Kitchen layout with peninsula help
I've spent a lot of time brainstorming the best layout for my kitchen that includes a peninsula (or island, but even I believe I don't have space for that). But it still doesn't feel quite right to me.
I met with a KD and a few contractors, and will ultimately get a final design from Cabinet Joint when I go to order. But before I do that, looking for your critiques here.
Constraints are:
1. Don't block or remove windows
2. Don't move back door
3. No knocking down walls. The back side of the only non-exterior wall is a bedroom, and I don't want to turn my 4br hours into a 3br w/ a massive kitchen.
3. Highly prefer sink centered under back window next to door (backyard view is so much nicer than side window view of neighbors house).
4. Highly prefer peninsula
The fridge placement is what I am struggling with the most. Any creative solutions are appreciated. Also, I do not have a dining room, so maintaining enough space for a small (4-6ppl) table is important too.
If what I'm hoping for is too much to ask for, that's good input as well. In that case, what would you sacrifice?
This would be the kitchen design without a peninsula.
And my best design with a peninsula (length of peninsula is flexible).
Hopefully image quality is sufficient.
Thank you so much in advance for any inputs you have.
Comments (7)
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Does peninsula seating make sense in our kitchen? Layout help
Comments (10)Round and round on what to do...very familiar ground for most of us here! About your layout above... I get that you want: More counterspace (and, I assume, placed where it will actually be useful for prepping) Keep some form of FR in the existing space - is that b/c of the fireplace? Keep the formal DR as-is b/c you don't want to knock down the load-bearing wall b/w the kitchen & DR Keep the formal LR as-is since you don't want to knock down the load-bearing wall b/w the kitchen/FR & LR Have table seating in the kitchen itself -- or -- Have peninsula seating But... You have very limited space to fit all that in - that's why you currently don't have a lot of counterspace. So, if you aren't willing to add more space (by adding onto the house or by merging existing spaces), it's going to be difficult to "have it all" The peninsula, as drawn, will not comfortably seat 5 people and seating inside the "U" puts people in the middle of the work space. That seat on the end is also in the aisle of what you have said is a busy path. So, are you willing to consider doing a few things such as: Move/change windows? Open a doorway in the LR wall to lead into the LR - not so wide that you have to do expensive load-bearing posts, etc., but wide enough for a doorway? Move the Powder Room to add that space to the kitchen? Move the closet? Eliminate the FR as a "FR" and merge it into the kitchen to add yet more space? Here's a layout that might work if you're willing to make the changes I asked about above. (Note: Your floor plan is missing key elements like the windows on the top wall in the kitchen and the measurements in the other rooms since they are not all the same size...I think I've got them.) General... The Powder Room and Closet have been relocated to off the Foyer. They do take about 6" off the FR/LR, but I don't think it's an issue(YMMV) The former PR + Kitchen have been merged into a larger kitchen The FR has been converted into a dining area that's completely open to the kitchen - much more comfortable seating for everyone for meals, visiting, etc. With it open to the kitchen, guests can easily sit there and enjoy your company + fireplace + comfortable seating. A 5' wide doorway has been opened b/w the former FR/now table space and the formal LR The formal LR has been converted into a Family/Living Room. You might consider a future fireplace (gas or wood-burning) in that room as well...if you're into fireplaces (I am, so if you are, I can relate!) The formal DR can remain as-is or it could be converted to a Library/Computer Room with a comfy chair or two that would be a quiet respite from the hectic day-to-day activities! Put a door at both entrances (Kitchen & Foyer) to close it off when needed - for either quiet or to keep casual traffic out of it to help keep it tidy. ......See MoreLayout Help - Peninsula?
