Need advice on reconfiguring kitchen space
derekbrown2146
5 years ago
At the edge of my kitchen, I have a fridge that is set back further than the rest of the kitchen countertops and cabinets... making it look awkward. It also currently buts up against a walk in pantry so both doors cannot be open at same time. I’m currently going through a renovation and looking for ideas to transform the space. The fridge sits in a 2ft deep nook. Open to any and all ideas as we have not begun any actual work.
I have created an entirely new wall on the opposite side of the kitchen that is a blank canvas. Whether that is used to make a new pantry and use the existing pantry space for the fridge etc. but currently there would not be any appliances moved to that side only cabinets.
I have created an entirely new wall on the opposite side of the kitchen that is a blank canvas. Whether that is used to make a new pantry and use the existing pantry space for the fridge etc. but currently there would not be any appliances moved to that side only cabinets.
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T G
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Any advice on reconfiguring my vintage kitchen?
Comments (60)I see your point, marcolo. I've been reading the recent thread about the calm white finished kitchen, and it reminds me that I've got a really good look going on already. So this is the option you like, assuming the range doesn't get moved: It would be so easy to do, and I'm thinking I could improve the function of the pantry alcove even by switching the cleanup sink and the dishwasher, so the DW is in the corner, and the entry doorway leads you right to the sink. I'll have to check how that would work with a dishwasher door. lavender, I agree that one could dress up the over-sink area #wherever it ends up# with vintage detailing. Any sink placement that is not on the peninsula involves looking right at a wall, but I do think there are ways to make that more attractive. And yes, I've not let go of your favorite fridge/sink swap plan. I'm glad you think it would be good to keep the partition walls up; the fridge+ pantry would fit perfectly in the right side of the alcove, and it does preserve that vintage pantry feel if we keep the partition. The other partition, on the left, is actually a bigger problem because that wall uses more space to allow for the recessed fridge. There's a lot of wasted space in that small area, so it would be a good wall to remove, or adjust in some way, if we can do it without destroying the architectural balance. We actually are getting an offer on our house today #!!!!# so I can get serious about taking the next steps with the overall remodel plan, which will help us know about the plumbing options, and the bigger issue of moving the range #still don't think I can talk DH into that one, but it's still in the mix.#...See MoreHelp Needed Reconfiguring Pantry/Office Space
Comments (14)The only thing I would sit there to do is write out bills, file, and shred. I removed the desk area from the kitchen because it became a landing spot for too much stuff. I usually sit at the kitchen table to write bills, but I'm not gonna shred or file there, so I'd rather it be in one place. I won't be there for very long. Hopefully. I guess I need to put a pretty picture hanging there to look at just in case! I rarely ever print anything, so the printer is at my son's desk for his school work. I'll keep the lap top in the pantry/office, and try to persuade DH to return it there if he's out and about with it. Good luck, I know. I prefer to have a chair there not only to file and shred with my bad back, but also to have a place to sit and take off wet boots/shoes. This photo was my inspiration, but they have more space at 6 ft wide. Mine is only 47" wide for the table/desk area including the depth of the pantries that are 15". So I'm only gonna have 32" for desk area, but the counter will have a niche area 15" deep running into corner next to pantries. The counter will be 47"....See MoreHelp! Need ideas for small kitchen reconfigure?
