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pattys16

Help with tiny cottage kitchen layout

7 years ago
We just renovated our under 600 square foot cottage. The kitchen is tiny and wondering if there is a better layout option. As of right now we do not have any countertop space until we put in a peninsula. Any other suggestions on how to arrange this kitchen?

Comments (175)

  • 7 years ago
    From the right side of the panel to the wall is 12 inches. I was thinking putting a cabinet over the panel and cutting out the back?
  • 7 years ago
    I was looking online at the Home Depot ones and I only saw 12” deep uppers. I also need to get 2 or 3 shallow cabinets for the peninsula.
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Your blind corner cabinet needs a Magic Corner system like this. On vacation we stayed in a house that had one of these, and it worked very smoothly. It held all the big items. Very sturdy and easy to use. I think it would work with your existing cabinets if one of the walls of the cabinet was removed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpK84dPAPY4

  • 7 years ago
    I just looked the magic corner up and looks like they need at least 15 inch cabinets and ours is 12 inches. Booo!
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Hi Patty!:)

    I would get a small refrigerator that is for under counter...than a countertop can go all they way across and uppers can be added...if just a vacation cottage that large fridge is not needed...if you have room in a garage the large fridge can be used for overflow and beverages..just a thought...would really open up the space...than add your little island.


  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Add 2 or 3 floating shelves over range..for extra storage.....

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Super cute!


  • PRO
  • 7 years ago

    Patty, can you link to the cabinets you're looking at? For over the fridge, I would get an extended refrigerator cabinet. You'll probably need an 18" high so you have circulation space for air around the fridge. Go 33" wide and 24" deep. You'll be surprised what you can fit in there.

    How long will the peninsula be?

    Knowing which line you're working with will help a lot to determine the best options for the rest.

  • 7 years ago
    Home Interiors With Ease, she stated she wants a microwave above the range and doesn't like the under counter fridge.
  • 7 years ago
    The little cans to the left of fridge and right of stove aren’t doing you any favours, and the fridge gets pushed over the window which is unappealing. So, I’d be rid of those. Then, get a butcher block on wheels, some open shelving for commonly-used plates and glasses, and a pantry-type cupboard somewhere (to the right, facing the rest of the room, perhaps) and you’re done.
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Add small micro into island..or add onto shelf under small set of uppers...that refrigerator is way to much for that small kitchen so sticking with my suggestion. This small kitchen needs to be treated as such...almost like a efficiency apartment....no need for a large built in micro over range..the proportions will just be so off and counter space is very important in these small spaces especially for a vacation cottage where mostly small quick snacks are on the menu and lots of outdoor cooking....super cute place Patty....

  • 7 years ago
    You don't want a corner upper cabinet. You will get more functional space out of a full wall of cabinets that run the entire length of that wall, nothing to the left of it. You will be able to fit all the dishes you need to the left, and bulky unusual stuff above microwave and fridge. That leaves lowers for food storage.
    For the peninsula, you will get more usable space if you do open shelving below. Great for pots and pans and clear containers of snacks/treats. You can cram more in when you aren't stealing inches for sides of cabinets or doors.
    On the wall to the left of the fridge, can you add some shallow (2-3") open shelving for coffee beans, cans and spices? You'll have to make sure they end about a foot from the fridge door so you can still open the fridge fully.
  • 7 years ago
    The base cabinets at staying for now unfortunately. I can address smaller fridge at a later date. For now this is how placement will be. There is a vent on the ground left if fridge so I cant move the fridge to the left wall and I don’t want an under the counter fridge.

    I want upper cabinets on the stove wall for storage instead of shelves.

    I am looking at https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-Shaker-Assembled-27x30x12-in-Wall-Kitchen-Cabinet-in-Satin-White-KW2730-SSW/205390884

    Or Ikeas line
    https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S09032742/

    The peninsula we will use either 12” depth or 15” with a 10 inch over hang for sitting. Total length will be 80”
  • 7 years ago
    You absolutely 100% need 15" base cabinets for the peninsula. Anything smaller you won't be able to store cookware. Also it'll be too unsteady (not wide enough).
  • 7 years ago
    You also need a 15" overhang to comfortably sit. Maybe 12" if you don't mind bashing your knees. So 30" is the minimum width. Unless you want only sitting room (no cabinets) or only standing room.
  • 7 years ago
    This IKEA island is a possible option for your situation.
    A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Contemporary Kitchen · More Info
  • 7 years ago
    The open shelving is a good idea but I think that would drive me crazy to see everything and we would like to put 3 stools there to sit and eat as we have 3 kids.
  • 7 years ago
    Our friends in Dallas had this island and they would add 2 stools on the ends when additional seating was needed. It works in a pinch and was great for a small space. Stacking all your pots and pans on the shelves would look cute and cottagey. To each his own. Good luck!
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Patty sounds like you already have made up your mind on design.....have fun!

  • 7 years ago
    Yes I know in my head what I want. I was looking for help on what size cabinets to put up to give me the most storage and what height. There are so many options at least with ikea on configurations. Thanks again
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Consult with the IKEA designers..they are very helpful and will help find the best solutions and sizes..and can print image of layout for you...

  • 7 years ago
    I read the standard height between countertop and upper cabinets in 18” so I would need cabinets that are 30” in height? And should I get two 30” of those and microwave under one of them? Or should I get 2 - 15” and one 20” for the microwave? This is what I need help figuring out. Very overwhelming to me.
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Can you switch your refrigerator handles so the doors hinge on the left? Very awkward to hinge on the right with your layout.

