Wide Galley Kitchen reveal (lots of details and pictures)

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Finally!!! After almost 7 months of work, our kitchen is ready. I would like to sincerely this community for helping me with the layout. I also learned a lot of little details which I am sure I would have overlooked. Ideas that I learned here are marked with a (*) below. Please ask if you have any questions.

Background:

We had a 15 ft x 10 ft wide galley kitchen, which was divided into a small kitchen and breakfast nook. We started thinking about a remodel almost 2 years ago, and went through many iterations of the design. See here for some background and my request for layout help: http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4213519/wide-galley-kitchen-version-20

Our main goal was to get a functional kitchen with lots of storage space. We cook everyday, and so far, the new kitchen has been a pleasure to cook in. Very functional, very efficient, and all the little details make a huge difference. We demolished the old kitchen in the first week of April and we finished this week. There are still some knicks and knacks left. We were without a functioning kitchen for around 4 months during this process. My friend who is a meticulous and detail oriented contractor did the job. We came in around 20% over budget, mainly because I underestimated some labor costs, and I had some trouble with the cabinets. You can read the entire story here: http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4848864/in-depth-review-of-my-experience-with-barker-cabinets

Cabinets: Barker Cabinets (*) (http://www.barkercabinets.com), Windsor Raised panel drawer fronts, Walnut, Clearcoat. The cabinets on the refrigerator and cleanup sink side are standard 24 inches deep and the ones in the range side are 29 inches deep (*).

Hardware: The hardware is made by Kessebohmer (also marketed by Haefele). After running around a bit, I discovered Holdahl Company (http://www.holdahlcompany.com/). Their prices were 50% of what local Haefele dealers quoted me. I made a mistake with calculating the dimensions for the oil pullout and they were very good about exchanging it, when I discovered the mistake. Highly recommended.

The trash pullouts are Rev-A-Shelf, purchased from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MWWO5AK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and Build (http://www.build.com). They have the Blum Blumotion soft close mechanism (*), so they open when you tap slightly with your foot.

Pulls: The cabinet pulls are Cosmas purchased from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G2DRWYG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I used them throughout my house, and found them to be incredibly good value for money.

Doors: All the doors are solid core Sapele doors from Alleghany Woodworks (http://www.solidhardwooddoors.com/). The door hardware is from Emtek in satin nickel from their providence series. Also purchased from Alleghany woodworks.

Countertop: Ceasarstone Blizzard. Fabricated locally (PM if you want details). We wanted a clean subdued look to extenuate the movement in the walnut cabinets. We had a scare at the beginning when we thought that the countertop was developing stains. Our contractor recommended an eco-friendly and mild cleaner, which seems to do the job. Other than that no complaints.

Undercabinet lighting is from the Loox line of Haefele. I used their design services to get an initial design and layout and purchased the a bulk of the components from Locks Online (https://www.locksonline.co.uk/). I also ordered a few remaining components from Builders Area (https://www.thebuilderssupply.com/).

The backsplash tiles are from Fireclay Tile (*) (https://www.fireclaytile.com/). The tiles behind the range are the 8" x 8" handpainted Jardin and the rest are 2 x 6 handpainted field tiles, Feldspar with Matte finish. It took three tries before Fireclay finally got it right. After the second mistake, their founder came by personally to apologize and pick up the wrong tiles! However, the tiles themselves are gorgeous and we are very happy with how they came out.

Floor tiles are 12 x 24 shades by Crossville in fog (https://crossvilleinc.com/products/shades-by-crossville/) from a local supplier. The installer we used for both the tiles is very very good, but also very expensive. PM if you want details.

The window is Marvin Ultimate Casement in Pine from a local supplier. I was very impressed with the stainer who was able to match the stain very closely with the walnut.

The paint is Fragile beauty from Sherwin Williams (https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7553-fragile-beauty#/7553/?s=coordinatingColors&p=PS0).

We went with recessed lights. The cans are from Halo and the fixtures are by Feit from Home Depot. They provide very uniform, shade free lighting.

