How to update this ginormous kitchen and greatroom?
carlasollano54
3 years ago
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everdebz
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Reveal of my kitchen remodel
Comments (47)MainaGal, Thanks! The kids have been doing so much more for themselves since the remodel was done because now they can reach the things that they need. They all make their own eggs, get the plates out, clean up, make their lunches,fill their own water bottles for sports, etc. It's amazing how putting things within easy reach changed our routines for the better. Since they are still short, I have almost all the dishes low in drawers so that they can unload the dishwasher too (no excuses that they can't reach!). Some of the things I prefer higher and I'll probably move them up as they grow taller. I did forget to plan a place for the dog food though, so it's still in the pantry many steps away from where it should be, oh well. Good luck with your kitchen!...See MoreUpdating help with 1980's home...
Comments (29)I like the idea of simplifying the flooring in the sunken area but still matching it. You are lucky that you have Two steps to the sunken area. One step is a tripping hazard, two is enough of a change that people pick up on it. You may need the railing in some regard because of traffic patterns and making sure people don't fall off it in some areas, however, I do like the idea of creating more entry points. If you Do think you can do without the railing, your furniture arrangement may have to be such that it dictates certain entry points, and clarifies to people that the area is sunken. You should have a handrail to assist people up and down in any case, particularly if you have elderly relatives. Thank you for the update....See MoreGreen Acres farmhouse - need help updating - first post
Comments (24)Cute stove! Since it doesn't get hot on the sides, you can probably move the fridge closer than you have been showing in your drawings. Of course, you will want to look at the booklet that comes with the stove or contact the manufacturer to be sure you stay in compliance. I'm so glad you're doing mock-ups. I think that's the best way to really be sure. And your temporary peninsula sounds great! I'm sorry I don't have anything specific to add other than to say, if I haven't yet, that I much prefer the range not in the corner. If you have a small work table in the kitchen, you can use that to set things right out of the fridge. You don't need a lot of counter between fridge and range. You do want as much work counter as possible between sink and range. That's your prime prep area. So the range in the corner takes away some of your prep space. Also, think about people standing and the space they take up. If the range is in the corner and someone is prepping while someone else is working at the range, they will be quite tight together, without good clearance between each other for standing, moving arms, etc. All in all, I think you're on the right track. If you haven't done so yet, please find the post titled "New to Kitchens - Read Me First". It's usually on one of the first pages of this forum. It has a lot of links in it to good stuff that might be helpful. Also, google "Starcraft's 31 Illustrated Rules of Kitchen Design". This is another excellent resource. Basically, it gives you the NKBA's recommended guidelines for clearances for safety and workflow in illustrations to make it easy to understand and ensure you follow. For example, I never remember exactly what the recommended minimum counter is on each side of the range. I think it's something like 15-18". But you will want to look that up so that you have sufficient space between range and fridge. You don't need more than the minimum in that spot as you won't really be using that for a work counter but you don't want any less than recommended either. Last point. The best storage is use-in-place storage. People who have taken the time to figure out just what they want to do in which place in the kitchen, and then measure their items to get proper drawer sizes to store those items where they need it, typically are the most happy with their kitchens. Oh, another last point. Drawers. All your lowers should be drawers. So much more accessible and they can actually store more than lower cabinets, even those with roll-out shelves. See how moving the range down gives you a much nicer prep area! And the table gives you a decent secondary prep area. With your baking center, you're in good shape....See MoreHow to update LOTS of Dark wood trim/ Update paint to lighten
Comments (20)Well that is the dilemma... I actually like some of the wood trim. I think the dining room looks great. Has a bit of character. Im just trying to find the proper "balance" of where I should paint some trim... My husband is ready to have someone come in and paint it ALL WHITE... everything.. I'm like noooooo!!!! So my immediate mission is to "update" and lighten the home without making everything ALL white and losing ALL warmth and character of the home. I dont know what "fixes" I should start with. Doors? Staircase risers and rails? I don't want "all white trim" going up in every room. That means white doors everywhere... once you start... it just keeps going. I have archway into dining room... if it gest painted white it will look weird to have white on one side and brown on the other... so there goes the wood in the dining room......See Morecarlasollano54
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