  • 7 years ago
    Not sure, I will be replacing this fridge at some point
  • 7 years ago
    The back height of the stove is higher than your counter tops, so if talking about cabinets on that wall, they would need to be staggered if the height of cabinets will be 18" from the counter tops. Is that correct? For clearance and adding a microwave above stove? Or are you talking beside the sink?
  • 7 years ago
    It's 18" from stove top, not stove back. and yes go as high as you can with the cabinets. 40" if itll fit.
  • 7 years ago
    Thanks, for the clarification. If she has a microwave attached to the bottom of the cabinet, wouldn't it be to close to,the stove top? Is there some code for that measurement? Sorry that I am so dense. I think the idea for the cabinets to be as tall as possible is a good one.
  • 7 years ago

    To answer your question, yes, 18" from top of counter to bottom of cabinet is standard. That means 30" cabinets if you have 50" from top of cabinets to ceiling now. This is what you'll want for over the stove. 30 X 12 X 12. You need 18" from the top of the burners to the microwave, most micros are 17-18" high. If you have 50", a 12" high cabinet takes you to 48". To the left of that, if you can find it, you can put a 33 wide by 30 high by 12 deep cabinet. That will leave you with a small filler at the end against the window wall. I told you above what would work over the fridge if you can find it. You'll probably need an 18" high so you have circulation space for air around the fridge. Go 33" wide and 24" deep. You'll be surprised what you can fit in there.

    I agree that 15" deep is probably the minimum you'll want for the peninsula. Any overhang for granite or quartz greater than 10" will require extra support in the cabinets. 10" is tight for eating

  • 7 years ago

    Put two shelves up instead of cabinets. The space will feel closed up. Why put too much $ in a vacation place? Stacking pans or hang them,more cottage feel.

  • 7 years ago
    marrymaid, I see what you're saying now, I misunderstood. Yes, 18" to bottom of microhood. They make specific cabinets for on top of the microwave that will be the right height. You need the special ones because the plug comes through the top.
    Here is our kitchen with HD cabinets. Notice how our cabinet over the microwave is too tall. We should have gotten the height of the one over the fridge so it laid flush.
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Patty what do you need a micro for other than heating things up? Or do you actually use it to cook? You really only need a very small one that can fit under a island or on a shelf...

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    You could do a slimline style refrigerator.....

  • 7 years ago
    Thank you, ElleN.
  • 7 years ago
    Why do people ask for advice on this forum and then ignore the advice they are given. Very frustrating to follow these stories..
  • 7 years ago
    We will eventually get a different stove as well. The current stove is 24wide. It is our vaca home but we will use it a lot throughout the year and thru the winter so I want a functional space. I don’t love open shelving because I like things looking tidy, that’s just my preference.

    I agree I do not need a full size microwave so I am fine with a smaller one but I definitely want one to reheat food.

    I do like that summit thin fridge. I will look into it when I am ready to replace the current one.

    katinparadise thank you that helps me a lot! I don’t see a 33” wide cabinet at ikea. Should I look into two 30”? I’ll check out HD.

    And above the fridge I would have to get their 30 wide x 24d x 15 height (but they do have a 20high as well)
  • 7 years ago
    The reason I said fridge over the range is because you don't have any other kind of ventilation, not because you need a big microwave. You cant just have steam go up and hit the underside of a cabinet, it will warp, buckle, and peel. You could put one of those thin vent fans under a slightly taller cabinet instead, but at that point you might as well just have burned the space on a full size microwave instead of a separate vent.
  • 7 years ago

    Micro's over the range have recirculation vent. Unless u do one through roof.

  • 7 years ago
    Recirculation vent + charcoal filter is much better than nothing. At the very least they give humidity a spot to condense harmlessly.
  • 7 years ago
    Oh ok that makes sense. I didn’t think about the
    Steam. Do you suggest I get the cabinet the same width as the microwave?
  • 7 years ago
    I have to say you are really all over the place here. Best bet is to go to IKEA with detailed drawings with all dimensions and photos. First get a clarification on code for your electrical box so you know if you can conceal in any way. Probably not so get a clear understanding of that. Also pick out your appliances even if you aren’t purchasing right away. You do not want to be buying anymore cabinets until you know what your appliances are. Then, go to IKEA and work it all out w the design/sales consultant. Otherwise you are just spinning your wheels and buying cabinets whilly nilly without a PLAN in place. Again, good luck.
  • 7 years ago
    As I stated above, they make cabinets specifically for going above microwaves that have the holes already in them for the power cord, etc. Yes the cabinet above the microwave should be the same width as the microwave.
  • 7 years ago
    Thanks for your help
  • 7 years ago

    You'll want the microwave and cabinet above it to be the same width as the stove. If the stove is only 24" wide, look for a 24" wide microwave w/hood vent and a 24" wide cabinet. If you have 66" to the wall, that leaves you room for a 42" wide x 12" deep cabinet to go to left of the cabinet over the stove. That's going to give you a lot of storage.

    Here's a 24" wide micro at HD. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Haier-24-in-1-4-cu-ft-Over-the-Range-Microwave-in-Stainless-Steel-HMV1472BHS/300906062

    I would stick with the 30x24x15 cabinet over the fridge. You'll want it to be at the same height as the cabinets on the other side or it will look odd.

  • 6 years ago
    Hi, I wanted to upload some progress pictures of our beach cottage. I am working with what we’ve got including the full size fridge. Next steps is to get the upper cabinets and microwave.
  • 6 years ago
    No sink?
  • 6 years ago
    Why is there no sink in your kitchen!?!? Are you planning a drop-in sink under the window? Why are you waiting? It’s the only logical spot. It doesn’t have to be a huge double sink, but there must BE one.
  • 6 years ago
    Lol, yes we will definitely have a sink! The counter top isn’t Permanent just yet and yes it will go under the window
  • 6 years ago

    I assume you can open the oven without hitting the drawer handles?

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Looking good!