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housemy_gw

which kitchen plan is better?

14 years ago

We are thinking about two ways of using our island.

About us: 3 kids, and sometimes visiting parents. So a total of 5-7 people.

First plan: only sit on one side, and there is a prep sink

Second plan: Sit on two sides, and there is no prep sink

Which one is better? Thanks

By the way, we have only a dining area and an island. (no breakfast, no formal dining). Is this a problem for reselling?

Thanks!

First plan

First plan in 3d

Second plan

Comments (8)

  • 14 years ago

    Why not put the prep sink near the center of the island, offset to the left so its closer to the fridge? That way you can have all the seating of the first option with the functionality of the second.

  • 14 years ago

    Do you have water in the fridge? If so, what is the purpose of the prep sink? Your cooktop is quite close to your main sink. If you want it on the island for washing vegetables, etc. and prep, I would move it closer to the cooktop end of the island, or to opposite the wall oven at the mid-point in the island. I assume most prep would be done on the 4' end of the island opposite the cooktop?

    Do you do a lot of baking? If so, the prep sink might be awkward across from the fridge and the wall ovens.

    Do you have sufficient clearance/passage behind all those stools at the island?

  • 14 years ago

    Thanks, Kinei!

    Sochi, Yes, we have water in the fridge, and we do a lot of cooking. Yes, there is sufficient clearance around the island. (4 feet to 5 feet). We just thought a prep sink might be useful, but do not have a clear idea of how to use it. Maybe we will just remove it. Thanks

  • 14 years ago

    A lot of GW people like prep sinks, especially on the island...if that's where you plan to prep.

    If it were me, I'd keep the extra oven as an undercounter model and raise the microwave up to a shelf, giving you more counter space, by the fridge.

    Then, I'd move the main sink under the bigger window and leave the corner for storage...maybe a few herbs in that window?

    This would allow you to move the upper cabinets (range wall) over just a bit, and recenter the range. This would bring the range a little closer to the island...and then I'd put the prep sink in that corner, closest to the range.

    And, I'd have the seating on both sides, of the island. It will be easier to interact with the cook...and one another. Hope that helps :)

  • 14 years ago

    OK, you don't have a dining room per se, but you have a "great room" layout that is currently more popular in some markets. If you are in New England, that may have a negative effect on re-sale. If you're in southern CA, probably not a problem. If you want to create a sense of separation for the DR you can do so with a buffet between DR and LR, or built-in cabinetry along the back wall, or by changing the ceiling height in the DR (something Sarah Susanka does beautifully).

    As far as the island is concerned, I like seating on both sides - better for conversation - and I love butcher block island top for that use, as the wood is beautiful, soft and warm for dining and mingling. Most people tell me they rarely use their island prep sink, and my guess is that with your layout, you probably won't either. I really dislike a corner sink by the way, but that's a personal choice, so if you've had one and love it, enjoy.

  • 14 years ago

    How often do you plan to use the downstairs bedroom as the in-law bedroom? If it's only for visits, I think your plan is fine...but if it might turn into a permanent situation...I would make a few changes.

    I'd flip the hall closet and guest bath entrance (so closet is closer to stairs) and make the in-law closet a bit smaller. This will allow you to also flip the bathroom layout, so that the sink and toilet are on the stair wall and you could have direct access from the bedroom to the bathroom.

    Also, if this may become more permanent, I'd turn the pantry into a downstairs powder room and put the pantry storage in the laundry area. It's a big space and there should be enough room.

    I only say this, after seeing my grandmother's slow decline in mobility...and eventual use of toilet accessories that the entire family (especially younger children) might find difficult to use. Just an idea...and may or may not apply to your situation.

  • 14 years ago

    Wow! Great space. I think your fridge placement is great, easily accessible to FR and deck.

    I would prefer 5 seats at the island you show above.

    If it were my kitchen, I would rotate the island so the stools face the cooktop. Personal preference I guess, but I made a similiar change at the last minute and I am glad I did. The way you have it now, the people sitting at the island do not have their back to the DR and FR, so I guess there are pros and cons of both orientations.

  • 14 years ago

    Thank you all for your help!