It is being all it can be. Changing things out there is just going to be cosmetic. You aren't making any layout changes. DOn't touch it until you hae a full design plan though. And that starts with you being SPECIFIC about things you like. Not open ended and vague about it all.

what type of dwelling ..apt//condo/ townhouse. there may be limitations re plumbing and gas line. give people some clues. you have old everything..cabinets/ appliances/flooring counters...so what is the budget to redo this. a cab depth fridge could possibly come over to the other side and toward the passage where you have coffee pot.......but then its furthur from sink...but the corner between the two windows could be nicer bit of counter/ cabinets tucked behind the sink. Also...if you can remove the narrow passage walls entirely you can extend down into big room ..other spot is bumping back into closet in bedroom to recess a fridge. but shrinking closets can be a negative. So imagine if the wall where milk jug and coffee pot are sitting is pushed into the big room....then your kitchen run on stove and sink side is lenthened. and the only real compromise is a narrower corner from living thru hallway back to bedrooms. you should show a graphic of the whole floor. I dont see how you can make the 7 foot any wider...so gaining anything in length might help quite a bit. just depends on what you want /are willing to do.

this would be an improvment at the window end...but you do not have width at 7 ft across.

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What are you planning to do exactly? Simply a cosmetic change with paint? replacing the cabinets, countertop, flooring? only resurfacing the cabinets? We need more information.

Is this a nyc townhouse with a 200k kitchen budget for custom floor to ceiling cabinets and liebher fridges, or is this an apartment that gets a bakers rack on the right to hold a microwave?

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@Herbflavor , it is a coop what do you feel would be an appropriate budget for this type of/ layout

@Minardi , thank you, this is the ultimate best input

What are YOU willing to spend? What are YOUR goals? How will YOU use the space? If you want help answer the questions people have asked and add dimensions to the drawing.

appropriate budget in a coop tiny kitchen...keeping the same layout ? do you want to add 12 in deep cabinets on empty wall run? because you can pull that off. 5000.00 for cabinets on sink wall and something on blank wall.... you need care w appliances so at least a few grand....then floor counter lighting hardware tile etc labor of course.....are you DIY? you can teach yourself to do a floor and install ikea cabs ..but they install now. start w goal to do this for 15000.00 start w IKEA for cab quotes "THIS " means a simple straightforward replacment ....try to get some shallow things on blank side. and bear in mind projects usually go over. something to consider..remove the upper cabs inspect and see if repurpose them is worth it...they are tall and slab doors work well..but I dont know the condition. do you have a space to work ?

If you eventually decide to redo the kitchen completely perhaps you can consider reversing the layout if that's possible and I would suggest a counter deep refrigerator.

There isn't room to reverse the layout at only 7' wide. That would leave a walkway of less than 32".

@Herbflavor, yea was thinking of doing 12 in depth cabinets with a countertop on the right empty side and doing like a triple stacked 12 in depth pantry on the entry on the right then counter till the window. Does that make any sense? Was thinking like. 15-20 max budget. Would like to do tile floors and lighting. Would you recommend single line spot lights down the middle or two lines ?

What are the actual wall/door/doorway dimensions? I can already see a potential improvement to your layout, assuming (1) you can/are willing to move things (sink, range, DW) and (2) the dimensions allow it.

Post something like this:

Note that the widths of each wall/window/door/doorway and the distances between each wall/window/door/doorway are shown and clearly labeled. It can be hand-drawn or computer-generated, as long as the dimension labels are legible.

I’ll do the dimensions later on tonight when I get home. What potential improvement in the layout do you see ?

If the kitchen is 7 ft wide, less 2 ft on the right, and less 1 ft on the left, that leaves 4 ft in the middle between the counter and the wall with either floor to ceiling cabinets or narrow base cabinets with narrow counter and cabinets above. The only place you'd have 32 inches in where the refrigerator is locate but no problem if you get a french door fridge or side by side.

Do you think there would be enough space to open a French door fridge? How much space in front of the fridge is recommended to be comfortable

Is this actually an apartment? I would take the tile off and have the floors sanded add new cabinetry and backsplash. This is just a sketch.

