We are due to close on our house soon. But before we move In, we have our hearts set on redoing the kitchen. It needs a LOT of TLC, and we're lucky to have a month-to-month lease at our current apartment, and my (very handy) brother's help.

The main part of the kitchen is an 8x9 u-shape (not pictured - the hallway from the living room cuts through, with the fridge in it's own little nook on that back wall. The flooring is currently a sheet of vinyl that is rippling up in parts. Counters are laminate, with one ill-fitted piece of some other type of countertop that is jutting up on the sides. Cabinets are worn, dirty and ill-fitting. The space is just - not good.

Plans:

• Replace the sink in front of the window with something nicer
• add in a dishwasher
• new range oven and microwave to replace what's currently there
• remove the soffit
• new cabinets: the graphic shows 40" uppers all the way around extending to the ceiling - but not sure if we should do open shelving on a side.
• Butcher block countertops
• Flooring - TBD
• Backsplash - leaning toward subway tile
• Floor to ceiling pantry cabinet on the front, left side - I like house this looks, but worried how it will when standing in the kitchen.
• Not shown: open shelves on either side of the window OR add one more set of cabinets
• Not shown: matte black or brass hardware, and pendant light over the sink

Would love feedback and ideas from anyone who's willing to offer them :)