Are you keeping the same layout?

Read these:

http://starcraftcustombuilders.com/kitchen.design.rules.htm#.Wq1aeWrwaM8

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638270/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638304/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638376/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/4273188/things-you-added-or-removed-that-you-love-regret-in-your-kitchen-renov

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5332686/10-tests-for-you-and-your-contractors-first-meeting#n=25

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-common-kitchen-layout-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them-stsetivw-vs~116563485?m_refid=us-ocnt-reg-ocnt-stories-ktichen-116563485&fbclid=IwAR2VNIFLSZEN3skfRbCDsZdylbGcyCVJO5cRAEvIJyyMAgPz0PLdReOkX-s

and this...

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5500754/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first#n=533

I did similar

Yes, I’m keeping the same layout. Thanks for the information!

Nice!! Thanks for the before and after.

Since you said you are ”looking for any and all suggestions”, I suggest you re-consider espresso cabinets. One reason is that they are dated, by 10 years or so. Wood cabinets that are more current would be white oak or cerised oak. But even if you don’t care about that at all, your kitchen currently looks like it doesn’t get much light. Espresso cabinets will make it quite dark, even with the white counters and backsplash you are planning.

I am also not a fan of very dark (aka espresso) cabinets. What type of wood are they? Can you select a more medium toned wood?

A lot of money to invest without considering an updated layout. If you draw a current layout to scale with measurements on graph paper we may offer some suggestions.

what about your ceiling light? that's the first thing that needs to go. you need some recessed lighting.

I wouldn't do espresso in that space. too dark.

this is basically what yours would look like w/no recessed ceiling lights and your small window

even w/recessed lights and pendants, it's still dark.

here is all espresso, light floor and countertops, but look at the great lighting

look at all of the can lights in the small space of the kitchen. bulk of lighting comes in from the door and huge window. bounces light off of the white countertops.

you could do lighter perimeter cabs and an espresso island (or black or dark walnut stain) if you like. I like this better for your space

dark island, white cabinets. recessed lights a must!

or something like this. notice the lighting

I agree with Dan. Why spend all that money without taking the opportunity to improve the layout?

If You’re committed to espresso cabinets, you need to get a good lighting plan in place. Beth gave you examples of how it might work as all espresso, and with a combination of light and dark.
I put in 12 recessed lights in my ivory kitchen. It made a HUGE difference. You’ll need that no matter what color your kitchen cabinets are.
Would you consider letting Houzzers improve your layout? You can always stay with what you have but some people here are pretty talented.

Thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone! Beth, the light cabinets and lighting do seem to make a difference. RedRyder, I’m open to any help. Thanks!

What are you planning to do with refrigerator placement? Are you building it in and adding cabinets?

Wow, you have a lot of opportunity for added storage with all that space! I would highly suggest working on a more functional layout and adding more cabinetry. Is this your only space for dining as well? Is there room in the budget for a significant amount more of cabinetry? I'm sure if you posted the entire space with dimensions you could get some really helpful layout suggestions from Houzzers. Also, do you have an unfinished basement below and are easily able to move the location of your range? Lots of possibilities here! I would make sure you take full advantage of the entire space!

I’m planning to include cabinets above and on the side of the refrigerator so the whole wall where the refrigerator is will have cabinets. My dining area and kitchen are all in one room.

Beth or anyone else, in the picture with the two chandeliers, are the lighter cabinets painted white or what type of wood would go well with a dark/espresso colored wood? What shade of gray for the walls would be best?

following

If you're replacing cabinets, you really need to do something about that layout.

Sorry, but it's really bad.

What’s wrong with the current layout? What changes would you suggest?

Rekha, you aren't taking full opportunity of your wasted space. (like that entire area where you fridge is). Your range has no working space to the right. none. And on the left is crowded by a microwave. (why isn't that on a table or something next to the fridge?) Where do you prep your food for cooking? To the left of the sink? then you have to carry it over to the stove? That alone makes for a bad layout.

This is just a simple example of your type of layout, but at least the stove has a little counter space to the right.

and this one shows a better layout. (this is a reverse layout to yours)

Your fridge is stuck in the corner on the opposing side. you have ample space in the middle to do something. The dining room area is a whole other possibility.

The point is, you have some great space that is NOT being utilized. Hence the need for a kitchen designer to show you how to maximize and give you the best possible outcome. It's worth a few hundred to have someone come out and show you what you could have

what's to the right of the dining table shown in pic #3? a wall or door?

what are the two doors right off the kitchen (near the stove area) ? If there is any way you could close up that doorway (and rework the entrance to whatever those doors go to), That would give you the perfect new layout!

if there is no possibility of closing off that doorway, then you could do a layout like this.

this pic shows the fridge where yours is now, with additional cabinetry next to it (looks like you could use a large pantry) . to the left of the sink, you could do a peninsula (doesn't have to be a two-tier like shown in this pic). this peninsula would give you more lower cabinets and countertop seatin

For layout help, see this link, posted above:

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first

Ideally you would have uninterrupted flow (and counters) from fridge to sink, and sink to range. The sink to range stretch is where you spend the most time, so prioritize that prep area.

Also, store things where they are used - pots near the range, not on another wall, for example.

Beth, Here are some more pictures of my kitchen.

Regarding the two doors, one leads to the bathroom and the other goes to the basement.

I’m planning to place the microwave up above the stove to free up counter space. Right now I use the island to prep food.

