Software
Houzz Logo Print
gary_chan48

Kitchen remodel help

9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

Hi everyone,

I am currently working to remodel my kitchen and I would like to get some suggestions/help.

A main requirement is to have an open kitchen layout with an island. Now the tricky part is that the width of the kitchen measures 11'10", not 12'. If I use shallow cabinets on one side (15"), 24" base cabinets on the other side, and then 24" base cabinets in the middle as an island, it'd measure 39.5" between the cabinets. This does not include the width of the actual counter, island paneling, and cabinet handles, which I have no real idea how much those should be taken into account for. So right now I am wondering if this is in fact okay, or the space between cabinets will end up to be too narrow?

What I have below is the rough sketch with the Ikea kitchen planner (which I planned to get cabinets from). Wall A is actually not a wall and opens to the living room area, so this is essentially the space I'm working with.





The other option would be removing the wall cabinets by the wall to make more space, however I think that would reduce storage space significantly and it's not ideal, as I also want to keep the window side wall base cabinets only.

Any feedback/recommendations are welcome! Thanks!

Comments (13)

  • 9 years ago

    The refrigerator placement is no good. It's a mile away from the sink and you have no drop zone for when you take things out. You also appear to have 3 feet or less walkways. That's way too tight. You need 48" walkways wherever you have appliances. The sink should be at the window. And there are a number of other issues. A new kitchen will be expensive, so it's worth hiring a kitchen designer to help you plan.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Yes, I agree I would recommend a min. of 42" but preferably 44" for the walkway

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks for the quick feedback guys. I agree with the placement of the appliances issues, but main concern for me is definitely the walkway space and it sounds like it's not really going to work to have all these facing cabinets. Below is another option I've been thinking about.


  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Your kitchen would be much better with a peninsula than an island.

  • 9 years ago

    Your want list needs a different house. This house doesn’t have room for what you want. But you can have a perfectly functional room with a peninsula and not an island.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Here's my 11' wide kitchen with a 17" wide cart from Ikea. It works like a dream!

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks guys. Looks like there is no way around it. Here's what I'm thinking now. The table at the corner would have booth seating.

  • 9 years ago

    Banquette seating works for 5 year olds or guests you want to torture. It’s photogenic. But real world use is that it is beyond awkward for adults to use.

  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    What is your objective of having the island?

    No, the 3' table will not really seat seven.

  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

  • 9 years ago

    The sink doesn't have to be under the window. I put the prep area under the window with the sink and stove on either side. It works fabulously.

    I'd recommend you head to the kitchen forum. You'll get lots of good help there.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The layout gurus on the kitchen forum will want a rough sketch (can be hand drawn) of the entire floor plan including closets, hallways, doors, window to see the traffic patterns and if there are and places to “repurpose” like recessing a fridge or carving out a pantry.