It looks terrific, would love to have a big kitchen like that. The only thing I can see would be the placement of your powder room. (not sure if that is your main entrance or like my mud room off the the garage more for family to come in). If that is the one guests would be using not sure I would want them to have to go through my mud room every time to use it, I wouldn't want to have to keep my mud room completely clean all the time.

I'm guessing there's a powder room, in the front of the house, probably opposite the closet.

The kitchen layout is very nice, but I think your four stools might be a little tight...three might fit better, in the space. Great prep area, around the range, but you might want to center it on the wall, so you have a little more room, if two people are working...one at the main sink and one at the range. I also like the desk and your access to the covered porch.

Are you still planning to have white cabinets? I notice you have lots of windows in the breakfast room, but none in the kitchen. The white should bounce the light around and make the entire space cheerful and inviting :)

push that 2nd sink which is to the left of frig closer to dining end..is it for beverage filling, etc? No reason to put it in the center of a counter run in my opinion.As Lavender said, perhaps center the range along that wall.If your desk area might accumulate clutter[my mom's always does]..I would think about reversing it's location to "butler" zone..[with some tweaks].. and place storage cabs where desk is. Between family rm/dining area/kitchen is an open plan basically, and a cluttered desk right in the center of it all could be a big disapointment. Lots to like about what you're doing.

That powder room is in addition to another one off the foyer. The mudroom would likely move forward to jut off the kitchen/butler pantry area with door where the fridge is now (to fit better on the site).

LL - we've done a complete 360 (180?). Working with a new architect who actually seems to know what he's talking about. Jumped a few hurdles in the town process. May end up having to put in a new septic, which changes the site, which affects the house design, etc etc. Ugh. It is all so complicated. Maybe by next summer I will build - if the world doesn't end before then! :-/

I don't know that I like the desk area. I don't want any clutter in my kitchen, especially open to the FR. (Although right now, my baking counter is completely covered and stacked high with piles of papers, mail, library books, etc. So maybe I *need* a desk in the kitchen. lol) Ideally, I'd like to have all this junk in another room completely - but we're only living in 3 rooms total right now, so that is just my dream.

And I don't know if I like this kitchen SO open to the FR. IYR, that's one of the main reasons we scrapped the previous plan. The cozy little hearth room became a huge family room, all open. And I don't like "open plans."

The sink on the side wall would be the clean-up sink. The one in the island a prep sink.

What do you think about the pantry being behind the kitchen, off the butler pantry?

My current baking counter (yikes!):

I would consider putting the Fridge to the left of the Range, place Prep Sink it all the way to the left of the island so you can prep from both sides and you're not butt-to-butt with range, and having that whole right wall for the Cleanup Sink. Maybe do all windows to the counter with no uppers where the wall is exterior and some kind of dish hutch or baking counter where the wall is interior.

I agree with Lynn's idea for the Mudroom.. I would see if you can swap the Powder Room with that closet so guests don't need to trek all the way through the Mudroom. Deepen it to be even with the stairs. You could then even separate most of the Mudroom by putting a wall up at the left side of that door marked "DN."

By the way, I love your current kitchen and its beautiful windows.

I actually like the open-ness of your area quite a bit. Not to redo what you have done, but I was seeing an even bigger island there..Do you need the pantry?...if not..work the mudroom/butler/pantry zones to get a desk somewhere, make sure you have the right storage, and keep the nice open feel. I think you'll like it perhaps with a slightly bigger, more dramatic island, as it will create "space" within space. Pendant lights, custom counter edges, etc.

You seem to have the clean up zone and the cooking zone back to back in the same aisle. Would moving the main clean up zone to another leg give you better (less collision of zones) better flow? Do you want to have your main clean-up/DW action so near your eat-on counter/island? My own choice would be to have a prep sink on the island so you can prep 'n chat, but have the main sink on another leg so that you keep that activity slightly removed. If someone if opening/unoading the DW at the same time you're cooking, that aisle may begin to feel cramped.

L

Yes, I'd switch the sinks. Make the sink on the right leg the full-on cleanup sink, get a smaller prep sink in the island. You don't have measurements posted, but a larger island might enable you to have seating on two or three sides, which is much more conducive to conversation than Kitchen Stadium seating.

And also, the fridge could go in the lower left instead of that long stretch of counter.

"Kitchen Stadium seating"... LOL marcolo - or perhaps SOL (snort out loud).

