Space Planning

18 years ago

I am just now starting to think about re-designing my kitchen. I think this will be a pretty big project as I would like to remove a wall to open the space into the dining room which will give me the opportunity to add an island. However, my kitchen (I would call it galley style) is odd in that it has 4 door openings and there isn't a lot of wall space (there is also a large window along one side). If I take down the one wall that I want to to it will dramatically reduce the amount of wall space to put up cabinets. I cook a lot and have a lot of spices, oils, pots and pans, etc. Can anyone guide me on how much cabinet space is ideal/necessary/minimum? I know the more space is better, but is there a way I can determine the benefit of the open space and island versus the cabinet space? Just today I was thinking the island will give me some space underneath of it, so that could help. Maybe?

Thanks for your help.

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Comments (3)

lascatx
18 years ago
Start with what you have. Is it enough?

Look at the types of storage you need and what options there are -- spices are one example. Some use racks on doors or in upper cabinets, others go with pullouts. Some like them laying down in drawers -- I went with standing up in a drawer and found I could fit 110 in a 24" drawer.

Look at the types of cabinets you will have and what options you will have -- frameless lose less space, especially in drawers. The number of drawers in a stack will make a difference on how you can use them and drawers will make many things much easier to get out and put away.

Even with a drawer heavy kitchen like mine, you will need some shelf or open cabinet space for certain things.

I've never seen a formula for how many cabinets you need (I'm sure builders have them - LOL), but I wouldn't believe them. My idea of a lot and yours may be very different. I do think that maximizing the use and the ease of use can be more important than raw size. I know the thought makes your eyes, if not your head, roll but you really need to take inventory and figure out what you need and the decide where you could put it in a particular kitchen layout. Make a list of what you have to have space for and what could go in a hall or utility location and check it against each variation on your plans. It's a feasability study. ;-)
chris_5
18 years ago
A well-designed island will add a lot of storage space. Function should come first in your plan. Take inventory of what you have, and where it would most conveniently be stored.
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wisrose
18 years ago
HittletsÂ.I am planning the same type of design for my kitch. For me, taking down the wall will let a lot of needed natural light (southern exposure) into my now very dark kitchen. The wall I am taking down holds about 1/3rd of my cabinet space, I will add cabinets to the empty wall where the kitchen table is and use the dining table for meals. As it is now the dining room doesnÂt get used at all, *wasted* well lit space. In the kitchen there is only room for one person at a time, space will still be tight with the island but it will allow for a *much better flow * which will make my life easier. I am also extending a wall of cabinets into the dining area. I will have one of those pantry cabinets that will give me a lot of storage space as well. When I first started thinking about this plan I too thought I would not have enough cabinet space but I am using every nook and cranny bit of space and I figure I will end up with *more* more of everything all around. In fact I wouldnÂt do it any other way! ItÂs bright and open space. I canÂt wait!