I think your bigger problem is your aisle between counters is too narrow. That 39" once your stone is one will more likely be 36" and that's really tight. And the problem is it's even worse between your fridge and your sink wall as well as from the edge of the stove and your sink wall.

@cpartist - I just checked plans. That space is actually 42" which isn't a whole lot more, but usually there is just one cook in the kitchen :) The cabinet sizes are correct, but some of the other measurements are off. Makes me nervous though - I better triple check my contractor isn't using that! Yikes!!! Thanks for your attention to detail.

I would likely pick a non-marble look quartz (which are generally the most expensive) and use the savings for both the end panels and mitered edge.

I would not “box in” the seating area As shown in the picture. I know it is a popular look right now but I think it limits the comfort of the seating function. Unless you have additional space for over flow seating - but everyone unus hangs around the counter.

No boxed in seating, a narrower island with larger walkways and then you should be able to do both since you will not have cabinets front and back on the island.

Patricia - That is such a good idea budget-wise. We live in a small house and storage is at a premium though, so we are choosing a little less moving space because I am super type A with organization, but now I’m worried. I am going to go home today and stare at the markings on the floor a little more. I did make sure the measurements comply with the standard minimums... I hope I don’t live to regret my decision.

Green Design - Wish I could afford custom. On 2 educators salaries it just isn’t in the budget. I’m hoping these cabinets are good enough. Is quartz lipstick on a pig then if they aren’t high-end custom cabinets? What would you suggest as a nice-looking alternative? It isn’t easy seeing all the beautiful custom designs online knowing that you have to make do.

Sharon - you’re right. If everyone is pointing out how limited my space is I’m better off not boxing in.

Thanks everyone for weighing in. This has been such a tough process especially having seen my brother and my parents renovate and create beautiful custom kitchens knowing we can’t.

Save 7K. Go with a basic granite for basic cabinets. Put 4K of that savings into better cabinets. You don’t need high end cabinets to get better than what is in that design. Medium grade would do fine.

Any medium grade line would offer 12” deep base cabinets without having to hack wall cabinets. They would also offer flush finished sides without having to hack the wrong sized skin to make that work. They would offer more drawer based, and more intermediate sizes. There would not need to be so many field hacks, and it would work better and look better.

I actually would like to see a 3 D of the kitchen design and I really have no idea what quality of cabinets you have since it is not mentioned anywhere unless there is info that is not appearing on my monitor.

If you really want quartz, check out something like Caesarstone's Organic White. It's what our designer recommended, as it's white with some movement without trying to copy marble. Our designer recommends it for aesthetic reasons, as the marble look-alikes never quite get it right, so she prefers to put in one that's not trying (and failing) at being a perfect replica. Conveniently for our budget, it's also a mid-range price grade, instead of the top tier where the marble-imitators are.

Green Designs... I wish you were in PA. I felt like my hands were tied in cabinet selection, and I acquiesced. I’ll just cross my fingers that the hacks look okay. If it is a complete disaster when it all arrives then we’ll figure it out at that point I guess and adjust. Perhaps we’ll hold off on countertop orders until it is all in place, and I can see it. How much will that enrage my contractor?

Kristin - Thanks for the Caeserstone recommendation. I do hate the idea of something trying to hard to look like something else. I’ll definitely check it out. Any completed pictures???

Patricia - I’ll happily attach the rudimentary 3d mock-up the cabinet company sent. At this point, I’m pretty sure it’s all orders but I certainly don’t have to use everything. I’m starting to think of it looks cramped, we forego the 12” cabinetry we paid extra.

Again, I much appreciate the feedback as the budget doesn’t allow for a true design expert...

Our house is still under construction, so no pictures yet. If you do a search in photos on here, however, you'll find an abundance.

Kristin - Good luck with your kitchen. I already searched - seems quite popular :)

I’m sure it is going to be lovely! you Know how you use your space so you will prioritize to meet your needs.

So no 3D fancy images for my budget, but this is what I have...

Mkclancy I’m in PA about 45 miles outside Philly. When I did my Reno I found price for counters (quartz) varied greatly when comparing same brand and design (up to $1,200). My designer sent me to Imperial Marble & Granite near airport 610 521-0130. If you go take your plan, sample of cabinets and flooring. I walked out with 2 samples so I could confirm in my space. If this is close to you give it a try as they have a very large selection and carry all brands. They have designers who can help you.