The minimum size (30″ by 48″) applies whether the space is positioned for forward or side approaches. Additional space is required when the space is confined on three sides and is obstructed for more than half the depth, such as when elements are recessed in alcoves.

That is why I suggested you replace the fridge with a counter deep model.

Can you open the wall at the end of the kitchen? That may give you a more open feeling since it would connect with the rest of the space.

No one can tell you if you can do a french door ref since we don't have the dimensions yet of where the window is located.

Can you move things around at all?? Some coops you can move electric but they don't let you move the plumbing. What kind of cook are you? I would try to move the stove to the left so you have a better counter space between the sink and the stove. 12" deep cabinets on the opposite side are a good idea, but floor to ceiling may be too looming. Maybe bases and some floating shelves?

Lets start with dimensions first.

20 max? Ooof that will be tough just based on the fact that it has not been redone in forty years. That essentially means ikea cabinets (which are great) and no plumbing or electrical changes other than maybe new lighting. Build this kitchen in the ikea kitchen planner and populate it with appliances etc. I think it will be eye opening. Does you association have limits on what you can do IN your space? Many don’t let you do anything diy and require permits for all work which drives up the cost but covers the other members.

before lighting choices ..choose the plan. lets see where counter stretches are. lets see where under cab task lights might be better lets see where sight lines are and perhaps more attractive " close to ceiling fixture" plays a role . lets see about simplifying but using LED's w a dimmer, if best.... lets see if you have glass doored cabs anywhere and seek lighting within for an upgrade.... there are tons of lighting options.... work on your plan to know more.

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look how different each of these is..

ceiling treatment along w "close to ceiling fixture " and can lights ..a lot of interest there at the ceiling.....with your small basic kitchen dont rule out a "spot" like the ceiling for that extra treatment.

Kitchen Renovation with Baking Cabinet and Snack Bar Alcove · More Info

"close to ceiling fixtures" play up a straight sight line along w under cab task lights.

Contemporary Charm in a Historical NeighborhoodHistoric Edina Neighborhood with · More Info

very simple but note the ceiling planks for detail and then under cab task lights

Seaside Cottage · More Info

minimalistic but that integrated led light probably does a good job along w light directed at sink work area

Rector Square · More Info

THIS!!! ^^^

Well said. I have only done a couple of apartments in the city in my entire career. Never again!

Just to add that even though most on here don't live in the city, and there are some things they may not account for because of that, you will still get fantastic advice from them on pieces that will be very helpful. I would have had a nervous breakdown at some point of my renovations with out the help from my good friends on Houzz!

regarding various options. if constraints really end up defining the project namely budget and practicalities of rearranging vs. keeping the layout.... consider pulling out the base cabinets and counter. Ikea has a few greens in their options. so keep your existing uppers and replace counter/ lower cabs/ sink/ faucet ..get new dishwasher and fridge and lighting /hardware/ backsplash of course. this would be a reasonable / easy /cost effective alternative. then w money saved think about the 12 inch deep cabinetry you could obtain for blank wall. The creamy wall cabinets and even the floor would work w green lower cabs and a butcher block counter top that Ikea sells. Even with your tight space you have options for improvement. .

what do you think of green cabs mixed with your creamy ones and the floor?

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@kendrash, really appreciate the thorough input. Real good information you gave me. Just to note, my walls / ceilings are made from plaster. May I ask why should I avoid “Jbox and recessed lighting “? What would you recommend?
Thank you

The improvements I mentioned above:

• Switch the DW & Sink
• Put 36" between Sink and Range
• Range
• 15" or so to the wall
• 18" DW
• 30" Counter-Depth Refrigerator (FYI, "counter-depth" only describes the box, not the doors or handles)

Note that you will need to move the range and sink to the left and put the DW where the sink is now.

Something like this - I used IKEA cabinet sizes:

Ideal? No. However, in a Kitchen this small, compromises have to be made.

