Hi! A while ago, I was trying to decide whether to open our kitchen up. After putting the project on hold and regrouping, we decided to go for it. Once our architect suggested flipping the LR and the DR, the concept just came together. We moved the furniture around last weekend and we really, really like it, so I don�t think that we�re going to change that part of the plan. We�re also moving the slider from the kitchen to the new LR. This will allow us to make use of the back wall in the kitchen gaining much needed counter space and eliminating a traffic pattern from the kitchen.

The biggest issues in our current kitchen are a severe lack of counter space and multiple traffic patterns through the kitchen (there is a door/entryway on each wall). I think the new layout addresses these issues.

The plan is the pricing set, so please excuse all the lines and the lack of clarity of the cabinets. We�re still trying to decide exactly what we need/where it should go and that�s why I need your help! The plan starts with a 42" fridge (we�ll probably get a 36"), a cabinet (drawers), 30" range, corner lazy susan (I think I want to replace this with a bank of drawers set on the diagonal in the corner), wrapping to a double trash pullout, sink, DW, and full height pantry. The island is 4� x 6�. It consists of seating for 3 and a TBD configuration of cabinet drawers. At the bottom of the kitchen is a breakfast buffet. This will be two 12" full height pullout pantries (one will likely become a broom closet) flanking a 3� run of counter. This will be where the coffee maker and toaster live, as well as MW/speedoven (undercounter or upper shelf is to be determined). This will allow the preparation of breakfasts consisting of cereal, oatmeal (water from fridge), fruit, yogurt, etc without moving into the "cooking" part of the kitchen.

We are a family of four (two boys 2 and 5, but they will be closer to 3 and 6 when this is done). We both cook (although my DH cooks more frequently and better than I do). Currently the kitchen can barely contain one cook, and certainly does not hold two. I like to bake, but I really don�t enjoy it with the lack of counter space. We like to entertain, but it�s usually fairly casual. We have a pool, so when people come over in the summer, there�s a lot of coming in and out. I�d like the kitchen to be the center of all the action. I like the idea of the kids doing homework at the island while dinner is being prepared and everyone just hanging out in general. I really don�t like to cook by myself!

Thanks for reading this long post. All suggestions and comments will be considered and appreciated. I�m so excited for this kitchen, I could explode!

Proposed Layout

Existing Layout