Looking for input on Kitchen layout and support column

7 years ago

We are in the final stages of designing our kitchen, which is currently L-shaped. Something that has always bothered me is that the island is not centered with the range. My husband and I have always been drawn to symmetry. Originally we asked for an 8 foot island, since we have 3 kids and extra kids always end up at the house to eat. I’m okay with a couple of barstools on the side and a few in the front of the island. If I could have my cake and eat it too, I would have an island that can accommodate 4-5 people and have it centered with the range. However, I realize the island will more than likely need to be brought in a couple of feet. The latest struggle is deciding what to do with a must-have support column. We’ve talked about implementing the support column by framing in the kitchen, either with brick or shaker style columns and headers. Lastly, the window area above the sink is where I definitely want windows placed as it will look out into the backyard, looking at sunsets. I would love any ideas thrown my way. I’m up for anything at this point. Thank you so much! I’m posting our current drawing which does not show the kitchen being shrunk in 12” to line the support column up with the refrigerator, a microwave drawer in the island, a smaller pantry at around 37”, and bigger windows over the sink. I’ll also post a couple of other ideas we have floated around to deal with the support column.

Featured Answer

cpartist

7 years ago

Symmetry is overrated and the only time you'll notice it is if you're standing exactly dead center behind the island. Once you move a bit right or left, you won't even notice it's off center. Go for balance, not symmetry.

The only thing symmetrical in my kitchen is the cooktop and hood being centered between the two windows. Even my lower drawer cabinets on either side of the cooktop are not symmetrical and guess what? Not one person has come into my kitchen and said it bothers them that the cabinets are not exactly the same. The difference is while nothing is symmetrical, it is balanced.

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Comments (7)

PRO
EAC Renovation Consultations LLC
7 years ago
Your idea of framing up the edges of the kitchen seems great! It will make the kitchen feel a little separate without being in a separate space.

I'd stick with drywall/ trimming (as opposed to brick) as it'll be a more simple style to match the rest of your spaces.

An option for centering your range on the island - it's kinda different from what you have but hear me out:

Remove pantry, do a 12" deep counter to ceiling cabinet (like shown) between the 2 windows for storage. Then center your range on the wall on the north side of your drawing (you could even nudge the island over) at the shorter end of the island. Imagine a window on the left side of the range in this photo. Not quite symmetrical but there are things you could do to help with that like just having the hood centered on that wall and hanging artwork equally spaced around the hood as the window.

hood at short end of island

pantry option between 2 windows
mama goose_gw zn6OH
7 years ago
Which window is above the sink? The only sink I see is on the island. If you plan to put the sink on the L with the pantry, I think that's a great spot for the clean-up zone.

I wouldn't worry about trying to center the island--or an island sink--with the range. The support post is going to throw off any island symmetry. The island overlaps the fridge and range at the same point, m/l, and that looks fine to me.
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Aglitter
7 years ago
I see what you are saying about the lack of symmetry. Is there any way to rearrange things without shortening the island? Sounds like you need as much seating space as you can get.
Aglitter
7 years ago
@cpartist I see you commenting a lot on the forums, and thanks for your continued input. I love the green glossy tile you have in your kitchen. It's hard to see what countertop you chose to coordinate with the green tile. I'm thinking of a similar color scheme.
cpartist
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Inspo, my counter is Fascination Quartzite and I've been told the mine has been closed.
And OP, sorry to hijack your thread.
Aglitter
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
@cpartist Beyond fabulous! I'm so glad for you that you got it while you could!

Yes, OP, sorry for the hijack, but I'll add that a previous comment about balance vs. symmetry is so true. I work in the fashion design industry, and asymmetry is often viewed as an advantage in design while balance is continually the ultimate goal.