what's that old saying about a picture being worth words or something? :)

This is the last pic I scanned in. It's fairly representative to what we are looking at except there is no slider on the right (just more windows).

Aloha- Hi! It's looking nice and how exciting to be getting down to measurements :)

My only question...have you 'walked around' in any kitchens, with a similar layout? Home shows, big box stores, etc? Is the dishwasher opposite the cooktop? Do you plan to have stools on the living room side of the island?

I know you like the windows (I love that look, too) but my biggest concern is loss of storage. I just don't know if I can give up the upper cabinet storage. Maybe make a few meals (in your head) and walk through the process. Double check fridge and oven, etc.

If you've done all this (and maybe even told me...it's been a crazy year!) then Congrats and have fun with your process :)

Hi Lavendar,

I've been reading your recent posts. I'm confused as to if you have decided on doing a mini remodel or skipping it until your DH is feeling yet better. You're an inspiration.

We were able to find a model home that was VERY similiar in the layout. We didn't notice it at first because of the cabinet choices but when we stepped back, we realized how very close it was. We were able to spend quite a bit of time in there (others may have thought we had a screw loose - and we probably do) which was reassuring we were on the right track.

We were going to put the DW on the end (with a 3" wall) though I'm still hoping to avoid that. It would be out of the main cooking area as we could get it. The sink and the cooktop will be at an angle from each other. I want the sink to one side to avoid to much symmetry and to create a large (5'ish) of prep to the right of the sink.

This is an older IKEA pics before someone here showed me how to make an island with a smashed microwave. So yes to your question regarding stools on the living room side of the island.

We measured out everything that is currently in our kitchen and we do indeed have enough space. Not only that we will have a 5' wide pantry in the laundry room (through the door next to the frig). The model we found like our kitchen actually had the exact setup for a pantry. Personally, I don't think we'll hardly use the pantry, but it's nice to know it's there if we can use that extra space.

I'm not sure what you meant by check the frig and oven. There will be 4' from the oven & frig to the island which will be the resting spot. I'd prefer the microwave was more in the central area since we use it a few times per day, but I've resolved there isn't much choice, other then an expensive microwave drawer...perhaps we should look at that as an option though considering our usage of it.

Oh, for the fridge and oven, I meant using the island for landing space. I'm glad you had a chance to see a similar kitchen. It's so nice to get a feel for how things will work, rather than just a picture of the space.

I think I'm confusing everyone (LOL). I'm going to paint and put new flooring down in our current kitchen. I will probably start either this weekend or next. Still trying to finish the garden, before it gets too cold to plant.

The remodel plan is for our farmhouse, which is right next to us. It's all the same farm. If we get the farmhouse remodeled, then my mom might move into our current house. It's got a lot of handicap accessibility added now...which would be great as she gets older. For now, she has a really cute smaller home, about two miles away. (My mom is great and she and my husband get along really well! She loves to make bread, cook BBQ ribs and she has tons of tools! LOL)

What color and flooring did you pick? Sounds like it will be finished quickly and can enjoy it for the holidays coming here soon.

A light leafy-green paint and a light tile floor. It should look nice, but there weren't many choices at the big box stores. Mostly a slate look (very dark) so this one is more like a faux-marble. I always wanted a little marble in the kitchen :)

It sounds like you have measured all of your stuff...have you gone through and assigned everything them a drawer. That might help you decide if you need to tweak your sizes. If you have more than enough room then I would stick If it were me I would stick in the 120" range for your island just encase I changed my mind down the road I wouldn't be kicking myself that I limited my counter top options. Not sure I "got" where your dishwasher is going but speaking from experience it is a pain if it is far away from the sink. Drip driping rinsed off dishes all over the floor to get to the dishwasher.