Examples of SMALL KITCHENS

Most dishwashers come from the factory with a 6-foot 6-inch drain hose, and nearly all manufacturers allow this hose to be extended to a maximum total length of between 10 and 12 feet. A heat- and detergent-resistant 7/8-inch inside-diameter extension hose can be connected to the existing hose with a section of 3/4-inch inside-diameter copper tube.

Talk to your contractor again.

Just some random thoughts.

We once had a small LG refrigerator—24x24. It was great in our small kitchen and I only found it because someone here recommended it to me.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-10-1-cu-ft-bottom-freezer-refrigerator-white/6088200.p?skuId=6088200&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwof3cBRD9ARIsAP8x70NyRsQ36Up4rSoREpD8BDppphC3gI4guHjvpwqVZGQvQpOsYK33iQQaAsqUEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I would consider an induction cooktop and, if you could make do with such a small oven, a 240v GE advantium—which is a speed cooker, microwave, and convection oven.

On the dishwasher, I also don’t understand why it can’t be moved?

I would consider one of the new sinks with ledges that work with cutting boards and other accessories.

Is there any possibility of between the studs storage?

https://www.thekitchn.com/5-examples-of-kitchen-storage-between-the-studs-176838

Or perhaps a pot rack?

I agree^^^^ . Lazy contractor.

Did he explain why the dishwasher cannot be moved?

Even If code requires fixed pipe instead of hose and you do not want to run it through cabs..... if you demo the drywall/plaster., he can get at the plumbing in the wall or you can put in framing so he can run the pipes, drywall If code requires, and then put in your lower cabs.

To handle all the new kitchen and bath plumbing needed for our remodeling in an already very crowded plumbing wall in the basement, tradesmen just furred out the plumbing wall to make it deeper....passed plumbing inspection with no problems.

He may not be lazy at all. If they wanted to put it on the island next to the stove, that would be impossible if the floor is concrete. There's obviously some plumbing issue, and calling him lazy just ignores the fact that he may be a real pro who knows what he's doing--and you're not and you don't.

I can't imagine that they'd put it on the side wall, which is the only location close enough to use even with an extended drain hose.

I don't find the overhead storage odd because you really can't tell whether there are lower cabinets when you look into the kitchen and once in the kitchen, you are so close that I doubt whether you would spend much time focusing on it - at any rate, function would trump form for me with this tiny kitchen in terms of storage.

Have you check with your condo board regarding whether the DW can be moved. Also, if you were to move the DW to that open wall - which I assume is what you plan to do, you would have potential issues of accessing open DW while standing normally at the sink. Most people load dishes while standing at the sink with the door open and they are not standing behind the door. Think about how you would access the DW even if you were able to move it to that wall.

There are dishwashers made that are a single unit with a sink on top. Do NOT consider them! The sink is small and really shallow and the dishwashers suck (no top spray).

Ikea has wall mounted tables that fold down out of the way, but you'd have to move the bathroom door down...

Everything is a compromise. Your layout shows the bathroom door could be moved to the living room side if you can make furniture placement work. A self-closing pocket door would help.

This gives you two long walls to work with.

11-12" deep pantry shelves are the most usable.

I love small NYC apartments. This one looks so special with two floors and all that outdoor space. What luxury. I get your comment that large appliances in that kitchen is an overkill, but to make small spaces seem larger, avoid very small furniture and tiny appliances, as it starts to look like Alice in Wonderland.

Invest in 24" deep fridge and oven and locate them on the common bathroom wall. A large ceiling to floor art or mirror on the side of the fridge will eliminate the bulk.

The back kitchen elevation should be interesting, as it will always be viewed head on. The sink and dishwasher remain in the same location. In the left corner cabinet next to the oven, fit the bottom cabinet with pull out swivel trays.

On the full length wall extending from the kitchen all the way to the entrance door, consider cabinetry in the same style. This cabinet is 12" deep (ceiling to floor) and can accommodate pantry items on the kitchen side and display and tv on the living room side.

