skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Design Dilemma
zennifer

Need thoughts on kitchen layout/design...

13 years ago
1984 split level, upstairs kitchen. The first rendering is the current layout...the freezer door can't be opened all the way, and we have limited counter space, mostly taken over by a coffee pot, knife block, fruit bowl, stand mixer, and toaster.

The second two are our favorite idea for cabinet layout...see any issues, or something better? Ideally the counter for the breakfast bar would be curved, but I'm still researching that. The thing to the right of the support wall is a desk unit.

(The plumbing will not be moved; finished basement ceiling and limited budget, so no moving the sink).

The kitchen measures about 11'x11', and is completely open to the attached small dining room/iving room space. There is a window shown, and a patio door to the right. Space to store and countertops are our biggest considerations. All appliances (except POSSIBLY the fridge...but it's fine and matches) are staying, and are black, not stainless.

The last pic is of the cabinets we are considering (the wood, stain, and doors).

Thanks for any ideas!
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    The L-shaped design works better, but I would move the fridge to where the full height pantry is to make the area around the patio door feel more open.

    Comments (161)

    • 13 years ago
      Deciding on hardware now...
      Thinking oil rubbed bronze, but don't want an oiled rubbed bronze faucet. What should I use instead? Stainless? Thanks!
    • 13 years ago
      Thoughts? Would a stainless sink and faucet be ok with oil rubbed bronze hardware in a kitchen with black appliances?

      (And my MIL bought us a counter depth fridge...wouldn't take no for an answer!)

    • Related Professionals

      Terre Haute Interior Designers & Decorators · Bloomington Interior Designers & Decorators · Lawrence Interior Designers & Decorators · Nashua Interior Designers & Decorators · Carlsbad Interior Designers & Decorators · Little Rock Architects & Building Designers · Athens Architects & Building Designers · Niles Architects & Building Designers · Saginaw Architects & Building Designers · Las Cruces Architects & Building Designers · Everett Architects & Building Designers · Saint Joseph Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lufkin Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · San Angelo Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Casper Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      What about a black tap ?!
    • 13 years ago
      Mmmmm...maybe. I haven't seen one before. Might have to go shopping! :) I would definitely go for black pulls over orb; that might be a area I let dh win on though so I get more pull on granite. It's a giant give and take when you decorate with someone else.

      Assembling cabinets as we speak; our garage is so full!
    • 13 years ago
      Hi Zennifer. I see the finishes mixed all the time with SS appliances. Not so sure about with black appl. But, go with what you like.
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks, Grace. :)

      Maybe black knobs would be best since it will match our black appliances, and then we don't have to worry at all about color.

      Should think a bit about lighting, though that won't be replaced for a longish time. Currently a basic orb "boob"light for main lighting and a recessed fixture above the sink. There is a three lighted hanging light in a greenish metal in the dining area next to the kitchen, but I hate it.
    • 13 years ago
      You can see the lights in my snapshots.
    • 13 years ago
      Any thoughts on lighting?
    • 13 years ago
      Destruction beginning...3/4 of cabinets assembled.
    • 13 years ago
      And a one inch flooring gap under dishwasher, soon to be walkway. Sigh.
    • 13 years ago
      1 inch gap
    • 13 years ago
      What software are you using to create these drawings?
    • 13 years ago
      I'm using the free version of SketchUp. It works well; the tutorials are helpful to learn what does what.
    • 13 years ago
      15 of 18 cabinets assembled, 2 installed. Plumbing moved, electrical moved, bulkhead removed, drywall installed

      It's been a busy spring break for the two if us!
    • 13 years ago
      Hi, Zennifer. How's the kitchen coming along? Any pics you want to share yet?
    • 13 years ago
      Looking forward to seeing how it works out. Please upload the finished work!
    • 13 years ago
      Will do! :) it's coming along; We are making the granite templates today! Picked Verde Marianace.
    • 13 years ago
      The cabinets are mostly installed, about half with doors. Hardware is due next week (on back order). However, I have a sink, stove, and fridge, so no complaints. :)
    • 13 years ago
      Update and pics...
      The first two are of the template for the sink peninsula, no sink cut out marked yet, but the shape of the curved bar is there.

      The second two are of the kitchen today, not all doors up, but cabinets are up.