The anti-fatigue mats are from Wellness mats (https://www.wellnessmats.com/). They have held up very well so far.

Cupboards are lined with Cushy Cupboards (*) (http://www.cushycupboards.com/) purchased from De Naults (http://www.denaults.com/). They prevent things from sliding around.

Appliances:

Dishwasher (Miele Futura Diamond, G6915) and Refrigerator (Miele KF1903SF) both came from Appliance Connection (https://www.appliancesconnection.com/). They sell B stock from Miele. As far as I could tell, the items were indistinguishable from new. Also, the delivery company dented the dishwasher and Appliance Connection took back the item and sent me another one with no fuss (the delivery company was utterly incompetent, but that is another story).

Hood is a custom PS-10 hood from Modernaire (*) (http://www.modernaire.com/) and the range is a Capital connoisseurian (*) 36 inch (COB366) with a Wok grate (http://www.capital-cooking.com/products/connoisseurian-36-self-clean-dual-fuel-range-2/). I purchased both of these from Trevor Lawson of Eurostoves. Modernaire made a small mistake in the location of the vent, and this was discovered after the hood had shipped out. Trevor proactively worked with the delivery company and Modernaire to retrieve the hood in mid-transit and got the issue fixed. 5 stars for service. I am very happy with the range, but the oven has been somewhat flaky. A thermostat reset switch triggers every time I heat the oven to 550F for pizza. However, Capital is very customer friendly. You can call and talk to an employee within a matter of minutes, and they are usually very knowledgeable. They came out and changed a few components, which helped but the problem surfaced again recently. They are looking into it again.

I designed the exhaust and makeup air system with help from the appliance forum. The components are from Fantech, purchased from Supply House (http://www.supplyhouse.com/). Having the fan in the attic and using a silencer makes the 1200 CFM hood whisper quite.

We deliberately chose to not have a microwave in the kitchen and instead created a counter and storage space in our dining area for appliances, including the microwave.

Fixtures:

The sinks are from Create Good Sinks (https://www.creategoodsinks.com/). I had more or less made up my mind to go with the Kohler Stages sink. Then I talked to Dan Sullivan. He was very passionate about his product and he literally sold me on it. I am glad that I went with his product. First, the sinks on the two sides match. Second, it has the same ledge and sliding mechanism as the Kohler Stages sink. I brought a 2 inch thick maple cutting board from Top Chop Block (http://topchopbutcherblock.com/) and had my contractor cut it down to size so that it fits the sink. It is perfect for prepping, chopping, and cutting. Even better, I can share the accessories between both sinks. Finally, the sink is of very high quality. Even my contractor commented on how sturdy they were.

The faucets are Kohler Karbon (*), purchased from Home Perfect (https://www.homeperfect.com/). Given their less than stellar reviews, I was very nervous purchasing from them. However, their prices were significantly lower than anywhere else so I went ahead and bit the bullet. I did not have any problems with my order. The faucet itself is brilliantly designed and works very well in the kitchen. I did not have any low flow issues that others in this forum reported.

The faucets are controlled by a Tapmaster (*) (http://www.us.tapmaster.ca/) which was purchased from Conserv-A-Store (http://www.conservastore.com). They were good about accommodating a request to change the order after it was placed. I love it so much that we installed it on all the faucets in our house!

The water filter faucet and the air switch are from Waterstone (*) (http://www.waterstoneco.com/). They are from the Fulton line. The (yet to be installed) soap dispenser is also from the same line. They go well with the Kohler Karbon. Both were purchased from Quality Bath (https://www.qualitybath.com/), and I did not encounter any issues. If you are looking for hefty, well made faucets and fixtures, look no further than Waterstone. However, they are very pricey.

The Waste king garbage disposer was the only appliance that survived from our previous kitchen. They are very reliable and efficient and I did not see a reason to throw it away.

The water filtration system is from Aquaverse and was recommended by our contractor.

Featured Answer

2ManyDiversions

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

vishketan, Thank you for providing so such detailed information with your kitchen reveal – you’ve been amazingly helpful to myself and many others! This post will be bookmarked by many, I’m sure!

