Advice needed: My small IKEA kitchen design (Europe)
Sam Bo
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
First-time kitchen builder here. I need advice on how to make the most of this space. It's relatively small compared to what you folks are used to in the US (I'm located in Germany). Any obvious or not so obvious things to consider? Would appreciate any advice!
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Sam Bo
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoRelated Discussions
take a peek at my "soft modern" small kitchen design?
Comments (150)side note to Lynn - I was on the dating scene not too long ago so I know what that's like (after my ex suddenly left me). People show what they're made of over time, so be very patient as you get to know them. Be yourself and don't be afraid to turn off people who aren't a good fit. Few people these days are capable of commitment because our society promotes a "shopping"/disposable mentality when it comes to relationships. Commitment comes from deep within and you have to know a person's character and past to know whether they are capable of that. You can see that in how they've handled past relationships, friendships, jobs, and business arrangements. My current husband and I found one another through non-dating channels. Because it was long distance we had a chance to get to know one another deeply with no pressure or expectations. I'm a lucky woman. I can tell you that having a partner to "help with decisions" isn't always convenient though ;) . Handy-ness can go either way too. I haven't had a sink or range or dishwasher for three days now because dh is too busy with work to hook everything up. When you aren't handy and don't have a handy spouse you just hire someone and get-er-done :) ....See MoreAdvice on my small kitchen layout please
Comments (1)I think this essentially what you are going to have to do, with full depth on one side and reduced on the other. However, I think you could gain a lot of counterspace by doing a U shape and perhaps putting the range in the U. You would end up having one blind corner but the other may be able to be accessed from underneath the bar countertop. If you want to retain the galley shape, you have room to put the DW on the other side of the sink and a cabinet base between the DW and range, so you are not standing in front of the DW doing your primary prep. I would recommend a 30 range even in a kitchen this small, particularly if you can do a U. The units in my complex have kitchens this small or smaller and almost All the renovations have switched from a 24" range to a 30". The link is my kitchen of about the same size. I did not do a U but I wanted to change the entry point. My new house has a kitchen the size of yours and I am doing essentially what you are (24" and 18" depths) but in a broken U configuration with the Sink in the U. Here is a link that might be useful: Condo Kitchen...See MoreAdvice on small kitchen design please
Comments (29)The house faces SSW,, lot size is just under half an acre of flat land. Honestly, on 1/2 acre I think you could do a heck of a lot better. Have you considered contacting someone like architectrunnerguy who could help you create a plan that would work better for your retirement years and also work for your husband? While the suggestions here (especially Mama's) would be improvements, I do feel you could do a lot better. One of the other problems is the house faces SSW which means you're not taking good advantage of passive solar heating/cooling. Ideally you want your main rooms facing south and you want to reduce windows on the west side of a house. The way your house is situated the garage and two front bedrooms get the best light....See MoreSmall kitchen remodel (another one!) -- IKEA layout advice
Comments (4)@Aglitter good point. My only problem is that IKEA is still more affordable when you start pricing out even used cabinets at ReStore or elsewhere. I like the "unfitted approach" (didn't know that was the term!). Although I don't know if it will be considered "good enough" for renters, if I go that route temporarily. @Diana Bier I agree with you. At the moment, I'm not looking to move the major appliances (that's even more money to move the gas line etc.). But you've given me some great ideas if I go through with a more serious remodel in a few years. In fact, I think I could squeeze in a second bathroom where the sink wall is atm, move side walls forward and back walls into the porch are, and have a cute and sizeable galley kitchen. Thanks for the ideas!...See More
Jennifer Svensson
2 years agoSam Bo
2 years agolast modified: 2 years ago@Jennifer Svensson The 3D Software isn't showing it correctly, but the fridge cabinet door connects to the fridge's door. It's pretty common in Germany. You can see how it is supposed to work in the picture below.
You got my reasoning for the shelf right. However, I think rather than putting another row of cabinets in place of the shelf, I would instead leave the wall as is or hang art or some sort of visual accent. The room is small as is, and I don't want it to become too claustrophobic. Cluttered shelves are a major pet peeve too.
I'll consider skipping the shelf. Thank you for the comment!
cheri127
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoIs it in the budget to replace the closet with a pantry cabinet that has a pullout or roll out trays? We had a 12" full height pullout pantry in our German kitchen and it held a lot of stuff!
Sam Bo thanked cheri127Sam Bo
2 years agoSam Bo
2 years agolast modified: 2 years ago
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