Instead of having a straight work surface perpendicular to the wall (which is most people would do), consider a "dog leg" shape top. It will open the kitchen space and add a design element. It's all in the details.

Here's a floor plan and some pics for inspiration.

^ ^ ^ Note unique Island and colors / details

^ ^ ^ Note frame around perimeter of kitchen unit

^ ^ ^ Dramatic

^ ^ ^ Note the design of the door to this terrace. Consider framing a mirror like this for the side of the fridge facing the living room. Also note the simplicity of the cream cabinets on the right wall with a simple carrara marble top. Always install undercounter lights for additional task lights.

Do you actually need the shower downstairs? Usually showers aren't needed on floors where there are no bedrooms.

I helped my mother-in-law renovate a Washington DC townhouse with a tiny kitchen and using dishwasher drawers instead of a swing down door dishwasher helped in the design.

In small places. Go vertical. Use all the wall height for storage. A stool will be needed for top portion, so store things you do not need often up there.

Small spaces look bigger with lighter colors. Keep it consistent to give illusion it's bigger.

if possible recess storage in walls. watch out for things in walls.

I would do all white cabinets to ceiling. No open shelving in small space. Cabinet storage is too priceless in a small space.

I would first get a quote for a bath re-do in the ensuite upstairs. Do a separate tub w separate shower or single large tub with step in shower. Eliminate the tub in first floor bath and switch door to liv rm side. push sink back into the corner where tub was. Gain the wall on kitchen side for your plan. Avoid kitchen expanding too much into liv room. If you can wrap 3 walls I would eliminate peninsula and get a small drop leaf table and push it against the wall where peninsula comes from. It can be moved out into your general area only when you need it..I don'tcare for the peninsula at all. If you can utilize the 3 walls you can maybe even have space for vacuum/broom storage/ some sort of a storage tower for linens or misc things....bookshelves/etc.

Keep in mind - dishwashers also come 18" wide & both 18" & 24" ones come with wheels. Use a butcher block top & you have a mini movable island.

She already said that she's "...downsizing ALL appliances to compact versions."

Everyone thinks the full bath is redundant. In the city you get guests. . .friends who come for long weekends or more. You give them a place to sleep and that bath becomes very valuable.

Not everyone w ith one bedroom in NYC has the assumption that many or frequent stay over guests will require more than a sofa bed . I lived in an urban setting....a half bath for the rare couch sleep over is fair. without 2 full bedrooms ,one and a half baths is adequate.. the shower upstairs can be used if needed. Actually no one ever assumed they could come and stay overnite in my small urban apt ..hotels and airbnb.

Very challenging project! Benjesbride's layout is excellent, but think about reconfiguring the downstairs bathroom as suggested above.

One could make the downstairs bath into a 3/4 bath by replacing the tub with a stall shower. A tub is completely unnecessary in a one bedroom NYC apartment and I doubt anyone would use it.

This would free up some space but still retain a 3/4 bath. While I am not remodeling or redecorating for freeloading guests since having guests crash in your living room becomes old for most people, a 3/4 bath versus a powder room remains desirable - a tub in the second bath not at all.

This gives you a lot of options including being able to sink a counter depth refrigerator into that wall to give you more room and a spacious look - or actually spend money for an integrated refrigerator depending on your budget.

I find your apartment luxurious in the layout you now have and I updated your space without major construction, i.e. not moving the dishwasher or changing the downstairs bathroom. Living in NYC, we have welcomed guests and accommodate them as best as we can. Down the road you may want to consider enlarging the master bedroom bathroom to include a bathtub and laundry (!!!). This would enormously increase the resale of your property.

I love the hot plates, but a small stove top and convection oven can do everything and more permanent, again increasing the property value.

Don't spend the unnecessary expense of moving the sink or dishwasher, just to turn that corner and work with what you have. A decent size counter is a large workspace and dining area. I've had the biggest and best Thanksgivings in a teeny tiny NY kitchen!