Clearly, this a thoughtfully planned, highly functional kitchen – kudos! I’m very envious of your Tapmaster (our dog pushes her toys under everything, including the kitchen kickplates, so this is out for us), and I love your faucets and the articulating arms - I’m sure you’re enjoying those tremendously, along with both sinks! I’ve heard a lot of good comments on the Waste King disposals – they seem to be overriding some reviews on the popular Insinkerators.

I’d previously read your thread on Barker cabinets, but despite all the issues you experienced (and were eventually resolved), you’ve got beautiful cabinetry, and it’s remarkable what you’ve accomplished yourselves – the time you’ve taken for function and design aspects is obvious. Again, this is a wonderful example of a remarkably functional kitchen with several much-desired and needed features.

I very much like the tiles behind your range, and the cabinetry color/stain. I didn’t know one could find decorative anti-fatigue mats… again, you’ve thought of every detail!

May I ask… the last photo in the beginning post shows a pan drawer (a very neat one!)… what is the width of that drawer?

Edited to Add: I love your end grain butcher block!!!

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Comments (41)

vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
More pictures
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
Here is how the kitchen used to look like before.
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Cheryl Hewitt
7 years ago
Wow, what a delight! The transformation from before to now is fantastic. I love all the detail you included about the materials you chose. Your Fireclay tile is lovely. I really like how well the colors match between the two styles.

Question about the large prep sink; you sacrificed a lot of counter space, are you happy with that decision? Does the flow work well for you? Does the cutting board fit across the entire width of the sink? I'd love to see a picture of it in place. :)
cpartist
7 years ago
What a wonderful improvement.
jhmarie
7 years ago
I've bookmarked this for an example of a wonderful wood cabinet kitchen:)
rantontoo
7 years ago
Love the walnut! What a positive change...congrats.
friedajune
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Amazing transformation! I love it.

Did you say what the fridge is, and I missed it?

I replaced my kitchen's window - which is wide like yours - with a Marvin Ultimate casement like yours. What a difference from the previous horrid Pella! My kitchen is eat-in, with the table at the window, so it was important not to have ice dams and freezing drafts at the window while we were eating which were happening with the Pella. The Marvin Ultimates are great even tho the cost was so high. My window trim is painted white. The person who did your window's trim staining did a fantastic job!

Did you make the window opening larger for the new window? It looks like it. Was that difficult?
damiarain
7 years ago
Amazing transformation! It's so sleek with wonderful touches like your cabinets and the fireclay tiles. I too would love to hear about your experiences with your prep sinks once you've "broken them in". Congrats!
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the kind words.

The prep sink works very well. This was something that I really really wanted, and I am so glad that I went with it. With the cutting board, it makes for a great prep surface. Here are some pictures to show how I use it almost daily. I cut my veggies on the cutting board and can directly slide them into the prep bowls. Any waste directly goes into another bowl which then I transfer into the compost container. The bank of drawers on the right holds all my prep tools.

I have a cooking zone and a baking zone in my kitchen. The baking zone is between the refrigerator and the cleanup sink, and I use the prep sink for my daily cooking. If there is interest I can show more details of the workflow and storage in the two zones.

@friedajune: The refrigerator is a Miele KF1903SF. As for the window, we had to reframe the opening. We used to have two windows and I eventually decided to go with one big one. It was a tough decision since this was a somewhat expensive option, but I am glad that we bit the bullet. It is nice to have a window that lets in lots of light. As for the staining, yes the painter did a fantastic job.
Cheryl Hewitt
7 years ago
vishketan, thanks for posting pictures of how you use the prep sink. I really like the looks of it both aesthetically and functionally. I predict that people will refer to this reveal for some time to come, because you have done something we don't often see. I'm also glad you explained your zones. It makes it easy to picture how the kitchen functions now. Nice faucets, btw. That cutting board is enviable!
powermuffin
7 years ago
Very nice! I love the wood finish, and the big window is great!
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
@Cheryl Hewitt: Thanks for your kind words. We spent over a year just thinking about the layout and how it would function. It was very frustrating to talk to kitchen designers who were all focused on the looks. Asking questions in this forum was a refreshing change. Everybody talked about function and efficiency. I learned a lot. You can see so many GW touches in my kitchen :)
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
@Cheryl Hewitt: Fireclay custom hand paints every single tile. So you can get them to mix and match any color of your choice. That is why the colors of the backsplash tiles match.
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
@2ManyDiversions: Thanks for the kind words. I am only giving back a tiny bit to the community that gave me so much time, knowledge, and wisdom.

