Help with Preliminary Kitchen Design

9 years ago

We are buying an old house that is going to be COMPLETELY renovated. I'm meeting the builder and architect to finalize the plans next week, but wanted to get your thoughts on the preliminary kitchen plans.

My initial thought is that the fridge is too far away from the stove. Where else could we put it? I would like the dishwasher to be to the left of the sink, if possible.

I think the area right next to the mudroom on the left would be a good pantry, but I'm open to other suggestions.

I love a big island...what size would you recommend for a kitchen of this size? Ideally, I would like seating for 5. I don't want a prep sink or anything on the island, as it is often covered with homework and snacks and all of that fun stuff!

I would love a bar area, if it fits. Maybe beverage drawer and a wine fridge.

I'm also including a pic of the entire downstairs floor plan so you can see how it all flows.

Would love your advice/suggestions!

Featured Answer

mama goose_gw zn6OH

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I think you're missing an opportunity for a more functional layout by not putting a prep sink on the island. In such a large kitchen, you can have separate clean-up and prep zones. (Of course, without a prep sink, you can rinse at the perimeter sink, and move to the island to prep.) If you don't need wall ovens, that space to the right could be a dish hutch, or baking area. I put the trash pull-out on the corner, below the prep zone, but convenient to all zones.

If you can change the window, the space between the sink and range could be increased--I know that's not always easy with an older home and possible restrictions:

In both of the above layouts a helper can be loading or unloading the DW, or gathering dishes to set the table, without crossing the path of someone else prepping or cooking. The bar/snack area is separate from the work areas, and convenient to the LR and FR. If you'd like a wider traffic/seating aisle, the depth of the pantry and bar cabinets can be decreased. The fridge and pantry are near the garage/mudroom entry, with landing space for groceries on the island.

New to Kitchens? Read me first.

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Comments (7)

sawyer212
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you so much mama goose! We have a large island now, and really like it without the prep sink, so I think I'm inclined to keep it like that...it just seems to work well for our family.

I don't know why I never thought about moving the stove, but it does make sense how you've organized everything.

We don't need wall ovens, as we are getting the wolf 48" stove and that is sufficient for our needs. I also would like the sharp microwave oven drawer, as we have one now and I love that it is accessible to everyone.

Thanks again!
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sawyer212
Original Author
9 years ago
Me again...mama goose, in the above design, where would you put a microwave drawer? Thanks!
PRO
Columbus Custom Design
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hi Sawyer212 - I've attached two views of a possible kitchen design that I had drawn up about a week ago and have not had a chance to finish.

The island in the drawing is approx. 5' x 8' and there is room to make it slightly larger. The island doesn't reflect the seating you had requested above but I think you have plenty of space to incorporate that into the design - I don't think your original post mentioned island seating.

There is definitely space to incorporate a pantry storage unit on the living room wall closest to the mudroom and a large bar / snack area on the living room wall on the opposite side of the opening into the living room.

By the way - were you able to download SketchUp ?

- Christopher
sawyer212 thanked Columbus Custom Design
sawyer212
Original Author
9 years ago
Christopher--I was actually coming on here to find your contact info! Thank you so much for this!!!! I did download sketchup but my so-called attempts look NOTHING like this! I really appreciate it.

To answer your question, I definitely did want seating on the island. A minimum of 5 seats would be great, if possible. The kitchen is 19" long, so I was hoping that would work.

Would the DW go on the island? I also would love to incorporate a microwave drawer onto the island somewhere.

Thanks again for all of your help!
PRO
Columbus Custom Design
9 years ago
You're very welcome. I'll take a look at the island in more depth and see what's possible. You can get seating for four on the island for sure with just some minor changes to the design.

I would place the dishwasher to the left or to the right of the sink depending on your preference. Fitting a microwave drawer on the island will not be a problem. You could possibly incorporate a microwave in the bar / snack area as well based on how your family uses one.

I'm headed out to a job site shortly but will be working at home for the most part the next two days. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

Christopher
sawyer212 thanked Columbus Custom Design
sawyer212
Original Author
9 years ago
I'm going to email you now--thanks again!