      The cabinet over the peninsula with the bulkhead still needs to be removed (and the drywall finished).
    • 13 years ago
      Wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying your kitchen reno! Things are looking great. We are in the midst of a similar project.
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks, Vintage Jumpmom!
      It's been fun...I love projects.
    • 13 years ago
      Score!
      Just went to Lowes to buy the revashelf inserts we wanted...they'd dropped the price by $30 on one that I wanted, was clearancing off another at half price, had one we drooled over but was waiting on due to money for 1/2 price, and had pull out shelf drawers clearances for $30 each!

      Plus, I had a 10% off coupon.

      The savings basically paid for the new garbage disposal we discovered we unfortunately need...a nice change of pace!
    • 13 years ago
      Fantastic, Zennifer. It's looking good!
    • 13 years ago
      Getting closer...finally (2 months after ordering and a long story) got our fridge. Hood up, too. Counters are still half done, but we should have time to do ah those up in the next week or two...fingers crossed!
    • 13 years ago
      Moving right along... What's the plan for the "builder's special" light fixtures? Any replacements selected?
    • 13 years ago
      Your cabinets are gorgeous! You guys made a great call on stain shade and door style - and your cabinet maker did a beautiful job. Congrats on your progress.
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks! Light fixtures are fabulous, aren't they? :) they were our $5 each quick fix to meet bank approval when we moved in as there were no fixtures.

      We want to replace, but may take a few months for budget reasons. Thinking of doing two or three recessed canned lights instead of the "boob" light in the middle and two pendants over the sink/bar area?

      The cabinets are fabulous...we actually put them together and installed them ourselves. They are custom sized, so no filler. Lots of work, but so worth it....
    • 13 years ago
      Consider a semi-flush or pendant drum light - more up to date.
      Kitchen Designs by Ken Kelly Kitchen 13 · More Info

      Naperville IL Kitchen · More Info
    • 13 years ago
      I like those second ones a lot! It has the canned lights over the main space, too. The first are nice as well, and I saw a great hack of an Ikea drum to look similar. :). (As we are approaching 11k for just the cabinets, appliances, sink, faucet, counters, etc, we have to think of ways to lessen the lights and backsplash.)

      I'm going to have to think of the whole space when I decide du to it's openness. I've got a split level foyer with a light, an over the table light, and these kitchen lights in about 500 sf. I'll take some pics of it all when we have the kitchen cabinetry finished.
    • 13 years ago
      Zennifer, it's looking great! So nice to see the progress.
    • 13 years ago
      zennifer, how's the kitchen coming along?
    • 13 years ago
      In limbo, and looking much like the same. FIL is just finishing up the counters...the price of free granite. :)

      We've been working outside on the backyard while waiting...but I can't WAIT to have a finished kitchen and a dishwasher and a sink that drains from both sides. (Not to mention counters that aren't plywood!)

      Maybe in a week? Thanks for asking!
    • 13 years ago
      Granite almost in...it looks GREAT!!! I'll take pics once the sink is in tomorrow. :) It was such a pain to carry it up the seven stairs to the kitchen...but it's SO COOL!
    • 13 years ago
      Can't wait!
    • 13 years ago
      And granite!!!
      Now to finalize backsplash. :) thinking cream or white. FIL has offered to make us Yule marble tiles...trying to decide.
    • 13 years ago
      Money update to go with the pics:

      For the following:
      Rewiring 7 outlets and a 220 line
      Moving sink plumbing 2 feet over
      17 cabinets in plywood and solid cherry (inset doors)
      Microwave, hood, and fridge
      sink and faucet
      granite counter
      Pulls
      Trash pull out, pots and pans pull out, shelf pullouts, etc.

      ...We are at $11,401.87

      Just need to add backsplash and eventually new lighting!!!
    • 13 years ago
      That looks fantastic! You've done a wonderful job! I'm wondering if kind of a pale gray subway tile would look nice as a backsplash? I think I'd start a new post just asking about backsplash ideas, since backsplashes are so important and can make or break a kitchen.
    • 13 years ago
      I was thinking a color kind of like these backsplashes might be worth considering. I think they'd be great with the granite and really great with the natural cherry too.
      [houzz=
      White classic kitchen design · More Info
      ]
      [houzz=
      Eisner Design · More Info
      ]
      [houzz=
      Woodside Residence · More Info
      ]
    • 13 years ago
      Great Granite!
    • 13 years ago
      Toe kick in!
    • 13 years ago
      Update:
      Kitchen desk built and installed. :) It's bigger than intended (24" instead of 18") through a distributor error he wouldn't back up, but overall good.
      Going to do a cherry/granite large mosaic for the counter/desktop here, as we only have small scraps of granite left. Need to figure out a great design for the mosaic.
    • 13 years ago
      Oops...here's the pic of the update:
    • 13 years ago
      Nice!
    • 13 years ago
      Made a decision...matted glass subway tiles in a medium grey/slightly brown color. I painted the wall with the same color to visualize the saturation on the whole wall.

