Software
Houzz Logo Print
pharmdmomma

New build- kitchen layout ideas?

9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

Hi everyone, I've been lurking in this forum for a while and thought I'd post my plans here for some ideas, they need some work.

We're building a "standard" model with a builder in a development. Builder's standards are Schrock cabinetry, 3/8" furniture board, partial overlay. We have about 6k in our budget for cabinetry upgrades. We have the option of doing a 3k upgrade, would bump up this current layout to 1/2"plywood, full overlay, softclose, dovetail drawers.

We haven't selected appliances yet, I will do that before I sit down with the kitchen designer. But I intend on selecting an under-the-cabinet rangehood, not a microwave hood. Will be doing a standard 30" range, counter depth fridge.

Some points to consider:

1. I don't like leaving appliances on the counter top. I'd want a home for all of them (toaster, mini keurig, blender, microwave)

2.I'd like to open the kitchen up to Fam room a bit more. I have small kids, work full-time (some days even longer!), and I like to cook, so spend quite a bit of time in the evenings making meals/cleaning up. If the kitchen is open to fam room, I can keep an eye on the kids at the same time, and also feel like I'm a part of the action!

3. We're eliminating the little hallway from the laundry (making the powder a full bath), there will be a door into the family room directly across from the other door in the laundry. Some people who have built this plan previously have put a set of cabinets on the wall adjacent to the bathroom. Not sure how that actually works though, maybe the elimate the snack bar?

Comments (14)

  • 9 years ago

    Floorplan:

    standard kitchen layout:

  • 9 years ago

    The FR wall shouldn't need a beam, there's nothing on the FP indicating a need.

    I don't think we'll be able to move the entry to the bath due to the layout with the full bath modification we've requested. I'm thinking more that i'll Nix the snack bar. Seems silly w/ the nook right there!

    The shallow storage seems like a nice feature, but I imagine it will be costly for not that much additional storage.

  • 9 years ago

    I think you'd be amazed at how much that shallow storage will hold. A lot! And very accessible. It's a great pantry design.

    You can't flip the bathroom door? I'm sorry but it's super gross opening right into the eating area. Would guests feel comfortable using that? I bet not. I wouldn't. And sounds, smells and view when eating are less than appetizing.

    I would move the fridge and move the sink/DW down. This gives you the proper layout for cooking: fridge --> sink --> prep counter --> range. It also allows someone from the breakfast area or the family room to get a drink or quick snack from the fridge without getting near the cook and hot pots, sizzling pans. Safer for everybody.

    pharmd Momma thanked funkycamper
  • 9 years ago

    We'll be modifying the bath/mudroom lay out. Like this :

  • 9 years ago

    I do like your idea though funky! It'll be kind of like a window for the sink/dw /prep counter. Then a full wall for where the fridge is.

  • 9 years ago

    I think the bathroom idea is horrible. Sorry. The door location just doesn't work. Why do you need a full bath in the kitchen?

    Why can't you move the bathroom door to the little hall? You could either put the triangle where the X is by the bathtub in the bathtub area as a niche for toiletries and/or kid's toys. Or have that triangle section walled off in the bathroom and then open to the eating area for open shelves to display some pretties.

    Believe me, this door placement is so much better.


    pharmd Momma thanked funkycamper
  • 9 years ago

    No to the full bath idea. It's not in a location where you would get any use from a full bath. Or any increase in value from adding it. And it needs to open to the utility area, not the breakfast area. Combine the leftover space where you aren't adding a tub with that dysfunctional, angled lost space for a pantry.

  • 9 years ago

    I see what you mean, but I dont know if the other option will work for us. There is a guest bedroom/study on the other side of the bathroom. We don't have overnight guests often, but I'm not sure how I'd feel having them have to walk with their shower things through the whole house. FWIW, I did walk a build with this floor plan, and the location of bathroom didn't feel too close to the kitchen to me.

    I think if anything we wouldn't be able to use that bathroom wall for cabinetry. Maybe a decreased depth peninsula with a microwave shelf under the counter would work instead.

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks for the idea about the bathroom. The more I think about it the more it makes sense. I'll have to see if the build goes for it though. Any ideas on the cabinetry layout?

  • 9 years ago

    If you can't change the bathroom entry location, and you've decided to eliminate the bar seating, there is room for drawer bases on both sides of the island.

    Here's another iteration of a full bath with the door opening to the laundry. If I were your guest I'd prefer to walk a few extra steps for the privacy.


  • 9 years ago

    If I were your guest I'd prefer to walk a few extra steps for the privacy.

    This! Although I really agree with Sophie. If you know someone well enough to let them stay in your home, don't you know them well enough to walk to the bedroom area of your home and use the bathroom there for showering? If not, why let them stay?

    We host bicycle travelers via Couchsurfing. We have one main bathroom, not even a master bath, so they use the same bathroom we do. No biggie.

  • 9 years ago

    Yes to bathroom entry off the hall. A shower would be easier for an elderly guest or injured family member kid who needs first floor bedroom.

    Not enough space between fridge and range. Fridge is the 'most visited' appliance in a kitchen; I'd keep it near the family eating area.

    Rotate the island 90 degrees? (Ten inches isn't enough depth for a snack bar; I want room to push stools *under* the shelf.) Will this be counter height?

    Where's the electrical for over the island?

    I'd like a pull-out for trash and recycling left of the sink.

  • 9 years ago

    I am not sure what part of the country you live in, but I would really miss the little hall off the kitchen to the garage. Snow, rain and dirt directly into the Family room is not the best idea. I've had garage entry into the family room and would avoid it if possible.

    I don't think the shower/tub would be worth the re layout for an occasional guest. When I visit, I have no problem taking what I need to the shower. I agree that the entry to the hall bath should not open directly to the kitchen/breakfast area. Can the coat closet be eliminated so that the angle can be removed and the bathroom opens to the entry hallway or the mudroom hallway?