Get a better design. Nothing about this sounds at all good.

Yes, I absolutly agree. This was not something I was crazy about and I would really like to keep everything tucked under the exisiting ceiling space. The first proposed layout (below) shows this extending into the vaulted area and I really don't want this.

A family member actually drew a different layout (he works in the same industry) and we like this much better but this is where our question about the 8ft ceiling and range hood really comes into play.... This doesn't have all the same dimensions listed on it but is approximate to the other.

This is my first time posting on this site so if there is a problem viewing the pictures or you need more info please let me know. Thanks!!!!

Can’t read that. Too small.

Shows up blank for me.

BTW, my hood is mounted over a peninsula hanging from an 8-foot ceiling at the boundary of the kitchen and small living room. It does dominate the space, but my priority is performance.

Can you post the as-built drawing of your house or--if that's not available--sketch out your existing layout so we can see your starting point?

What is the overall objective of your project?

It's my observation both here on Houzz and in my own real estate shopping obsession that vaulted additions usually very poorly planned.

Did an architect design the plan you posted??

The first design above was proposed by an architect. The other was done by a family member who has done a lot of remodels and worked for many years with both architectural and engineering firms (both commercial and residential).

Here is the photo of the house as it is presently... our main objective with the kitchen was to have a more open space that family and friends could congregate in and also have more function. We presently have a kitchen with a stove by a door... and almost no cabinet space.

Hi S,

You're ahead of most that post questions - you hired an architect and the plans are professional. How refreshing! That said you have not posted the reflected ceiling plan to see how the vaulted ceiling is in relationship to the kitchen. Also you should post some images of that area to additionally fully grasp the existing condition. I come from a 4 year degree in interior design with a minor in architecture, as well as years, of experience with construction in all areas of design. Yours is an architectural/interior design question not a decorator question. The plans you posted are easy to read BTW. Also sometimes an existing condition can be a pain that impacts the plan to not be 100% ideal but other times it can create an unexpected opportunity that is unique and actually offers an interesting/great result that would not have happened in new construction. But without the full picture no one can truthfully call it.

Is that a garage on the right side of the house?

Is the third bedroom already converted to a dining room?

One more question... Which way is north? The plan you have is going to make the kitchen a cave.

I am currently renovating my kitchen and opened one wall that had a very small door opening to an adjoining family room. No one ever went into that room bc of it. The new design is SO much better. We had to keep the stove on that side of the room (for various reasons) so we chose a downdraft cooktop because I don't want to block my nice new open view with a hood. (I have a double oven on a different wall). I do a lot of entertaining so this design works best for us. I know downdraft stoves are not ideal but it works best with my new kitchen design. I have a friend who recently installed one (similar issue in her kitchen) and she said she feels the downdraft is working fine and really no lingering smell issues. Good luck!

What is the distance from the side entrance to the stair? I can't read the drawing.

The family member plan shows a cooktop and seating area that appears to me to be too close for safety.

Don’t settle! Side note … I would not want a cooktop in my island. And I really wouldn’t want a cooktop in an island with seating.

That being said, it’s what you want and works for you.

You need an architect. Those are not good plans.

I would put my sink in an island if I had to instead of a cooktop...better for those sitting at the island to get an occasional water splash than a burn.

The plan is difficult for me to read, but would you prefer all of the kitchen work space and seating in the vaulted area, rather than it being bisected? This plan leaves the pantry, oven/butler pantry, and an optional mudroom in the space vacated by the current kitchen. I eyeballed the placement of cabinets and walls.

I added an optional dish hutch, and a bookcase, around the window. A window seat would be lovely, but I don't know if there is enough space. Also added traffic zones. Unfortunately, I suspect anyone going straight from the side entry to the slider, or vice versa, would cut right through the work aisle.