Software
Houzz Logo Print
delaney_digrigoli

What to do with awkward corner in open concept kitchen?

6 years ago

I hate my weird open concept layout downstairs. There isn't actually enough room to put a table there - barely enough room for a 2 seater, and definitely not enough for a 4 seater. Both the pantry door and door to outside open into this area. It looks way too crowded and I can't open the pantry if I put a table there, but it looks weirdly empty if I have nothing there. I have kind of "created" a dining area in the other main area, so it feels kind of crowded in the living room and then kind of empty there. Any ideas for something to either put on the wall or something narrow in width to put on the floor so that the pantry still opens?


Comments (23)

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    You can add shelving for display and storage..








  • 6 years ago

    Can you find a narrow bifold doos?

  • 6 years ago

    Entry bench with a boot tray underneath? A small table to catch mail and keys as you go in and out, maybe with art above it? A charging station?

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    slim profile storage cabinet, like these (from Ikea):









  • 6 years ago

    What about a small table at the end of the counter. Would still have walking distance to doors.
    https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/white-traditional-kitchen-traditional-kitchen-dc-metro-phvw-vp~12758420

    Delaney Di thanked mriege
  • 6 years ago

    Don’t you just love open concept?

    Delaney Di thanked Mark Brunner
  • 6 years ago



    Delaney Di thanked Katie B.
  • 6 years ago

    Have you considered bringing the wall out taking up some of that space and changing the pantry entrance? It would be a lovely walk in spacious pantry. You could use part of the space for a coffee bar. May be a bit radical but I think it would improve flow and function. Good luck.

    Delaney Di thanked Christy Reves
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I would need to see photos of all four walls to understand how your kitchen is arranged. Do you need what appears to be an exterior door on the left side of the picture? If you could close up this door or move it farther away from the pantry, you could add cabinets on this side of the room. On the right side of the photo is something that might be an island. Is this the best idea for your kitchen when so much wall space on the "door" side is empty? Please show pictures of all four walls.

    Delaney Di thanked sheilaskb
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I have no idea without seeing the whole space but IMO anything you put there will get hit by the doors and spend money on some decent lighting instead.

    Delaney Di thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 6 years ago

    Here’s a thought. Have the pantry door swing in. Our pantry door does. There are two walls of shelves snd we use the third wall to hang our vacuum. (Shark) that the head folds flat against the wall. A good place to stash my recycled plastic bag hanger too. Depends on the size of your pantry I suppose.

    Delaney Di thanked Mark Brunner
  • 6 years ago

    Don’t put anything there unless both doors can open fully and you can access the pantry easily. Maybe you can just add a piece of art and leave it at that. How about a “window” frame with an outdoor photo poster to imitate a real window-with-a-view?

    Delaney Di thanked felizlady
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Change your pantry door to make more space for a table. It sounds like, functionally, you need a table in that space.





    Maybe get a front door that opens the other direction?

    Delaney Di thanked Katie B.
  • 6 years ago

    Oh, I didn't make it clear. That is a back door that just leads to my yard.

  • 6 years ago

    Just a thought. Change the swing of the pantry door to go "inwards" then you may

    have room for a table and couple of chairs,

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Put a new counter top on the island and have it extend by 12-15" . Then add counter stools. Done.

  • 6 years ago

    Quick/cheap way is to center a colorful piece of art 5' above the floor and invest in a new semi-flush light fixture. Expensive upgrade would be to enlarge the pantry, putting the pantry door facing the kitchen.

  • 6 years ago

    In my small breezyway I had a table that connects to wall that I lifted up with a table leg on floor.. Or table in LR. Put a tall plant in kitchen if want.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    A simple solution to give you more room for a table is to remove the pantry door and replace it with a curtain. You can hang the rod inside the pantry, or use a decorative rod and clip rings across the top of the opening. Something very neutral or even something fun and kitchen-y like this.

  • 6 years ago


    Would you consider putting a small table against your island?

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    There is no space for barn doors for sure, IMO hang a piece of art and be done. Walk in pantries have IMO limited space to begin with and an inswing door makes that even smaller. I think if we could see the space we might be able to give better ideas so when the OP posts pics that would be agood time to add answers.

  • 6 years ago

    No room that direction, turn it to a "T" form. Or put in back of cabinet.

Sponsored
Mary Shipley Interiors
Average rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars34 Reviews
Columbus OH Premier Interior Designer 10x Best of Houzz