Jenswrens- While this is a very nice plan, I miss the cozy hearth room, too. I think the desk is fine, as long as you have enough built in storage, to stash all your paperwork and avoid the clutter. At least a desk, gives it a home! LOL

Just a thought...could you move the mud room forward (off the dining room/pantry and redesign the kitchen area a bit, to include the hearth room. Maybe have room for a few chairs, by the fireplace, keep the breakfast area (which I love) and move the kitchen, to where the mud room is now?

The family room could have bookcases, on the wall to the kitchen area and either keep the desk or make it a window seat. This would keep the family room close to the kitchen, but not completely open to it.

For the kitchen itself, you could have windows overlooking the back, for the main sink, and more windows (one on either side) of the range. The fridge could be at the end of the counter, with a prep sink on the island. Similar to what you have now, but with more light and a small seating area, by the fireplace.

Across from the fridge, you could have your desk area or more pantry space. The mud room will hopefully, work in front of the kitchen, against the pantry/dining room...I'm guessing your garage is either in the front or off to the side. Anyway, just an idea :)

{{!gwi}}

While I prefer it to be somewhat open between my family rm and kitchen, since you don't that should be easy enough to fix by adding an arched separation or pocket doors or french doors etc.

What I don't prefer is cooking facing a wall, so I'd place the cooktop on the island with double ovens and built-in fridge where the range is. I haven't wanted a prep sink in the kitchen and consequently do not include one is our homes, but if you want one in the kitchen then I'd place a small one in the island but more toward the FR end to maximize counter space and make it convenient for those in the FR. Instead of the island prep sink, I've found having one in the butler's pantry to be a great help whenever we've hosted large parties. It allows the BP to serve as a bar area and helps keep the kitchen free for other purposes, and has come in handy just when using the formal DR. The other preference I have, which is anathema to many here at GW, is a U-shaped kitchen which intentionally blocks sight lines and traffic flow a bit as I don't like having the kitchen be a thoroughfare when cooking. If that idea appeals to you, it would be another way to solve your problem with the kitchen being totally open to the FR.

I'd not put an out-swing door to the pantry as it blocks the flow and could be a problem when using the DR so I'd consider a pocket, bi-fold or in-swing. Since I'm unhappy looking at clutter but dislike filing more, I'd put my desk in the mudroom so I could more easily control the chaos. Locating it there would also provide ample room for projects, filing space, and privacy.

Whatever you decide, do what really works best for the way you live. Enjoy!

what tracie posted. clean up on the right cab run - maybe centered.

prep sink in island toward the left end. fridge on the lower (stove) run at the far left (by FR)

desk area - make it with cab doors that shut it off. the 'desk' area could be a slide out (like we put keyboards on), then you slide it back in and shut the doors. no one sees anything. I'd put a lock on it so no one accidentally opens it looking for food or drink.

PR - moving it to closet area would be good.

OP here. Great ideas, everyone!

Clean-up sink on side wall and prep sink in island.

The garage will actually be in the basement (drive-under, walk-out) with stairs that come up into mudroom. We're also considering a dumbwaiter, because the garage-under makes good sense on this lot. We will have an area to park in the front of house.

Lavender lass - at first glance I love what you've done with that. We needed this house to be wider anyway. Although I suspect most people would consider that little hearth area wasted space or redundant to the FR, I love it! (DH already said "wasted space - what's it for".) TV in the FR away from the kitchen noise, yet a little sitting area IN the kitchen for people who just want to hang out and talk. I wonder if this puts the DR too far away though.

I like the idea of the desk area in the mudroom. I am also a huge fan of U-shaped kitchens as I like having a sort of "command center" - and I don't want extra bodies in the midst of my work areas.

What do others think of LL's new sketch? Good, bad, ideas, improvements?

Jens- I'm glad you like the idea (sorry it's so rough) but I remember how much you wanted a little seating area for the kitchen and the TV close, but not in, the kitchen.

Can you post the rest of your first floor plan? It would make it easier to see how the spaces relate to each other and maybe give you more input on the kitchen, in relation to everything else. For example, maybe the dining room could have a slightly different access to the kitchen and the pantry wall could be closed off and you could have a corner fireplace. Then, you could see the fireplace from the kitchen and the seating area. Just one of many possibilities :)

No, don't think the DR would be too far if you go like a modified version of LL's plan. It would be a more traditional floor plan but that's okay if you want a more private FR and don't mind the additional FP expense.

I'd want the mud room to be able to be closed off when I had company so would do pocket doors, but would want to benefit from its light most of the time. I really wish I could convince you about how nice it is to look out when cooking with or w/o visitors. An island induction cooktop (or slide in range if you must) would be my choice. Definite thumbs up to a dumb waiter for luggage, groceries etc.

