skip to main content

Kitchens Design Dilemma

Can I squeeze in island stools???

3 years ago

I am about to embark on a major home renovation that has been in the works for a long time now. I have decided to move my kitchen from it’s 12.5 x 9 foot area at the edge of the house to a 13’3” x 10 foot area in the center of the house that is open on both sides. I really would like to have an island that is big enough to accommodate seating along one side but I am also working with a relatively small area and storage is at a premium. To make matters worse I actually value natural light more than island stools so am not willing to lose any of my windows to allow for more cabinetry. I think I need to settle on a 10 foot by 27 inch island without any seating unless any of your brilliant minds can come up with some other solution. I will post pictures of my proposed floor plan and would welcome any and all suggestions.

Comments (10)

tlynn1960
3 years ago
Is the depth of the kitchen 13 feet? That's hardly deep enough for any island at all, much less one with seating. The seated people would be in the way constantly. Each person should have about 24" of space side to side and 15-18" of counter overhang for their legs. Plus you need 42-48" of space in your aisles.

Hopefully some pros will weigh in with some alternatives.
Sammy
3 years ago
No room for stools, unfortunately.
Related Discussions
Can you help me with island stools?
Q
Comments (18)
Hi evilbunnie, you are right, the whites don't match. The stools are a warmer white. It doesn't bother me too much though as the island is a different white than the cabinets. I am still debating about painting the stools. If I don't I may do a cushion for color, either in an oilcloth or a washable fabric. I like the kath kidson fabrics... I appreciate everyone's responses. Sorry I haven't checked this thread in a while. Please continue to comment if you have any more suggestions/ideas. It really does help.
...See More
i made a mistake -how can i get rid of these stools
Q
Comments (10)
I think Craig's List might be your best bet; most of the buyers on EBAY will need to pay shipping which will drive down the price they're willing to pay. If the stools are still in mint condition, you could check the the store where you bought them and see if they'll take them back minus a re-stocking fee - The worst they can do is say no. Best wishes.
...See More
Where can I buy island stools?
Q
Comments (6)
Got mine from overstock.com just a few months ago. They came fully assembled. We are very pleased, especially for the price. (Even my 83 y/o 4'10" MIL is comfortable on this stool thanks to the footrest!) Here is a link that might be useful: Adjustable iron & wood barstools
...See More
Tight squeeze for chimney style vent, plus lighting options?
Q
Comments (32)
I was thinking along similar lines as Buehl's galley lay-out or swapping kitchen with DR. Another option is to go with the sink next to but not in the corner, like this: The sink size stay about the same but this configuration gives you a 24" drawer base, which is always a better storage option over 2 15" base cabinets. Buying one cabinet, even though a little larger, should save you some money, too. Or you can apply that savings to upgrading to a drawer base. I calculate your kitchen at 148 1/2" top to bottom. If you decide to add an island, stick with a shallow one, no more than 18" deep. That will give you 39 1/2" aisles between it and the sink run and between it and the fridge run. Keep in mind that the aisle will shrink from 39 1/2" to 36 1/2" between island and fridge door (not handles) assuming you're purchasing a counter depth fridge. The downside of an island in your kitchen is that it will be somewhat of a barrier island (between fridge and sink) but that compromise might be worth it for the additional storage and counter space a longish, narrow island would offer. It would be similar to these: If you buy a standard depth fridge, you absolutely don't have room for an island; your aisle will shrink by several more inches, creating a serious pinch point in your kitchen, even without the fridge door being open. These images illustrating NKBA's recommended minimums of aisles may be helpful: NKBA - National Kitchen and Bath Association.
...See More
htduban
3 years ago
Unless you can lose the cabinetry along wall under the window, no seating at the island allowed!
spills
Original Author
3 years ago
Any suggestions as to a better design? I am still very flexible at this point.
Sammy
3 years ago
I think that’s a very out-of-the-box kitchen design—one that I’m very intrigued by and, frankly, can’t wait to see come to fruition. One thing I couldn’t find, though, was the pantry. Where is that?
Katrina Maloney
3 years ago
I agree, no room for stools or work in this configuration and you will ALWAYS be walking around the island to get to one or the other counters. I would consider removing the middle island and turning one of the other counters into an L shape or even a square U. I always like to have my cook top in my island because I spend more time there than the sink and I don't want to stare at a wall.

If you choose to go with an L shape you could put the stools on the LR side so everyone feels connected. You can also double the width of the portion that holds the stools for more storage.
spills
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks Sammy, the main pantry is the butler’s pantry off the kitchen. This room houses another fridge, wall oven sink and open shelved and closed shelved pantry. I wish I had room in the main kitchen for a large pantry but I couldn’t get that to work. I am trying retrofit today’s kitchen ideals into a 70 year old house-a challenge for sure but we love the house and location and have been here for 18 years so moving is not an option. Just demands some creativity...
htduban
3 years ago
Swap the pantry and the bathroom. No toilets breaking up the kitchen/cooking area, please!
spills
Original Author
3 years ago
This plan is keeping the kitchen and bathroom where they are and having the pantry off the dining area. Does this seem like a better plan?

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN See How 1 Kitchen Looks With Different Island Lights and Stools

By Jennifer Ott Design

By swapping out the lighting and seats, you can change the look and feel of your kitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Island Stools and Pendants That Pair Up Perfectly

By Laura Gaskill

Get ideas for island seating and lighting looks to combine in your kitchen

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: We Can’t Stop Staring at This Bright Blue Island

By Jeannie Matteucci

A single mom updates her childhood kitchen, so she and her daughter have a functional and stylish space

LAUNDRY ROOMS Where Can I Hide My Laundry Area?

By Melanie Gardener

It’s a case of now you see it, now you don’t with these 10 clever ways of fitting in a laundry zone

KITCHEN DESIGN A Buyer’s Guide to Kitchen Counter Stools and Bar Stools

Before shopping for counter or bar stools, read our guide to stool heights, styles, spacing and comfort considerations

MOST POPULAR How Much Room Do You Need for a Kitchen Island?

By LWK London Kitchens

Installing an island can enhance your kitchen in many ways, and with good planning, even smaller kitchens can benefit

KITCHEN DESIGN Bench Bar Stools Take a Stand in the Kitchen

By Danyelle Mathews

It's high time these stylish seats get noticed — with both coziness and practicality, bench bar stools are a natural choice in the kitchen

FURNITURE What to Know Before Buying Bar Stools

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Learn about bar stool types, heights and the one key feature that will make your life a whole lot easier

KITCHEN DESIGN Hot Seats! 12 Great Bar Stools for All Kitchen Styles

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Seek some hide, go backless, pick a swivel or a footrest — these stools let you belly up to the bar or island however you like

KITCHEN ISLANDS 8 Narrow Kitchen Islands With Function to Spare

By Jennifer Ott Design

Yes, you can fit an island into your small kitchen. These spaces show how

Sponsored

Trish Takacs Design

36 Reviews

Award Winning & Highly Skilled Kitchen & Bath Designer in Columbus

More Discussions

Mixing flat panel and raised panel doors in kitchen remodel

14

Wall/Floor suggestions

3

Floor Plan review

7

Should I add a wall given that patio door and entry door are in a line

2

Suggestions and criticism welcome

2