Can this layout be improved?

10 years ago

I'm in the early stages of planning a kitchen makeover. My house is over 100 years old with a relatively small kitchen that was completely redone in the late 80s. The current layout is pretty functional, but I wonder if we could do better. I love having an island and a pantry but wonder if that's the best use of space.

We are a family of four (two young kids) and we spend lots of time in the kitchen, plus we like to entertain. Despite the lack of seating space, people tend to congregate in the kitchen so we'd like to make it as functional and comfortable as possible.

Here is the current layout - I'll try to find actual measurements. There is a table in the adjoining family room that we eat most meals at, plus there is a formal dining room. I'm not completely opposed to opening the wall between kitchen and dining room, but I would prefer not to.

Many thanks in advance!

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Comments (7)

cpartist
10 years ago
First what are the measurements? How much room between aisles?

Secondly that island right now is a barrier between your sink and your fridge. Personally I'd move the fridge to the wall at the upper part of the L and move the sink down just a bit so you have room to get into the fridge if someone is at the sink.
Buehl
10 years ago
Here's a sample of what would be really helpful:

Also:

How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include? (You already provided some information, but there's more!)
- http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include
.

Kitchen Design FAQ threads to help you understand the comments:

Kitchen work zones, what are they?
- http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638270/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they
Aisle widths, walkways, seating overhangs, work and landing space, and others
- http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638304/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc
How do I plan for storage? Types of Storage? What to Store Where?
- http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638376/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage
Ice. Water. Stone. Fire (Looking for layout help? Memorize this first)
- http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first
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Buehl
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
What about opening up the wall b/w the Family Room and Kitchen, adding a peninsula for a couple of seats b/w them (if there's room), eliminating the table space in the FR, and eating all your meals in the Dining Room? Measurements would really help!

Having two table spaces so close to each other seems like a waste of space...but that's just my opinion.

How about eliminating that wall stub at the end of the wall b/w the Kitchen & DR?
User
10 years ago
A few more questions: What is the unlabeled room to the right of the stairs and below the living room on the floor plan you posted (with the bay window)? Is the entry from the outside into the family room the main entrance into the house or is the main entrance someplace else?
lharpie
10 years ago
And where is the DW? It doesn't look like there is a good place for it in this plan.
Buehl
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
As you can tell, a full-floor layout would also be very useful. It would help us understand how the Kitchen relates to the rest of the floor/house and how traffic flows through and around the Kitchen.
siasconset
Original Author
10 years ago
Wow, some really great comments here. I appreciate it!

The kitchen dimensions are 12x16, and the aisles next to the island are about 36". I'll try to provide a more complete layout and details per the links posted above... but it might take some time since I'm home with an infant and rarely have both hands free.

The floor plan posted above is basically the entire first floor, it's just missing the exterior walls for the living, dining, and family rooms. I'll look for a more complete image.

buehl, I love your idea of opening the wall between the kitchen and the family room and adding a peninsula. That would be ideal. Unfortunately it won't work because the family room is down three steps from the kitchen. I also agree that the two dining areas are redundant, but with a baby and a toddler it's what works best for us now. I'm completely open to removing the table in the family room in the long term.

To answer some other questions, the dishwasher is to the left of the sink and that works fine, except that there isn't much extra space when it's open because of the island (yes, the island really is a barrier but it does provide useful storage and counter space). The front door is off the living room, but we mainly use the side entrance off the family room. The area below the living room with the bay window is a seating area next to a fireplace - it's basically one big room.

I'm off to gather some additional details and images. Thanks again!