There is a wall on the side of the dining room table. The two panels cover the cat litter boxes but I am thinking to get two of these,

https://www.wayfair.com/pet/pdp/archie-oscar-iglesias-wooden-cat-litter-box-enclosure-w001293475.html

which I can disguise as seating or tables to place plants on. I’m thinking to have these on the wall where the shelf of food is currently.

Im planning to place cabinets above and around the refrigerator because I am in need of a place to store food and this would allow me to get rid of the two racks.

I’m also planning to get an island that has cabinets so I have additional space to store pots and pans.

What do you think of these ideas?

I'd call in a kitchen designer and have them go over other options with you. you have a great space to do something way better.

How do I find a kitchen designer?

Search on Houzz or Google. Ask friends/family.

Just don't use a cabinet company... they are sales people. See if you can find an interior designer who works hourly that also specializes in kitchens and space planning as well. Then you can also get help with your color choices.
Regardless of whether or not you hire/find a designer or if you can't afford one, post your floorplan/design on houzz with all the dimensions and adjoining spaces to get feedback. Some of the regulars here can work magic.

Kitchen Designer, not Interior Designer. They're different.

Cabinet salespeople (and general contractors) are rarely Kitchen Designers, so as Robin says, don't assume someone who sells kitchen cabinets or remodels homes/Kitchens is a designer.

Has someone you know done a Kitchen remodel that turned out unusually well (especially from the functionality point of view -- see the Best Practices/Guidelines and other links Kathi Steele posted above for more information on functionality)? Ask who they used.

Or one that turned out marginal to bad? Avoid that designer!

Houzz is an advertising medium that Pros pay for. You may or may not get a decent one and always beware of online "recommendations", etc. -- as with Amazon, you don't really know which are legitimate and which are not. Personal recommendations are usually best from people you trust and, hopefully, whose Kitchens you've seen in person.

Leave 42-48” (48” is best) of space between the island and perimeter cabinets and between any appliance and other cabinetry.
Espresso is a dark color, so you need to balance it with plenty of white and light colors. We can’t pick your colors for you.

You could also visit some quality kitchen and bath centers with full showrooms. They will usually have multiple lines of cabinetry to offer, as well as counter top materials, hardware, sinks, etc. and have qualified Certified Kitchen Designers on staff. I know of several CKDs who would rather not own their own businesses but would rather work for someone else. The most important factor is to get references.

You could consider hiring a Construction Manager as well. I have architects, designers and a full network of folks who do this well. This process actually saves money in the end by sticking to a budget, creating a scope that accomplishes you needs and sticking to timeframes. I suggest the Savvy Kitchen line at Z Design as a great designer who are very affordable, up to date on current trends and specialize in hearing your needs. Let me know if I can help. Have fun

BTW- love your relaxed kitty cat!

Wood cabinets are classic and timeless. White painted cabinets are too. They are like blue jeans and khakis, different, but both are pants. You are the only person who knows how you use your kitchen. If the layout works for you keep it. I like most of the advice you are getting. But don’t get caught up in trends

Thanks for all your suggestions.

I’m keeping the layout but working to incorporate all other suggestions. The paint color has been changed to “shaded ice”. I also picked out my cabinets: grey shaker top and bottom cabinets and several cabinets around the fridge and a walnut shaker island (see picture). I’m planning to go with white quartz countertops, going to pick the color this weekend! What do you think of the following flooring, backsplash tile and lighting? Suggestions?

Subway tile - Like it? What color grout?
https://www.lowes.com/pd/allen-roth-Wavecrest-White-Gloss-4-in-x-12-in-Ceramic-Subway-Tile-Common-4-in-x-12-in-Actual-12-75-in-x-4-25-in/50122055

Vintage walnut hardwood flooring
https://www.homedepot.com/p/American-Vintage-Walnut-Copper-Spiced-1-2-in-Thick-x-5-in-Width-x-Varying-Length-Eng-Hardwood-Flooring-28-sq-ft-EAMV512WCS/306905198

Brushed Nickel Island Chandelier
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-Boswell-Quarter-5-Light-Brushed-Nickel-Island-Chandelier-with-Weathered-Wood-Accents-7965HDCDI/304094508

Thanks!

these are nice options. since everything is solid, don't be afraid to do a countertop w/some movement. Or, if you get a solid quartz, then pick a backsplash w/something more than 'white waves'.

This TajMajal quartzite would be perfect w/your grays and wood.

here's my pick. Taj, and Horizons Glass subway tile in Driftwood. (I 'd change the hardware to a very soft bronze/light brass)

btw,,here is a quartzite called Blue Rome. beautiful match w/your cabs

caesarstone Symphony quartz w/white glass inverted tiles and warmer gray cabs

bronze glass tiles w/marble look quartz

The Weybourne quartz and white glass inverted tiles are beautiful! Would these go well together? Is a dark grout used to make the tiles stand out?

Hi all, I need help making a decision on my flooring. I’m thinking to go with a solid hickory hardwood in sable. Do you think this shade will go well with grey cabinets and a walnut island (see cabinet pics)? The pictures I’ve looked at with this shade flooring all look different and the store doesn’t have a sample. I need to stay within a $4 range and would like to go with 5-inch planks. Any help would be great. Thanks!

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Pergo-American-Era-5-in-Sable-Hickory-Solid-Hardwood-Flooring-19-sq-ft/1000042233

Thank you! He’s the primary reason for why I’m thinking to go with hickory hardwood. Just need to figure out if sable is the right shade.

Don't make any decisions on such a large purchase as flooring without samples. Pergo can send you samples directly I believe.