Fine tuning our kitchen layout

9 years ago

We're about to finalize a kitchen layout, and I'm struggling with a few things. Two that are on my mind today:

1. DW placement: We're thinking of moving the DW over 11inches, to be against the wall, so that it's easier to stand to the left of the DW while loading the cabinet above. Seems awkward to stand in that 11" space to the right to reach above. Technically would be possible, but is there a drawback to having it against the wall?

2. Vertical tall drawer: I'm still decided how we'll use the vertical tall 'spice' drawer to the right of the range. We may use it for oils, spices or maybe cutting boards. I'm wondering if symmetry matters (the stove is what you see as you come down the hall toward the kitchen entry) - and should we put a matching vertical tall drawer to the left as well? This may ruin the symmetry of the pots/pans drawers centered under the window on the left, but maybe it's better for me to get focal point symmetrical.

Would love any thoughts! Thanks.

Featured Answer

sheloveslayouts

9 years ago

I think centering the hood between the two windows should drive the location of the range and then the cabinets. Also, you should consider a 42" hood for a 36" cooktop for more effective capture.

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Comments (13)

sheloveslayouts
9 years ago
Do you have any base cabinets adjacent to the dishwasher like in an island a wall a few feet away? If so, I'd store dishes there and eliminate that single upper altogether.
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kpgardens
Original Author
9 years ago
It's a galley kitchen, so standing at DW, the pantry doors and fridge are behind us. There is a small cabinet above the counter as well, so we could store dishes (but not cutlery) on that wall instead...
cpartist
9 years ago
Can we see a 2D layout of your space? Trying to answer questions without all the info won't help us to give you informed suggestions.
cpartist
9 years ago
Is that area for seating your only area in the house to sit and eat?
kpgardens
Original Author
9 years ago
No - we do have a dining room on the other side of butler pantry/mudroom space. This is more like a mini cafe / homework spot, really. Place to congregate with us while cooking. Amazing how people will stand uncomfortably in this kitchen now just to be social. So this is an improvement. :) 2D coming....
kpgardens
Original Author
9 years ago
2D drawing
sheloveslayouts
9 years ago
i'd eliminate that upper above the dishwasher and store dishes/ glassware cutlery across the aisle. its better ergonomically for unloading (less than five feet between dw and base cab) and also allows people to grab a drink or a sandwich without working around someone working in the kitchen.
sheloveslayouts
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
i'd also move the fridge next to the door, but not too close. i think the nkba recommends a minimum of 18" of clear floor space to the knob side of a doorway.
kpgardens
Original Author
9 years ago
Agree in removing cabinet. Regarding fridge move, can you say more about rationale? Thanks!! Symmetry? Better triangle?
sena01
9 years ago
I'd consider placing the 9" spice drawer b/w the drawers on the left side of the range.

As I'm no expert I don't understand why you have so many 1,5" fillers. If the sole reason is aesthetics I'd consider adding those inches to drawers.
Buehl
9 years ago
I also recommend a wider hood...especially because you don't have upper cabinets flanking the hood to assist with capturing steam/smoke/odors/fumes/grease.
Buehl
9 years ago
Do you need a spice cabinet? I have one and while it works ok for things on the top shelf, anything below that requires bending over to find what I need. In retrospect, a spice drawer would have been better (we were working around some mistakes made by my KD).

What cabinets are you planning to use? If IKEA, they have limited sizes so you might need filler, but other cabinet makers have more options and you might be able to avoid all filler.