Convince me that we can do better design with our kitchen
We are in the process of updating our ugly kitchen in our 60's era house (2350 sf) and have been hoping that we could do a better layout. We have parameters of course, one of which is that we don't have the funds to knock down any walls.
The main issue, I think, is that the wife and I don't always agree (surprise) and we always seem to find a reason to NOT make a certain change. Perhaps, maybe, we already have the best design for the space given the parameter?
Anyway, you can see the excel drawn dimensions below. They are not to scale and as I look at it, making the jpeg seemed to really squeeze the breakfast nook for some reason? Anyway, here are some important details.
-Window 1 is 32" from the floor. We're open to raising it, but moving cabinets there would very likely eliminate a table (which we have there).
-Unless you really played a game of geometry with the cabs, an island won't fit in the space. We've done the math and it doesn't work.
-36" cooktop currently on a peninsula; can't be moved but no, we're not downsizing the to 30" as it is the most used appliance in the kitchen; used every day with multiple things going at once
-The RO tank is 14 gallons and I am coming to grips that it may need to go as a sink with blind corner very unusual. Could go tankless but I would lose the current line I have to the fridge (through attic).
-All three entry ways are 30"; wall dimensions shown exclude the door casing where applicable.
-Doorway on the right leads to a formal dining room which is open to the living room
-Doorway on the left leads to laundry room, powder room, and back door
-Doorway at bottom leads to family room (has TV). Family room also has an original wood ceiling higher than rest of ceiling.
Comments (12)
Yvonne Martin
2 years agoJR R
2 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (24)"Again -- I am CLEARLY no expert and have no idea what I'm doing." In your posts above you keep saying you plead ignorance, you didn't know, etc. But it's been, what, 3 years? Each of the items you said you didn't know about can be googled. For example, the range vs. cooktop/wall ovens has been discussed a ton on the Kitchens and Appliances Forums. Windows - there's a forum on the Gardenweb just about windows, and there are windows contractors on there who are very generous with their advice. You could peruse the threads there and get educated. Then you could say to the remodeling company, e.g., "I want double-pane casements, wood-clad, by Marvin", or whatever. The question about shelves and dishes - how can the designer know what dishes you have and how many? Couldn't you look at your dishes currently and see what depth of shelves you need and how many shelves? Appliances - I've done several remodels and picked out my own appliances, and gave the KD the model numbers and specs. But I was willing to do th research. It sounds odd that after 3 years you continue to say you're ignorant. There are remodelers and designers who will do "turnkey" type jobs. They will do everything soup to nuts and you only have to give basic preferences on colors you like. It sounds like that would be a relief for you. But those are the kinds that cost $100k+. If you are not in that category, you need to make an effort to research and educate yourself so that you can be decisive and then KDs will give you their attention....See MoreWhich of our kitchen designs do you like better?
Comments (7)I understand your desire for an island--I love my work table/island. I have aisles about the same width, but the traffic aisle is not against a solid wall--there are cabinets there, which provide a little more shoulder space for someone walking through. And, my island is only 5' long. If your island is only 26" in depth (including overhangs), you could add a couple inches to each aisle. I think the island, as drawn, is too long--it would be better to have a shorter island, and add seating in the window area. Three people won't be able to sit comfortably on the end of the island as drawn, anyway. If the window can be moved, the range would fit on the back wall. You'd have the minimum prep area, but room to spread out on the island. If it's not feasible to move the window, then the same layout will work, but put the sink to the right, with the prep area in front of the window. If you give up the pantry on the right, you might consider creative storage ideas, such as a 'morgue drawer' in a banquette, and/or between the studs storage on the garage wall (if it's framed, and if safety codes allow). GW discussions--'morgue drawers' [Houzz--stud bay storage[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/tap-into-stud-space-for-more-wall-storage-stsetivw-vs~26936417)...See MoreKitchen Design/Floorplan Impass-Please help, we need a better layout
Comments (19)The island in there was based on a ref 35" deep to the door front including an air gap. That would leave 48" to that corner of the island ( based on the island top being 29 1/2 deep ). Here is the basics of how I imagined the island If you have the 2 end panels plain, then you can cut them to a different depth if you want to add an inch or 2 to the island. Personally I would not any more to the island - maybe an inch? Keep in mind, those dimensions I put on the picture are to the countertop edge - do not place your cabinets to that. All that calculating and conversation needs to be done with your designer and your contractor and is to be based on actual room dimensions. I can't wait to see it!!...See MoreFamily room or...? Help me convince my spouse!
Comments (16)How about a round table, 4 chairs, and a wall hung t v in the morning room? Our first house(1911) had a room off the kitchen and was referred to as the “breakfast room”. (It was a lovely, large formal home). We used that room for everything. Breakfast, lunch or supper; games, coloring, the t v for Sesame Street and Mr Rogers. Then later homework where I was close by cooking dinner and could help with any problems and oversee the results. We used the dining room for the special occasions and the formal living once in a while, As the girls got older, we refinished the basement for sleepovers and such. I guess my point is to set the house up for now. Time flies by and soon things changes. Then you have fun decorating again....See MoreUser
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