Thoughts on revised (again) kitchen?

14 years ago

Summerfield was so wonderful as to do a draft of both floors of my house. (http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg0713343110459.html?5177). I think the upstairs is absolutely perfect, and the main floor is, with the possible exception of the kitchen. I am in talks with the GC, hoping for a late winter/early spring build, so it's time to get settled on this.

Summerfield's great draft:

I do want a few changes, however. I want a smaller island to give more clearance around it, and I don't want the fridge next to the pantry door, where it won't be able to open fully. So, I was planning on moving the fridge and range both towards the sink. However, this leaves me with about 24" of counterspace and cabinets between the pantry and fridge, fridge and range, and range and corner. Those cabinets are going to be awfully tiny.

I had another idea:

What do you think about putting the fridge next to the desk and the microwave above the range (I forgot to draw it in)? I realize it puts the fridge a long ways from the sink. I would be open to the idea of a prep sink in the counter next to the pantry. This would give acres of open counterspace, great flexibility with cabinets. Plus, I wasn't quite sure what to do with that space next to the desk--I wouldn't want to put much food right next to a computer monitor, so I think it would become a clutter space. We had talked about an oven stack, but its simply not in the budget.

You all had such great thoughts before, I hope you don't mind a few more! Thanks!!

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Comments (4)

Cavimum
14 years ago
Friends of ours completely redid their kitchen a few years ago. They put the microwave under the counter of their island. She loves it. They had the cabinet maker make the space a finished shelf (sleeve) so they could slide in any brand of countertop MW. Might that work in your kitchen?
rosie
14 years ago
Regarding moving the stove, seems to me its current position within your L+island has determined the position and dimensions of the island, of the living/dining room and furniture, and of the library. Mess too much with that, and you have to reconfigure everything. The only reason important enough to do that would be to turn the kitchen into a galley across the end (which would mean recentering the stove on the wall, etc., etc.). So, if you are keeping the L+island, then the stove stays pretty much where it is.

And, sure, shorten the island--as long as it still appears to line up with the stove.

OTOH, you're obviously option-rich for refrigerator placement, whichever you prefer. Don't like it next to the pantry door? Move it. Or move the pantry door, another option-rich area. Regarding desk position, less efficient, but my own preference would be to keep it off to the side, somewhere, visually. I'd also wonder if wider refrigerators were going to be common in future and would plan for that now.
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bellsmom
14 years ago
Keep in mind that, as I know you realize, suggestions are just to be considered, evaluated, and used or not. Just possibilities.

1. I agree you need the extra aisle width at the ends of the island, especially since, if you move the Fridge, both passages will be interrupted by the opening of doors (fridge and DW).

2. Can you put a MW over a range and still have a good hood? I don't think that would work. And a good exhaust is really important.

3. I agree with rosie that the centered range is pleasing to the eye and I would think hard before shifting it to either side.

4. My solution would be, as you suggest, Fridge by the desk, even though it might crowd the desk. Then put the MW in the island as Cavimum suggested.

5. Even better would be to put a drawer MW in the island (they are SO much easier to access than a regular one when placed below counter) if you can afford it. They do cost a few hundred more than a regular MW.

6. And even on such a small island, I would include a prep sink into one corner. One only 12'' wide and perhaps 15'' deep would fit. Small but invaluable.

The last two suggestions come from my own experience with my kitchen remodel. I didn't really think I would often use the prep sink. WRONG.
I also didn't think I would especially like a drawer MW and my DH was sure he would not. We were both wrong on that.

The prep sink on your island, just a step or two from the range, will be used often. There will be still be more than two feet of space beside it. Not optimal, but useful.

Sandra
lavender_lass
14 years ago
Cam- Your wife has been quite insistent about the desk...and you're crowding her out, bit by bit. First the microwave and now the fridge...it will end up being a landing space for the fridge. Great layout wise, not good for the 'desk space' idea.

If you really want the desk (and it seems she really does) than don't put ANY kitchen appliances or accessories, in that area. Maybe a narrow bookcase/cabinet, where you have the microwave, to divide the desk area from the work area. This could be storage for phone books, paper, supplies, etc. and maybe a small message board above.

For the kitchen, the fridge and range are fine (as is) if you add a small spacer, between the fridge and the pantry. According to GW, if you have a spacer the doors will open all the way and make cleaning much easier.

I think the island would be 4'10" if you added the 8" between the island and sink/dishwasher. Roomy enough for two stools and maybe a good place for the microwave. Otherwise, what about moving the range towards the sink (lose window) and having the microwave, between the fridge and range? I wouldn't put one over the range...it's possible, but not only is the vent normally not as good, but it's a fire hazard, reaching over the burners.

Just my two cents...