Hi all, homeowners of about one year here. Looking to get acquainted with design and layout ideas with your help. For us, trying to wrap our heads around the possibility that we have only two usable walls is a challenge. Some photos of the kitchen as is, and kitchen empty.

Notes from the layout help FAQ:

High level goals

· More efficient cabinets (Euro style cabinets – would like to try and eliminate the unused/unavailable space due to the face frame and drawer slide type we experience in the current kitchen)

· More efficient pantry/storage (Currently the ratio of overall footprint to usable space is poor, the pantry area occupies ~5sq.ft, but the usable area is only about 1.75sq.ft)

· More countertop space – improve work areas to the sides of the oven/stove?

· Want things done ‘right’ – not just functional for us, but serviceable/suitable to others.

Family composition- 2x adults, no children now, but hopefully in the future. Similarly, 2x kitchen workers now, but space for helpers in the future

We actively cook at home – prep meats, veggies, stove, dishwasher, microwave, fridge, pantry

Kitchen utilization - Chiefly to prepare food – no homework, computer, etc

1. Opportunities for ‘party place’ set up/set out drinks, party spreads

2. Informal entertainment

Dining room(s)- We have space 2x separate dining rooms/eating areas presently in the house (we utilize one of those specifically)

Foundation- Slab

Due to the proximity to the entryway, we are not keen on opening up the kitchen further.

Flexibility

· Moving windows and entryways – willing to consider adjusting windows, but we have exterior appearance concerns. Kitchen entryway could be opened slightly, but I doubt much can be done with the overall position.

· Willing to consider moving sink, all appliances

· Willing to consider reworking/removing pantry ‘walls’

Aside from coffee maker, don’t think we need a dedicate ‘kitchen gadget’ location (Grab and store devices as needed, reduce count, etc).

Appliances

· Free standing range

o Double oven range – no bottom drawer (e.g. WGE745C0FS)

o Standard 30” width

· Hood microwave

o Would like to add exterior venting, rather than recirculating air in the kitchen/house.

· Refrigerator – standard size/depth

o Like the idea of counter-depth, but concerns about replacing in the future (fit)

o Could be French door style, SxS.

o We’ve chiefly looked at 36in wide models… but 30in wide could work well.

· 24” panel ready dishwasher (already own)

Pantry location, type – Located in the kitchen. Exact placement or style can vary, though likely it’ll be some form of reach-in.

Cost - Early 2021 - $6000 for appliances, $6000 for cabinets (we were looking at IKEA, though we may go a totally different route as we get more serious about the kitchen)

Other thoughts

Small personal goal – reduce count and footprint of kitchen gadgets.

Add lighting over the sink (sink work area can get dark later in the evening/night).

As designed, I think our primary work surface should be the area to the left of the sink, above the dishwasher. Of course, that is not how we currently utilize the space.

Annotated photos:

'Front' door and entry to kitchen:

Exterior shot of the large (side) kitchen window: