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phelansmom

Small Kitchen Layout/Tricky Pantry

15 years ago

We are in the planning stages of remodeling our very small kitchen. Besides having a work space of only 9' 1/2 inches x 6' 1/2" , several doorways(4)plus an odd area that was a porch enclosed in the 1910's and resembles a butler�s pantry (5'1/2" x 6' 1/2".with sloped ceiling and stairwell bump out.)

We have a KD opinion on the main part of the kitchen but are not sure if we are maximizing the sort of butler pantry?? Our goal was to turn the fridge to open outward and have been acclimating ourselves for the last two weeks and love the change because of the better workflow. We are curious about what else we could do with the space. Right now it contains 3 shelves which stores my Kitchenaid mixer, blender and some cookbooks.

In the following pictures this area is where the fridge is located. Also a note about the plan is the area above the fridge will be cabinets with trim etc.. Not open like the design illustrates.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen

Comments (8)

  • 15 years ago

    With this kitchen, before I ever looked at cabinets, I would consider changing the doorways. Can you post a drawing of the doors and where they lead? And which are load bearing walls, please.

  • 15 years ago

    Put a Liebherr frig-24 wide by 24 deep on the left wall and lined against the wall.Opposite the frig, place a little countertop ledge as a landing area. keep some shelving furthur back in the pantry room-to the rt of frig and to the rt of window as is shown.Skip the cabs and molding-put the money into this or similar shallow frig and panel the visible side.

  • 15 years ago

    Similar problem that I have with a small space, 4 doorways (that cannot be moved due to budget) and where to put the fridge. And I agree with herbflavor-

    It looks like you are planning on enclosing the butlers pantry window? I would move it either to the left or right, so you still have some light there. Put in a built in fridge, with small pantry on one side and countertop (minus bottom cabs) on the other to allow for that stairwell bump out. This would allow a landing (glass cabinets on top?), perhaps a breakfast area across from the fridge, even with stools if needed, or dish storage like the old fashioned butler's pantries. Either way, you've solved the fridge issue, countertop issue and more storage issue as well as keeping some natural light in the kitchen.

  • 15 years ago

    No we are not closing in the window. The plan is to remove the 6 inch trim on the left and the right plus relocate the light switch to the basement also on the right of the trim..that would make the fridge we just ordered (33" wide fit flush against the right wall opening the view to the small window. It is hard to see on the plan but the area to the left of the fridge will be a drop down wood countertop(hydraulic) with a 24" x 24" island on casters (could be larger after final measurements.) under the wood countertop. He created this for me so I could have a handy place while cooking to have my laptop while checking out recipes etc.

    I just don't know what to do behind the built in fridge panel plus the current storage area. I have kind of an inspiration photo for the shelves and wonder if it will work:

    Also maybe I will paint the left wall that has no beadboard with blueish/green chalkboard paint

    Here is a link that might be useful: sharb pantry

  • 15 years ago

    I looked at the photos and was confused at first, but now seem to get it. I had liked the fridge in the second shot facing sideways but it sounds like that was the old way and not how you intend to use it going forward. I would have put a counter under the window and had shelves on both sides, tapered as it went away from the window on the left side. You could have put storage under the window's counter or open shelves there too. I think that moving the island in and out to get behind the fridge may get annoying. If the flip down is separate, then you'd need to clear it before going behind every time. I'd rather use the cart's top if you still want to use the cart with casters and fridge facing outward plan. Then, you'd just need to slide it forward to get past. If it were in my house, I imagine others would not put the cart back properly at least half the time....and it would become an obstacle in the kitchen.

    I'd also hate to lose the natural light and air flow that the window provides...

  • 15 years ago

    I am NOT removing the window. There will be exactly the same amount of light and airflow with the fridge facing out..that is why the KD removed the trim plus an extra 11 inches where the basement light switch was. What I have been annoyed about for 2 1/2 years is walking around the fridge everytime I need something when it was facing the left wall. Since turning the fridge outward our workflow has seriously improved..we are serious cooks with a four year old helping with nearly every meal..so extra steps no matter how trivial count. I see what you are saying about using the cart top albeit the flip down countertop..good point. My rarley used items are in this location..besides my son believes this will be an awesome secret fort with his own tunnel..We are so used to living in a small space that putting something back (i.e. the cart next to the fridge 5' away) is nothing new.

    If I had an unlimited budget and not a pending porch rebuild, exterior paint job, foundation repair and sinking garage in an economy and a neighborhood where overimproving is no practical I would add on..in the meantime I need to be creative.

  • 15 years ago

    I've seen IKEA pictures where they have a roll out cart/island that fits under a counter. Within it there is shelving. I can see something like that being functional for you.

  • 15 years ago

    remodelfla,

    A couple of days ago I was viewing the catalog online and saw the same thing! I was excited this just mightwork :)

    lyvia,

    The door in the rendering next to the outfacing fridge is a basement door..We are unable to move it because of modern day codes..The door next to the stove leads into the dining room is on a load bearing wall. Lastly, the fir half french door leads to our deck and backyard. We have talked about moving it over to the left next to the basement door and relocating the fridge..but we would have a useless blind corner because of the addition of the dishwasher. In the end we may change the door out for a pair of swing out french doors due to the great backyard views and immediate outdoor living space.

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