should we change the layout?

8 years ago

hi houzz, existing plan with dimensions below. pros, would you change the layout? We currently like the space but are looking to update with drawers and better organisational features.

we interviewed 2 designers - one said they'd knock out the wall separating pantry area and convert the u shape to an island. the second designer said they would move the fridge and create an island facing the b-nook. (sketch below. ) any opinions on these suggestions? I feel like those ideas would leave me with less work space.

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Toronto Veterinarian

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

How much cost, mess, and time do you want to (or are willing to) put up with? Changing lay outs is a whole lot more of each than simply switching out cupboards for drawers.

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Comments (6)

zmith
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
What was the other design presented to you?

It seems you could get a better layout by closing up the kitchen opening leading to the utility/powder room and making a longer "L" with a good sized island in the middle.

To make up for losing the access to the garage, you could move the door to the family room like so:
Kristen Jobe thanked zmith
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bpath
8 years ago
So, your family and your guests would wend their way around the dining table to get to the kitchen and family room, and through the kitchen to the powder room and laundry. And coming in from the garage forces your family with all their "stuff" through the kitchen. Moving the door to the family room isn't a good option, because you have coats and shoes etc. (Are you in Canada?)
Kristen Jobe
Original Author
8 years ago
mess is no problem, we will be renting a house during construction (its a long story....) and cost - dont want it to go over 100k in value just based on investment standpoint.

I have to agree with bpath on the moving the garage door.

The other designer suggestion I didn't get a sketch of removes the wall separating the kitchen and pantry. He would ditch the U shape and replace with an island 10' long. I'm thinking 10' isn't enough for storage plus, trash pull, DW, sink, etc.... maybe the U shape is good enough but eliminate the wall to open it up?
zmith
8 years ago
I realize my previous post did say move the door, but the existing door could stay in place with a second entrance into the family room. There's space to add lockers or coat racks to the left of the door. No worries if that's not a desirable option for you, Kristen.

I will say that the island layout does reduce your cabinetry storage and your countertop space. Have you considered widening the u-shape, pushing it into the nook space?
damiarain
8 years ago
A different approach:

- close off the doorway between kitchen + dining

- expand the hall doorway into the kitchen