      Thinking to match the grout as closely as possible to the tile; should I trend lightly dark or light depending on what I find? The tile changes color a lot in the lights.
    • 13 years ago
      Looks nice! I'd just go with grout as close as possible, whether it be slightly lighter or darker.
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks! It as inspired by your suggestions above. :) never would have thought of grey.
    • 13 years ago
      I have cabinets (and knobs) that look very similar to yours. They might even be the same ones. So, I always look carefully at Houzz pictures with natural cherry cabinets and have kept admiring how well they work with charcoal, grey, grey/greens, and grey/blues. My walls are painted a creamy beige color and I'll certainly look into greys when we repaint. I have the same cabinets in every bathroom too. By the way, I just love your countertop choice - so, so great with the cherry.
    • 13 years ago
      zennifer what website did you make your layouts on?
    • 13 years ago
      I remember your kitchen. It looks great, too!

      I'm going to order on my way to work this afternoon. :)

      I made my plans on SketchUp. Works well, but a bit more work than say the ikea kitchen designer!
    • 13 years ago
      Tile ordered!!
    Related Stories
    SMALL HOMESHouzz Tour: Thoughtful Design Works Its Magic in a Narrow London Home
    By Cathy Rebecca
    Determination and small-space design maneuvers create a bright three-story home in London
    Full Story
    319
    HOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Casual, Thoughtful Design for a 1920s Bungalow
    By Kayla Stark
    A couple turn a neglected, run-down home into a charming, comfortable place to raise their 4 children
    Full Story
    75
    KITCHEN DESIGNHow to Choose the Right Depth for Your Kitchen Sink
    By Jennifer Ott Design
    Avoid an achy back, a sore neck and messy countertops with a sink depth that works for you
    Full Story
    99
    KITCHEN LAYOUTSHow to Plan the Perfect U-Shaped Kitchen
    By LWK London Kitchens
    Get the most out of this flexible layout, which works for many room shapes and sizes
    Full Story
    112
    KITCHEN DESIGNHow to Design a Kitchen Island
    By Vanessa Brunner
    Size, seating height, all those appliance and storage options ... here's how to clear up the kitchen island confusion
    Full Story
    283
    HOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Fresh Color and a Smart Layout for a New York Apartment
    By Rikki Snyder
    A flowing floor plan, roomy sofa and book nook-guest room make this designer’s Hell’s Kitchen home an ideal place to entertain
    Full Story
    85
    KITCHEN DESIGNNew This Week: 4 Kitchen Design Ideas You Might Not Have Thought Of
    By Mitchell Parker
    A table on wheels? Exterior siding on interior walls? Consider these unique ideas and more from projects recently uploaded to Houzz
    Full Story
    34
    CRAFTSMAN DESIGNHouzz Tour: Thoughtful Renovation Suits Home's Craftsman Neighborhood
    By Becky Harris
    A reconfigured floor plan opens up the downstairs in this Atlanta house, while a new second story adds a private oasis
    Full Story
    78
    KITCHEN DESIGNDetermine the Right Appliance Layout for Your Kitchen
    By Vanessa Brunner
    Kitchen work triangle got you running around in circles? Boiling over about where to put the range? This guide is for you
    Full Story
    37
    KITCHEN DESIGNOptimal Space Planning for Universal Design in the Kitchen
    By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths
    Let everyone in on the cooking act with an accessible kitchen layout and features that fit all ages and abilities
    Full Story
    33
    Sponsored
    Schlabach Woodworks
    Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars21 Reviews
    Franklin County's Reclaimed Wood Professionals
    More Discussions
    help me decorate my entryway.
    72
    Custom bathroom mirrors
    8
    Which is more impactful?
    13
    Help on kitchen layout
    5
    Please help me decide glossy or matte tile
    22