The pan drawer is 24.75" wide, 34" high, and 29" deep. Deep cabinets were an idea I learned about here. I also learned about measuring your pots and pans to make sure that they fit. We literally measured the height of every pot and pan in our kitchen and which area of the kitchen we wanted them to go. As a consequence there is very little "dead space" in our kitchen so far.
2ManyDiversions
7 years ago
Thank you for the dimensions!

We literally measured the height of every pot and pan in our kitchen and which area of the kitchen we wanted them to go. Yep - same here or attempting to (struggling with other storage currently), I'm still working on my Organization Map (buehl's excellent post, everyone should do this!) - I keep changing it, and have told the cabinet maker I cannot tell him how many drawer stacks I need until I have the interior dimensions (he's doing something a bit different, so it's taking him a extra time)! I'm not surprised you've done this, your kitchen is incredibly well-thought out.

I am only giving back a tiny bit to the community that gave me so much time, knowledge, and wisdom. I wish I'd joined GW months before I did - we planned our kitchen over several months (badly) only to take as long re-doing it and thinking things through after the wonderful advice I've gotten here... loving GW'ers!
CEFreeman_GW DC/MD Burbs 7b/8a
7 years ago
Wow. What a beautiful space! It's obvious your careful planning paid off to the nth degree! I hope you enjoy your amazing kitchen for a very long time!
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
@CEFreeman: Thanks for your kind words.
roarah
7 years ago
I love your kitchen!
cpartist
7 years ago
Beautiful job. And so nice to see a warm kitchen that is not all white. I especially love that backsplash.
rhay
7 years ago
How was your experience with the Barker Cabinets. We are considering the cherry ones for our kitchen as well. Did you put them together or have a contractor do it. What were some of your reasons for choosing Barker over other brands?
rebunky
7 years ago
Gorgeous woods! Sapele is my favorite. Fabulous job.
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
@rhay: My one line summary of my experience with Barker Cabinets is that it depends. In terms of product quality they are very very good. There are some challenges and pitfalls that you need to be aware of if you are going the RTA route (much of it is not specific to Barker). See here for my in-depth and long review

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4848864/in-depth-review-of-my-experience-with-barker-cabinets

I hope that it helps. This time I enlisted my contractor to put together the cabinets, but during my previous project I did it myself. Assembly is not very challenging.
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
@cpartist: I wanted a wood rich kitchen :) But I did sneak in some elements of white via the backsplash and the countertops. The backsplash took a while to get right, but we love it!
Laura
7 years ago
The walnut is beautiful and you have been very helpful in explaining your thought processes and documenting your issues and successes along the way. So many of us only do a major remodel like this once or twice in life and it's helpful to hear of other people's experiences. Thank you! The transformation is amazing and I can tell that you will enjoy cooking in that kitchen for many years to come!
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
@Laura: Thanks for your kind words. My hope is that some people who are considering a remodel can benefit a tiny bit from my experience. I have learned a lot from here :)
first name
7 years ago
@vishketan: I am currently considering to go with Barker cabinets for my upcoming kitchen remodel and have a few questions regarding your list of parts used. You said the hardware is from Holdahl Company but don't the Barker cabinets come with all the hardware needed, like runners hinges etc? Same goes for the trash pullout, why did you decide to get it from Amazon when Barker cabinets offers those and then how did you match the doors to the other Barker cabinets, just order an additional door and mount it to the Amazon trash pull out somehow? Also, did you use cabinet vision to plan all the Barker cabinets? It looks like it is the only tool that they have 3D models of all their cabinets for.
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
@first name: Barker cabinets come with the hardware for the cabinets such as hinges etc. I am talking about things like lazy Susan hardware or the oil pullout hardware. You can also buy from Barker but they only offer rev-a-shelf and I wanted Kessebohmer (IMHO they are better quality).

