Kitchen design dilemma to add large island
We're completely renovating a house and wanted to open up the kitchen and add a large island. I have a before and after schematic of how we're thinking to do the design - we were able to add some more cabinets by pushing a wall back 2 feet and reconfiguring the bathroom. There's 44" between the counter and cabinets but it still seems like it might be a little tight. Are we over ambitious to try and fit this large of an island or will this work?
In the attached photos, don't mind the colors as I can't change those in the program I used (HomeStyler). Any ideas will be greatly appreciated and I'll be sure to share after photos once it's completed. The tiny fridge under the counter is where we'll put a beverage/wine fridge (my only option was to scale down a full size model as reference).
Comments (13)
jck910
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Design Critique for large kitchen/island plan
Comments (25)Have you considered changing where the kitchen is? For example can you build onto the back of the dining room? Then you can put the kitchen up there in the new addition. I'd think that if you're planning on adding on space, you might want to start thinking outside the box as to where you can change the placement of the dining room, kitchen and family room. It may give you more and better options. Or how about moving the kitchen to where you're planning on putting the family room addition? Additionally do you need a formal, separate dining room or could you incorporate it into a kitchen/great room/ dining space? I would first think in terms of not what you have right now, but how you live your lives. If you only use the dining room a couple of times a year, you might be better served with a smaller island, and the dining table where you can all use it and enjoy it daily; in your great room/kitchen/dining area....See MoreLarge Kitchen vs. Large Living Room - Remodel Design Dilemma
Comments (6)@Patricia, you have a good point. I think I will definitely want to consult a designer to get their perspective from an aesthetics/space usage mindset. I do have a large media room in the lower level where my big screen is, so I figure if I ever have a large group to watch a game, etc., that is likely where I will need the most seating. The upstairs could then be used more generally for entertaining. My dining table seats 10 and moving it into living area would allow me to add chairs on either end. The addition of a 9-10’ Island would add seating as well. At worst, the family in its current footprint could snugly fit a ~6-7 person sectional and a chair. I think with an additional ~2-3’ feet in length and width, I should easily be able to fit a sectional in there as well as 1-2 accent chairs. Plus if I’m entertaining there would be plenty of space to gather at the end of the kitchen where the new bar would be. These pictures are not by any means exactly what I would do (I used a trial version and stock colors/cabinets), but should help give a sense of layout....See MoreRemodel to L Shaped Kitchen W/ Island - design dilemma !! 3 entry ways
Comments (15)Here is an idea for you. Minimal framing and it would open up the kitchen space: 1. tear out the pantry and the internal walls of the powder room and the powder room sink. 2. Frame in a pocket door and solid wall for the powder room, reorienting the door. 3. change up the sink in the powder room for a very minimal thin sink hung on the wall across from the toilet and change the toilet to a round bowl that takes up less space. 4. Frame in a new wide archway to the dining room that is next to the stairwell 5. eliminate the existing door to the dining room 6. counters along the exterior wall with sink under window and cooktop on exterior wall for venting 7. countertop along dining room wall anchored by a double oven 8. refrigerator and pantry along opposite wall from sink - can make pantry depth of standard depth fridge to save on appliance cost - pantry can be doors with shelves all around or cupboards with pull outs. 9. island with 42" space to sink area and aligned with dining room opening 10. not to worry about work triangle with fridge because island becomes prep space see sketch:...See MoreDesign dilemma- front porch add on
Comments (9)What a charming location — except for the view of the neighbors. I would be more concerned with screening my view of them than how the house looked to other people. Take away the railings and add a pergola, Eztend a large garden well into the lawn. Plant tall flowers (I’d even grow some vegetables like sweet peas!) and layer in some trellies for flowering vines. Create a kind of room out there, one that is mainly open, both in the open ”walls” and a very airy pergola-roof. On the other side of the house do a window box, or a wide 3-tier planter under the window. Get shutters that are actually functional....See Morekriii
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agolafdr
4 years agoUser
4 years agolast modified: 4 years ago- PRO
User
4 years ago 
PROSina Sadeddin Architectural Design
4 years ago- PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago 
damiarain
4 years agoWhat is the room(s) to the right of the kitchen? In the updated plan it says "Living" - is this your family room? How close is this proposed island to i.e. the couch? How do you use the "Front living room" and the dining room?
Here's a thought re: moving the kitchen into the dining room - it's a similar shape to your current layout but expanded (definitely nice to have the DW next to the sink!) Some re-arrangement of windows would be necessary, but no changes to the powder room (which has to be a bonus). This also opens up the space and maybe makes the dining space more functional (for some folks having the separate room doesn't work.,.. tho maybe it does for you?)
mark_rachel
4 years agoChris Kipp
4 years ago
mama goose_gw zn6OH