First - I haven't read the previous thread where you discussed wanting a cozy hearth area but just glancing at the overall layout I thought the island should "face" the family room. Then when you are at the sink or prepping next to it (supposedly 70% of the time spent in the kitchen is for prepping), you can really see and interact with whatever is going on in the family room. If you did this, you could put a cozy room where the pantry and butler's pantry is and then incorporate the pantry into the mudroom. (If the dining room is connected beyond that though, this probably wouldn't work well. I can't tell from the floorplan you posted.) I think there is a way to have a cozy sitting room without "wasting" too much space (to keep your husband happy - currently LL's drawing probably has too much wasted space) and still keep the bulter's pantry but like I said, I'd have to see the whole floorplan.
Can the breakfast room be moved? Is this a totally new build? I'll try to find your other thread.

I wonder if you could make the island bigger and turn it into an island "table" thereby freeing up the nook space for your little (not that little really=) sitting room. You could even move your desk over to where the outside door is. It would be hidden if you had guests in the family room. You may regret losing that door, but you have another door in the family room pretty near the kitchen. Errr that may not work with the layout but it may get you thinking in a different direction.

I also wish I could find a way to build an "open" floor plan without it being so open. If I am washing dishes -the water drives my DH crazy, and for the most part we are far enough away that we can't have a conversation if I am making any noise anyway. on your plan I'd love to add big pocket doors between kitchen and family room to close it off if need be.

Jen- Have you talked to your architect about what kinds of spaces, you'd like in the house? Have you been clear about wanting a separate area for the TV...or maybe an area that can be closed off from the kitchen, when you want more privacy?

For me, it's an added expense, but I really want a fireplace in the living room and a wood stove in the kitchen. Yes, I could consolidate the spaces, but I want a cottage feel to the kitchen, not a big great room space. Plus, I want the TV out of the kitchen, with the emphasis more on conversation and eating.

It's important that this house be what you really want and that it suit your family's tastes and lifestyle :)

Thanks all! And thanks tracie - I love my windows too!

This is actually a plan that our architect has built previously. We liked the basics of it and were planning to just modify in order to save on some design costs. We're meeting again next week so I'll bring all these ideas to him.

Here are some photos (below) he sent of the house that was built from these plans. I like it overall, but again, I'm stuck on that open FR. Big sliding doors might be an option or placement of a partial dividing wall or something. Open, but not open. That's what I want.

I know it's the "norm" but I'm really not a fan of the open kitchen. We had an open plan in our Maryland house (pic below), and while I loved the *feel* of it - all that open space and windows and views - I did not like the way it "lived." It always seemed cluttered and chaotic and noisy. In fact, I can barely even stand to eat meals at the table in our current kitchen - because it's too close to the mess.

In my new house, I'm seeking serenity. Just have to figure out how to get there.

Our old Maryland house with open plan:

jen, I'd consider closing up the wall in your architect's photo. I wouldn't want it fully enclosed as on the mudroom side, but I could see having a 3' return on either side of the family room opening. I'd like a stackable sliding glass door to fully close off the partition. I wouldn't want to deal with the furniture placement and safety issues posed by the swing from French doors, but would want to be able to keep an eye on what was going on in the other room without hearing the activity.

That will control the noise. Locating your desk and work area to the mudroom will control the clutter. While the trend is all one level island, I like the visual barrier provided by a raised counter to address your concerns exactly. Spare me from looking at a less than pristine kitchen, and I don't always want to clean up before eating unless we have company. I think you can achieve your serenity with just minor tweaks.

Jen- I can see why you like the look of the open plan, but I completely understand your desire for separate areas. The noise and clutter can become overwhelming...and even though people often have formal dining rooms and separate living rooms...all the 'living' seems to go on in the great room.

My personal opinion is to either make a beautiful, big great room and don't waste money on rooms rarely usd...or make large, inviting, separate spaces and design them so you'll actually use them. For example, if there's only room for two chairs and an ottoman by the kitchen fireplace, people will move into the separate living room, to stretch out and watch TV. If you want an informal dining area...keep it informal, and use a banquette on one side...while putting comfortable, upholstered chairs, in the formal dining room. Also, keep the formal dining room interesting and inviting, with maybe a window seat, french doors or some bookcases.

If you think you want separate spaces, explain this to your architect...and more important, talk it over with your family. You can have the same 'great room' feeling, by putting in a den, with a bar and a game table. People can sit at the counter (bar) and have something to drink (doesn't have to be alcoholic) and play games/cards at the table, or have a quick snack. It will function, much like the great room concept, without the clutter and noise transmitting back to the kitchen. Also, the kitchen 'mess' will not be seen, while relaxing with friends and family. It might be another idea to consider :)