As for Trash pullout, Barker did not offer an option for having them installed under the sink like I wanted. I have a small kitchen and wanted to efficiently use my space. A trash pullout would have used up valuable cabinet space. I did not install the hinges on the door which is attached to the trash pullout. Instead the door is attached directly to the trash pullout.

I did not use cabinet vision since they don't have a mac version available. I used Sketchup and got some generic templates from the Sketchup community library.
just_janni
7 years ago
Gorgeous. and thank you for pictures of the tapmaster and such detailed information. This post is a true asset to the community, and such a great example of what you can do in a remodel.

VERY WELL DONE - you must be thrilled!
eam44
7 years ago
What a beautiful space, and what well-thought-out choices you’ve made. Enjoy your new kitchen in the best of health.

I do love Fireclay Tile and you’ve used it beautifully. I don’t know what it is about their handpainted line, but three rounds of mistakes seems to be the norm with those tiles, even when the design is fairly simple.
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
@jannicone and eam44: Thanks for your kind words.

Fireclay tiles are beautiful indeed, and it is painful to get them to make the tiles you want. But, at least, they are very courteous and helpful throughout the whole process. Also, the final product is worth the pain :)
pipdog
7 years ago
lovely -- so warm and inviting. Those handpainted fireclay tile are stunning! Sorry to hear it took three tries, but glad to know the company made it right. Enjoy your new space!
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
@pipdog: Thanks
nanj
7 years ago
vishketan, can you elaborate more on the trash cabinet that open when you tap slightly with your foot, please? The only thing I have found is the type that uses a servo drive motor to open the cabinet. Is that what you have? Thanks!
kawerkamp
7 years ago
Wow, what a well thought out remodel. LOVE your sinks! May I ask what size they are? We are getting a ledge sink from creategoodsinks as well for our new home and I'm on the fence between the 50" and the 56". Curious how you like the sizes of yours and if you would've gone bigger if you had the space (ours will be going into a 13' island).
vishketan thanked kawerkamp
R S
7 years ago
Beautifully, well thought it kitchen!!! So warm and inviting! And I love that it’s not in a completely open concept space, everyone seems to take every wall down around their kitchen!
vishketan thanked R S
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
@kawerkamp: My ledge sink is 50". I did not have a ton of space but I fell in love with the concept of a ledge sink with a movable cutting board. It is indeed very useful and makes prepping a breeze. I also had very good experience with Dan Sullivan. Send him an email or call him, and he will respond to you within hours, even during weekends!

@R S: I went through many iterations of the design including a couple which involved making the kitchen open. But it just did not flow with the rest of the house. Also it did not suit our style of cooking. I am not against open kitchens, it just has to work for you!
kawerkamp
7 years ago
Thank you, vishketan--glad you are loving your ledge sink--I have fantasies about how my prep flow will improve when I get mine! I see you did 2 faucets--do you think you could get by with one or are two pretty essential just for the sake of reach (we are doing a pull-down faucet)? For the most part, we are a one-cook household (me), with kids fetching drinks/washing hands, but I will ask them to do that at our second sink, so I don't know whether two faucets are really needed for us.
vishketan thanked kawerkamp
vishketan
Original Author
7 years ago
Two facuets are definitely a luxury. I think I could have gotten away with 1 Kohler Karbon if I wanted to, but some far corners of the ledge might be a stretch to reach.
jkj767 Moore
5 years ago
vishketan Do you use the sink next to the fridge or stove the most? I want move counter space so one would suffice. I too am designing a galley kitchen.
vishketan
Original Author
5 years ago
We use both, but the one next to the stove gets used a lot more since it is the main prep sync. The one next to the fridge is the main cleanup sink.