make a final decision on the contractor!...See MoreLayout questions - I can't figure out the best use of space
Comments (19)I'd read the thread before, but couldn't think of an improvement on jakuval's suggestions--I really like the one with the peninsula. That narrow hallway must be a pain, although I understand your space restrictions. I have a 30" opening from the LR to the kitchen, and I thought that was bad. Don't know if this will be real help, but the only alternate plan I thought of is to keep the plumbing on the right wall (I have the plan turned 90°) and pull the bases forward to accommodate the pipe. That would allow you to have a standard depth fridge, and give you more counter depth. You could also have deeper uppers (15-18") for more storage. I put a pull-out pantry beside the fridge, and 15" deep cabinets on the island. I was thinking you could use those for extra pantry storage by mounting shelves on the doors, to make canned goods easily accessible. I added a 15" overhang for seating, but it could be more shallow as your space is limited. With entries to the kitchen on both sides of the island, maybe traffic flow will be improved. I used the 30" range, which is out of the way of traffic, except when someone is coming in from the terrace, but there is space to pass behind the cook. If the window is lower than counter height, the small cabinet on the end can be installed at standard depth, and it could house the MW drawer--or the MW could be incorporated into the upper cabinet beside the fridge. The shelf might need to be the same depth as the fridge box, to accommodate the pipe. I added a shallow cabinet in the corner, just inside the door. That could be a broom closet, command center for a message board and calendar, charging station, or extra pantry storage. Thanks, jakuval, for the templates....See MoreIs this the best layout for this problematic space?
Comments (5)Thanks for the input Mamagoose! I recall you helping last year. I hadn't thought about the view coming in. Though I do hope that the "front door" as far as guests coming in, and even us the bulk of the time, will be relocated to the door in our living area that is to the "south" of the kitchen area on my diagram. This house actually has four front doors, one in every room. I had got everyone retrained to that door this winter, then we redid the flooring in there (which evolved into a fireplace surround remodel) and it all moved back to the kitchen. So there will have to be more retraining. I'd considered the fridge by the front door before, but have two reservations with it there. It just barely fits so it would be right there and looming when you opened the door and I'm afraid its bulk would also block a lot of the light that comes from the little window there. The kitchen is light starved because we have a covered porch and an overhang out the back entrance. All with the purpose of blocking sunlight and keeping the house cool, which it does admirably, but its always so dark in here. We will definitely be adding lots of lighting when we get this done, nothing beats natural sunlight in my opinion though and I want to keep as much as possible. Your second idea with the long island and sort of a modified galley style kitchen is something I hadn't considered though. I'm going to think on that a little. I'd like more counter between the sink and the range, but maybe I wouldn't miss it with the counter space directly across. I've never worked in that style of kitchen, so I've got no experience with it. Do you think the fridge where it's at in this drawing would allow for a french door style? Not what we have now, but DH keeps talking about it for some point in the future. I took a couple pictures and will have to get on my phone to upload them....See Moresuzyq53
6 years agocali59
6 years agosuzyq53
6 years agocali59
6 years agocali59
6 years ago
Related Stories
PATIOSWhich Outdoor Seating Is Best for Your Space?
Let these 10 outdoor seating ideas tempt you to spend more time enjoying your yard, patio or balcony
Full StoryOUTDOOR ACCESSORIESKey Measurements for Planning Your Outdoor Furniture Layout
Learn how much space you need for al fresco dining and seating to ensure a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space
Full StoryKITCHEN OF THE WEEKKitchen of the Week: A Roomier Space With Classic Good Looks
Two designers work with a Vermont couple to create a better layout, more function and timeless style in a 1905 home
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNOpen vs. Closed Kitchens — Which Style Works Best for You?
Get the kitchen layout that's right for you with this advice from 3 experts
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGN10 Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Pros offer solutions to create a stylish and efficient cooking space
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNDetermine the Right Appliance Layout for Your Kitchen
Kitchen work triangle got you running around in circles? Boiling over about where to put the range? This guide is for you
Full StoryINSIDE HOUZZData Watch: Top Layouts and Styles in Kitchen Renovations
Find out which kitchen style bumped traditional out of the top 3, with new data from Houzz
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKitchen of the Week: Hardworking Island in a Timeless Space
A new layout, tailored workstations and a rich mix of surfaces create a beautiful and functional family kitchen
Full StorySMALL KITCHENSSmaller Appliances and a New Layout Open Up an 80-Square-Foot Kitchen
Scandinavian style also helps keep things light, bright and airy in this compact space in New York City
Full StoryKITCHEN LAYOUTSThe Pros and Cons of 3 Popular Kitchen Layouts
U-shaped, L-shaped or galley? Find out which is best for you and why
Full StoryZanesville's Most Skilled & Knowledgeable Home Improvement Specialists
suzyq53