Comments (15)Thank you for all the feedback everyone! On the other side of the brick walls is a dining room (pretty good size) so I don't think we necessarily need the eat in area. On the other side of the fridge space is a small pantry and then there is a door in the corner leading to downstairs. One of the brick 1/2 walls has empty storage underneath (that probably could be removed) and one has some sort of heating element inside that looks like it can't easily be removed? I can't decide if I like those brick things or not? Initially I wanted to take them out. We are leaning toward: removing the peninsula, installing the DW next to the sink where the peninsula was, making an L-shaped kitchen keeping the existing cabinets, and then putting in a large island in the middle (perhaps with seating for a breakfast nook). We would have to redo the floors and would like to do hard wood laminate and add a new countertop (dark wood) and leave the cabinets white. We are also buying a used set of DW, fridge, stove, microwave and oven (all white) for $500 from friends who are upgrading to stainless steel. So hopefully we can save big on the appliances until we are ready to buy new ones. Think this is all doable for $5k?...See MoreHelp reconfiguring attached designs for L-shaped kitchen remodel
Comments (10)I've attached a rough sketch of the main floor of the house (not drawn to scale, but you can get an idea for the layout). Regarding the kitchen - the pantry (as shown on this sketch) is a mess and will be taken out to provide more space in the kitchen. This change is included in the designs I attached to my original post. And, as I mentioned before, the enclosed stairs to the attic and basement will be opened up. For the time being we'll install pull-down stairs in the hall in front of the 2 front bedrooms and bathroom. The basement stairs will be kept in place and refinished. For some info on how the space is used...We are a family of three, me, my husband and a 2yo. We're expecting a baby in Feb. We'd like to open the kitchen into the dining room for a more open feel in general, but also so we can see kids playing in the living room while we're cooking. There's currently no play area visible from the kitchen. We'll need a mudroom because we usually enter from the back of the house. We need all three bedrooms. We don't currently spend a lot of time in the dining room, but hoping this will change some with a more open plan. I realize the island in the kitchen will be a little tight to walk behind, but we've done the best we can with the plans there and we want some seating in the kitchen. Hope this drawing helps with ideas for my above-posted layout questions for the kitchen. Thanks!...See Moreartistsharonva
5 years agoartistsharonva
5 years agoartistsharonva
5 years agoderekbrown2146
5 years agoThanks for the responses! To answer some of the posts.
The microwave uppers are missing because I repurposed those into the mudroom that was created on the opposite side of the new wall. Before that space was just an enclosed tight dining room so adding a new wall broke it up. Picture below.
The closet could come straight out if that was the best option. Would probably need to figure out a creative design to incorporate a new pantry on other side. Additional picture of closet interior below.
The problem with moving the fridge is that there is no plumbing on that wall and it’s a slab house. I also feel like that would be the most ideal option but not sure it’s possible for a reasonable price.
To the person about the closet. Love the idea and after you said that I went to look at that area a little more. It looks like that actually was a closet at one point, which would explain why I have no utility closets in the whole house. I provided a picture below of what’s behind the fridge and of course it’s the electrical panel that must have been added during a previous owner Reno. Not sure of effort to move that... I also have a main breaker panel outside so the one inside is for like the appliances and addition.
Rachel Lee
5 years ago
Sammy
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoderekbrown2146
5 years agoartistsharonva
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoartistsharonva
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoartistsharonva
5 years agoderekbrown2146
5 years agoSo here’s a picture of what the fridge looks like pulled forward. The only problem is the pantry wall is a little in front of the countertops so it won’t line up perfectly. But if I went with this... I would close off the pantry most likely and make it a closet on the other side. Would need a creative design to fill in all the space around the fridge though.
traci_from_seattle
5 years agoartistsharonva
5 years agoBy squaring off pantry closet & shrinking it some, hopefully you'll have enough to do 3"filler+pantry+fridge+fridge panel. I would go to ceiling, too.
Here's a sketch
derekbrown2146
5 years agoHere's the best I got for 3d design of layout. The fridge area is obviously not accurate but this should give you an idea of all of the other space I'm working with. I am pretty sure at this point that I am going to move the fridge to the other wall... like someone else said moving the line through the attic isnt as big of a deal as I originally thought. Then I will square off pantry and make it a hall closet on other side. The new closet will stick out a few inches past counter depth in the kitchen though, hope this looks ok. I plan to add a wall where the fridge was to close that recessed space and add cabinets/countertops all the way down to where I squared off the pantry since the fridge is no longer there.
On the new wall I will have a 24inch wide and 27 inch dept pantry cabinet that will be flush with where the wall ends (wish they had bigger but they dont without doubling up on them) and I think the best spot would be to put the fridge right next to the pantry where the cabinets are in the picture below. And to clarify.. the wall that wraps around pantry not shown in pictures below comes out 28inches. With all that being said do you guys have any opinions on layout with what you see below?
traci_from_seattle
5 years agoartistsharonva
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoartistsharonva
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agotraci_from_seattle
4 years ago
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derekbrown2146Original Author