Kitchen Plan Critique Wanted
Becky Lee McCabe
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Critique our kitchen plans??
Comments (51)Thanks! I've already done away with the wall at the end of the island, actually. We do need a column there but it can be narrow. I think we do need a column someplace along the sink wall. It's the original exterior wall of the house so very load-bearing. I think without it we would need a very huge new header, and since the ceilings are already very low (7'9") I don't want it to get too deep. Plus, this new design, while it solves a LOT of problems, is actually shorter on storage than our original plan (which had a remote pantry no longer possible with new layout). And- in the old plan I had a hanging pot rack over the side window for pots and pans. In the new plan, since it's dominating the house, I don't think I want the pot rack hanging in the middle of everything... so that means I need to give up substantial base cab space for those items. Anyway I am getting nervous about lack of space so I made that pantry full-height to compensate. However, to accomodate the structural column it can only be 18-20 inches deep, which is a pricey upgrade. Maybe it's not such a great solution. Can you guys think of any other ways to gain more storage while still keeping the openness? I am also having a heck of a time figuring out the detail of the end of the run of uppers (to the right of the range.) Is it totally weird that they'll have to end 4" or so in from the normal location, to accomodate that header? The backsplash would continue along 4 " before terminating at the corner. Weird, huh? Actual measurements are just slightly smaller than what's drawn on the plan above. I'll scan the larger scale drawing. Actual dimensions from the OUTSIDE of the stud wall next to the fridge, to the OUTSIDE of the new header (I lined the back of the bases up at that point to squeeze inches out, even though it looks a lot better to place then INSIDE that line) is 9'11" If I allow 8' from the fireplace wall to accomodate the chairs and traffic flow between them and pulled-out stools at the island, (allowing 39" aisle between range wall and island) it's only 10' wide. So basically 10 x 10. Can I make the aisles narrow than 39" since it is such a small kitchen? 36" would help... Any other suggestions? One thing is that I don't need cookbook storage, since they can go in the adjascent bookcases....See MoreNeed critique on kitchen plans
Comments (8)This is a very big space, all in all. I see distant dining room, closer good-sized kitchen table area, very large desk area--I assume this is family room with outdoor access, very large laundry room, "pantry" closet along the hall inside the whole thing PLUS a "butler's pantry"--I assume this is to service the dining room only, AND a big closet in the dining room. Not sure how groceries enter this space and how waste leaves it. Also not sure how much you use the outdoors--is there a pool or deck area attached to kitchen? You may want to tighten the work area within the larger areas, putting it closer to the kitchen table and putting the island down by what looks to be a family room, for casual eating and hanging out in relation to yard. I have a G-shaped kitchen with 6.5 feet across the short width between sides, refrig at start of G, sink on long side, range at bottom of G. I sure wouldn't want any wider space for everyday cooking. Experts have calculated an optimum distance for each leg of the kitchen work triangle; I think I am on the verge of breaking it on long commute to refrig--can't recall how long it is, but it only rankles occasionally--when I'm at range and I need an egg or the butter or .... I know this is impertinent, but I feel as though there are proposed spaces that you're still looking for uses for. Your bump-out is 15 x 22, is that right? Is there a second story room that is dictating such a large expansion and redefinition of the house?...See MoreKitchen Designer plan critique please
Comments (0)Our lower base cabinet plan is complete and installed and for that I extend my thanks to several members who assisted in narrowing down options for the floorplan. This is for a cottage that was a complete gut in the lower walkout where the kitchen and main living areas are. I hosted a family event there this fall and had to get some semblance of a kitchen installed so we opted for the base cabinets and left the upper plans for later. Now it's later and I want to have a complete kitchen soon! The base cabinets are mostly installed with the blind corners and peninsula still needing final attachments. Love my fancy drawers pulls and sexy plywood counter lol? Those familiar with Ikea will recognize the base cabinets but for the uppers I am using a local manufacturer to give me more flexability with size and to add some individual style. This is the first concept drawing I received from the KD, and for the most part I really like it. There is one wall left completly bare which maintains a more open feel to the space, but is there an easy way to add cabinets or shelves without cramping the other walls? Problems with a full u-shaped kitchen I guess. There is electrical roughed in for under cabinet lights but I don't think it's a problem if they aren't used.. The pictures are how the kitchen currently looks. There will be an 18" DW between the sink and fridge, but right now without the DW, the fridge is pushed up next to the sink cabinet. Thoughts, feelings, comments on the KD's proposal?...See MoreCritique my kitchen designer’s plan
Comments (48)I greatly appreciate the input! Here's what I've come up with for the rework with your help: Eliminate the 9" full height base cabinets by the range. Good they are useless. You don't need more cabinets. You need less cabinets that are larger. Instead: 21" drawer base to the right of range, 21" drawer base immediately to the left of range and 18" drawer base next to that. No. Move the range and and instead do 1 30" cabinet to the left of the range and one 30" cabinet to the right of the range. 3 drawers for each cabinet. You'll get a lot more storage than a useless and too small 21" cabinet and will allow you to put pots and pans next to the stove instead of constantly having to turn 180 degrees to grab pots and pans. The idea is to make the kitchen as easy to work in as possible and to get as much storage as possible. You can add dividers inside the drawers but you can't make too small drawers wider. After some additional thought I think I’m going to remove the drawer base next to the dishwasher. Instead, I’ll make that a full height door cabinet for baking sheet/cutting board storage. It’s 15” and we find the 12” we currently use a bit tight. I think this will also be more aesthetically pleasing as it will mirror the sink base and corner cab. I could also put the trashcan pull out there... but feel like it will have better function being on the range side of the island. Open to thoughts on this. Put the trash cans there. When we cook, we take food out of the fridge, bring it to the sink to wash and prep between sink and stove. You create more steps by having to bring food to the island to prep and then possibly running back and forth between island and sink to rewash stuff, etc and then bringing it once again across the aisle to the stove. Put the cookie storage in the island. This way you can have a base 15" cookie storage on the island and instead of two 27" drawers, have one 15" drawer and one nice sized 39" drawer on the island. Much more functional. (Do you see a theme here where larger drawers are better?) Additionally since baking doesn't require much in the way of water, your island can become your baking station more easily. Here's my next question. In those drawer bases next to range.... 2, 3, 4 drawers? Preferably would like to have them all have the same number. I’m leaning toward 3, but open to suggestions on This as well. Agree 3 drawers. That's what I have and it's perfect. That will allow for most of your pots and pans in the middle and bottom drawers. I appreciate everyone chiming in helping us make this kitchen the best it can be....See Moremcarroll16
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