Comments (8)what are the 2 rooms being joined? I see access to a covered porch, but thru a narrow door? and down some steps?.....I would want the kitchen sink window to instead be French doors or patio door and hook up flow to back yard and porch via decking/small patio/stepping stones/etc...probably have to change the screen panels on that side of porch for a screen door.....but I would....Placing sink and counter there prevents this option and that kind of access from this space would be included, if my home,even if the exterior deck or patio or the doors themselves can't be in the budget just yet.The kitchen doesn't really flow into living room/dining room at all, so at least a couple of seasons of being able to move into/out of back yard/porch/patio,, along with more light and view,would add huge value to the home.Therefore I would start planning with leaving kitchen functions at the front and the rear is where a table or banquette of smaller proportions coming off range wall might work. Then again, there is probably something like a double island[one being narrower], or galley 'within' type of kitchen that could make this a very special spot. The plan so far seems just okay. I think more enhancement can be created. This is for your friend?A lot depends on what kind of searching/thinking she's done..or what her budget is/etc.Has she searched Houzz or shown you pics/etc?...See MoreKitchen Layout help: island to peninsula
Comments (21)haha rosie, I wish! we're definitely not from a handy family (hence my cry for help here ;) We purchased a new house with this floor plan (they've just started building it). Everything looked fine on paper until I got to see the model home in person recently and my heart dropped when I realized how crammed the kitchen/bf area looked. Unfortunately the builder we purchased the house from is not very flexible (think borderline difficult). Many suggestions we offered were rejected (they won't even quote us a price), it seems any small change (especially structural changes where walls are involved) will meet huge resistance. lavender_lass, I too think they're just making up excuses regarding the french door. They first told us it's against code to have the doors open out (they have to open in). With the limited space before it wouldn't have worked anyway. Then they added the snow will somehow ruin the doors & the seal so they'd recommend against it either way. The only other door in the house is the front door. But because there is a porch, the door will be sheltered from heavy snow in the winter. Looks like not moving the fridge might not be an option due to limited space on the right wall (assuming the plan is to scale). and I try to keep the wall & features (like the sliding door) as much as possible just so the builder wouldn't get overwhelmed and give up on me ;). Here's what I think would be my best outcome. Anything more (e.g. changing the sliding door to a garden door, move the DR/kitchen door up as rosie suggested) would be bonus. Out of curiosity, would it be difficult to add the wrap window after the house is built? The builder might refuse to add windows :( Any recommendations on how big the island should be? e.g. with 3 or 4 stools? I'm assuming the bar stools will be stored under the breakfast bar most of the time, hence hidden from the FR. Any caveats on their placements as shown? i figured it'd be nice to be able to watch the FR TV (above the fireplace) from there when they're used. Thanks again for all the advice, I really appreciate it!...See MoreLayout Help - Deepen Peninsula Sink Counter
Comments (50)Be careful...29" deep cabinets won't be particularly useful unless you can get drawer glides that are long enough to handle 5 extra inches. I know you can for 27" cabinets. You would be better off doing what I show...27" deep cabinets (which I'm pretty sure KraftMaid has). In my layout, you have 2 drawer bases in addition to the sink base and trash pullout. In fact, I would check to see if KraftMaid offers a trash pullout that opens from the front and the back. If not, could your GC modify it to work that way? You might also check to see if KraftMaid has sink base cabinets that open that way as well...then you could (1) easily access the plumbing and (2) easily access items in the back....See More
wilson853
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoI would keep this simple and open. The peninsula seems to complicate the design and makes the space look smaller. You would then also have to deal with three corners which can sometimes be problematic. To avoid tripping hazards and collisions between appliances I would go with an 18" DW to the left of the sink or a 24" DW with a smaller sink. A 30" single sink is big enough for roasters and cookie sheets. That will give you a nice stretch of counter under the side window for prep, baking projects or laying out food without being over the DW. You are only a few steps from the refrigerator to the sink and it is close to your table so I would leave it on the end where everyone can get to it easily. If you void the corner on the range wall and move the range a bit closer to the refrigerator you will be able to get large drawer bases on both of those walls. Edited to add: you could move the refrigerator over a bit and add a 12" deep side opening pantry cabinet. We had one in our old kitchen which we used for canned goods and cereal boxes.
Custom Kitchen Pantry and storage · More Info
Cabinet details & specialty cabinets · More InfoMary G thanked wilson853Mary G
4 years ago
mama goose_gw zn6OH
4 years agoYou could have an L, and as Sina suggested, sink on the other wall with the DW to the left. A mobile cart could be used for extra prep space when needed, then pushed under the window when not in use.
Mary G thanked mama goose_gw zn6OH
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