• The aisle in front of the sink and counter to the left is 42" - a respectable width and the minimum recommended for a one-person work aisle. The compromise here is that if there will be more than one of you working in the Kitchen at the same time, you may have to more around a bit, but I think it's an acceptable compromise.
• The 37" or so of prep workspace b/w the sink and range actually meets the minimum recommended prep workspace of 36".
• When loading the DW, you will be standing in front of the sink, so the 28.5" aisle b/w the refrigerator and DW should not be a problem. The compromise here is that you won't be able to have the refrigerator and the DW open at the same time. Again, I would consider that an acceptable compromise.
• The sink is in front of the empty window space, so there's room to go around someone working at the sink. There's what appears to be an HVAC register/vent under the window, so nothing should go in front of it.
• It's likely you will need to put an Over the Range MW over the range since there's not a lot of room for a MW unless it could go in a portable MW cart to the right of the DW and in front of the black box (what is that?)
• By switching the DW & sink, you have some landing space for the refrigerator over the DW as a buffer b/w the sink and counter edge to minimize splashing onto the floor.
• If the Refrigerator is a french-door, it will likely need some space b/w it and the wall to allow the left door to open fully. How much space is needed will depend on the model of the refrigerator.

ETA: Note that this assumes actual room dimensions match posted overall dimensions (7' x 12'6"). Windows and doorway locations & dimensions estimated. Also, if using IKEA, they do not have 12"D cabinets, all are at least 15"D. If you're handy, you might be able to cut the 15"D cabs on the bottom wall to 12"D.

First that fridge needs to be gone and a nice counter depth one for sure . The rest we need moreinfo as to what you want or need . IMO you could do aw all of 12" deep cabinets on the wall across from what you have it would still allow 48" for walk space which IMO in a small galley is great .

I forgot to add:

• The sink is in front of the empty window space, so there's room to go around someone working at the sink. There's what appears to be an HVAC register/vent under the window, so nothing should go in front of it. [Added it to my previous post]

Price out a new floor, a countertop depth refrigerator and narrow depth base cabients on the blank wall. Then price out refacing all of the cabinets in whatever color you love and a new countertop (Formica has wonderful colors and isn’t your Grandmother’s Formica).

Here are some galley kitchens for inspiration. They all have one color scheme. They are simple but efficient.

Here’s a galley kitchen with open base cabinets. In your kitchen this is where the open base cabinet would go and shelves would wrap around the heater under the large window.

Don't have open base cabinets - they're very close to the floor and collect dirt, dust, and, if you have pets, pet hair/fur. They're very unsanitary for items that are used for cooking/eating. (They're worse than open upper shelves in that regard b/c they are so close to the floor.)

What are some modern colors to go with? Do bottom gray and white tops makes sense?

I would do a small kitchen all in one color.

I agree with @RedRyder, all one colour for the cabinets in your small kitchen.

What color would you recommend?

Whatever you love, since it will be saturated. I would have a green kitchen if I was doing a small one like yours. Or navy! I wouldn’t do a taupe or beige (too dull) so give it some thought. Let me see if I can find some photos to help you envision it.

Here are two blue kitchens. None of these are actual “galley” style but the cabinets are parallel in the photos.
Blues

Greens - dark or light

Pink or deep red?

do you have quotes for anything? do you have a plan? I would get your appliances selected and the cost to get a hood installed .....you will pay a bit of a premium for painted cabinetry. get the basics nailed down......1. .plan 2. essential storage cabinets . 3 appliances 4. labour 5. some electrical work. then look at finishes and surfaces .. [floor/ counter/ cab material] You do not always need premium things like painted cabinets/ quartz counters/ chic floor/ for a small galley..you may want to pick one premium thing as budget dictates. if you are ripping out all cabinets and ADDING more than what you have, avoid letting that cost spiral esp in a tight space that is not open.

Hey herbflavor, not yet. Trying to do research now. Gonna get some quotes and concepts to get ideas. Really appreciate everyone’s input. My friend just redid his kitchen in apartment.

that looks pretty nice.....surprised at 2 sinks in apartment kitchen must say. Like the little glass door on the diagonal....nice touch.

heres what they are calling " champagne taste on a beer budget" probably sticking w stained cabinetry/ maybe entry level granite./ not a fancy floor/ managed to get a side panel for fridge.

Champagne Kitchen on a Beer Budget · More Info

A few colour/finishes ideas + one showing opening up the entrance wall to the kitchen.