Remedy for Kitchen layout problems?

15 years ago

Ã¯Â¿Â¼This is my first post but I've been exploring this site for a few weeks. It is a Godsend! What began as a simple stove replacement has turned into a complete kitchen remodel. Not being an 'out of the box thinker' makes it difficult or me to see beyond what is here. The major problems are: 1. The stove must be moved (or the wall must be moved). I discovered that the drywall behind the slide-in stove was cut out in order to cram the stove back to the DR drywall so that it would look 'normal' from the front. The base cabinets are only 21' deep and the utensil drawer is only 17' deep inside. (Hmm, I always wondered why I struggled so with storage.--I feel vindicated).

2. The 'frig has never been able to open all the way (doorway frame in the way).

3. Access to bottom shelf areas requires kneeling or sitting on the floor. (Not a problem 32 yrs ago but today...)

4. The pantry is a deep dark hole (too deep, no pull-outs). Organization is a constant struggle.

Other helpful info to know: Our adjacent DR is small, never used as a DR but as a computer room. Two contractors have said it would be easier to move DR wall back than to move the foyer/kitchen doorway 3' toward the desk. There is a step down into the Great Rm, a catwalk hallway above, and the GtRm wall is load bearing for the 17' vaulted ceiling. If there is a way to maximize good storage, have the frig placed so the door opens all the way, and remedy the stove issue it would be wonderful!

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all! The link below shows my kitchen layout.

Here is a link that might be useful:

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Comments (5)

bmorepanic
15 years ago
Here's a couple of smaller thoughts. One has no wall changes at all and the other does something very simple to the walls with no structural changes. It's always somewhat risky proposing anything without knowing more about your house and what you want.

Footnotes
Over/under meaning the top cabinets extend almost all the way down to the counter - for a pantry, more storage at an easy to reach height. The top set can be narrow depth - like maybe 10 inches and the bases could be 18" deep. Another completely valid, but less costly choice would be to do tall door cabinets at 18" deep - some shelves, some pullouts.

In base cabinets, I would use drawers in place of doors with pull outs everywhere. The only exception to that would be something like a lazy susan, super susan, magic corner or an "easy reach" base corner cabinet.

The "X" in the corner is a void - you wouldn't see it from the front. This is for two reasons - it can be hard to reach that far back into a corner, and I found that whatever wanders back there becomes "lost." In this particular case, the types of items likely on one side of the corner and the other are pretty different. So, the "X" is saying the heck with paying extra to buy corner wall cabinets.

Just some thinkin' that I hope gives you some ideas and a bump for others. Some questions don't get noticed for no known reason.
dilly_ny
15 years ago
I like Bmorepanic's second plan, but how would you access the DR? You could put a door in place of the tall storage.
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tea4all
Original Author
15 years ago
Amazing Bmorepanic! I've lived here 32 yrs and just could not imagine improvement without moving walls. You saw possibilities in one evening looking at the footprint. Thank you for these great ideas! I think I favor the second plan too Dilly_ny. I wouldn't mind giving up the doorway in plan #2 for more counter space. And the DR (computer room) has a doorway entering from the foyer. This could get me excited rather than fearful of making mistakes.
lavender_lass
15 years ago
The second plan looks great! Your focus is now on the bay window...not the computer room. Much nicer :)
blfenton
15 years ago
My only suggestion for consideration is to switch the fridge and the counter/cabinets. Most of your prep work will be between the sink and stove and by switching the fridge you bring it closer into the work triangle. The other thing is that that counter/cabinets/drawers could be where your eating utensils,glasses, and dinner plates could be stored and they would be right across from the DW - ease of unloading. They would also be next to the eating area and close for table setting.