Is this layout ok

4 years ago

This is my current kitchen, which is open to the living room. I don't bake and don't love to cook but have kids so it happens. I'm not sure if a better layout would help things or if this is good. I do not have a separate dining room and will be keeping the dining table (sits 6 with a little crowding without the leaves in). The window on the 12 ft wall behind the table (left side of pic) is lower than average counter height (there's actually a chest freezer currently under it but will eventually move that back to the garage).

Currently spices are in the upper between the stove and patio door. The upper on the other side of the stove is plates/bowls, but after reading here I'm considering moving them next to the fridge as that corner gets crowded when preparing food. That corner has the standard long cabinet (nothing making it more accessible) I just couldn't figure out how to place it correctly in the diagram.

No uppers along the dishwasher/sink run as that is open to the living room. There's an extended counter behind the sink for counter height seating.

Thanks!

I used this site to make the diagram if the screenshot isn't that clear. https://home.by.me/en/project/krisnewjunk-2162/kitchen-1

Featured Answer

herbflavor

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

or place the L shape on the 7 foot fridge wall and the peninsula comes out from where it says pantry. I'd move the fridge to the pantry spot on the other side of the garage door. this frees up the long section to the side of french doors adjacent to living room for the dining set up. With this kitchen needing to also house the dining scenario you want to enhance that a little more. dining possibilities expand if you situate the table away from garage door action and closer to living room.....much nicer permanent spot and will be better if you had to sell. the table in your sketch looks crammed in... two door passages on either end.....place the table away from that. the compromise is the fridge in that spot next to garage door but I think you will gain with better seating venue...... a drop leaf table up against that section of wall could easily be 6 foot long with the option of pulling it out from wall on occasion ..but with 6 feet of length and a seat on each end youd probably be good most of the time. you can place a low shallow coffee bar under those low slung windows ...12 in deep cabinetry there with counter.....so you gain a nice zone and you'd really use that .....how low are the windows ???? its critical to know for the best options..........heres various uses of low window walls.....if you want the table at this end of space......then pushing it all the way to the windows w a banquette or other may be best. I'd seriously place the table more forward in your space....

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Comments (8)

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mdln
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Yes, it's OK.

I'd probably raise (or build in front of) the windows and do this, with a pantry on top wall something like pictured below.
blackcats13 thanked mdln
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blackcats13
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Thank you!!

@mdln editing - I just realized you gave me a new diagram, thank you!!

@herbflavor the bottom sill is at 32" There isn't a sill that sticks into the room, though the window enclosure is about 2" deep. The table isn't a drop leaf, just an oval that can be expanded by adding leaves to the middle. It's the table I grew up with and is high end solid furniture. So quality + sentiment. It also takes up significant space because it's all arm chairs! Great right? haha .I really like the idea of surrounding the window though. I also would love to move the table. Will see if I can understand/mock up the peninsula change.
mama goose_gw zn6OH
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
You could just do an L for seating, M/L temporary until your kids are older. Storage in benches and a drawer on the short side would be a bonus. I like the plan as it's drawn, but I put a little more distance between the sink and range. Consider using two doors on the pantries, so one doesn't need as much step-back space. Moving dish storage is a great idea; you'd have some zone-crossing, but it would help ease congestion in the corner.
blackcats13 thanked mama goose_gw zn6OH
mcarroll16
4 years ago
I love MDLN's plan, except that I would move the sink and DW to the island. That allows you to open the DW w/o interfering with anyone using the range. Mama goose's plan is very good if you need to keep the water and electrical connections in their current places.
blackcats13 thanked mcarroll16
herbflavor
4 years ago
what is "lower or build in front of windows" regarding the lower situation of rear windows...and getting a cabinet run there....typically the windows have to be changed to get a typical task counter run....For long term to get that exterior wall useable is a smart choice even with the headache of new windows. It should be considered. Freeing up the forward area of the room will give the most options.
blackcats13 thanked herbflavor
blackcats13
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
(Before I saw additional answers) Kinda threw together a couple other options (when I should be working lol). I don't love or hate either :shrug: I feel like the stove/oven should be on an exterior wall, so that would place it by the window or in it's original location. I think I'll add cabinetry to the window wall regardless though...
mama goose_gw zn6OH
4 years ago
I can't take credit for the plan I posted--it's the OP's existing layout, with a couple of tweaks. Blackcats13, in addition to its being economical to keep windows/appliances/plumbing in current locations, if you enjoy interacting with folk in the LR as you prep and cook, then the existing layout is great. Also the dining area has the views.
blackcats13 thanked mama goose_gw zn6OH