Also, does anyone have any suggestions for a really pretty ivory tile that either has a little variation in the glaze or has some texture, maybe handmade? Thank you!!

It's funny that you showed your "before" at the end, because I was going to strongly suggest getting rid of the two corner cabinets that go down to the counter, in favor of the one to the far left, and that's what you have! I think your "after" design looks nice visually, but you're ruining a bunch of prep space with those cabinets, especially the most valuable real estate in the kitchen, the counter between sink and stove!

I think square versus subway is very much a personal taste -- both have been around for a very long time. More important is that you find something that goes with the other finishes in your room and that you like to look at. :)

I have a 1920 house, and I'm doing a 2x8 subway tile - I LOVE this size. I'd look at Fireclay tile.

Are you sure you don't want the window under the sink? Where's the fridge?

Just curious. Where did the ovens go in the ”after” design?

"Where did the ovens go in the ”after” design? "

I was wondering the same thing!

(I also thought: why not sink under window, oven on newly closed wall, with vented hood, etc.)

I think subway or square are both very classic and always fine. i like the chloe tile installs i’ve seen here - nice color variation without the extreme zellige variability that can make it look bad if installation isn’t perfect!

i would definitely reconsider cabs to counter in the middle of your prep space. your prep space next to sink becomes very small with that cabinet. i like above idea of moving sink to window and stove to wall (can’t tell if it’s on penninsula now -would prefer on wall). i’d also take all cabs to ceiling.

Why not have both, square and subway...

Eagle Island Lake House · More Info

Here's eye candy tile for you: https://juleptile.com/damask-handmade-tile/

Hi acm, the spaces where I added the tall cabinets are both corners, so they're out of comfortable reach for prep, and we always have clutter there, such as knife blocks (yes, we have two), a toaster and utensils in those corners. That's why I added the tall cabinets in those corners (they're only about 27" wide x 16" deep). I do need more counter space though, and the current tall cabinet next to the window is in a space I can easily reach. So for me, I think this will work for functionality.

Do you think my new plan looks bad, or do you just think it lacks functionality for the way you'd use it???

Thanks so much for your help!

acm, I re-read your comment. You did say the "after" look nice visually. Thanks again!

Hi Sally, I agree the sink should be under the window. I was afraid it would cost too much to move it, and we've already expanded the budget, but I'll ask our contractor how much it would be. I started out just planning to paint the cabinets, replace the appliances (several are broken), get new counters and backsplash, but the cabinets are in too bad of condition to just paint. The the project kept growing.

The refrigerator is on a wall of floor to ceiling cabinets across from the sink; it's panel ready. The oven will be a 43" double oven range where the cooktop is pictured.

Sally, thanks for the Fireclay suggestion!

Jenny, thanks, that is pretty!

Sue, that's an interesting idea! That would solve my dilemma. Thanks!

Iharpie, I haven't heard of Chloe tile. I'll definitely look into that. I agree with your suggestions. I really don't like the stove top on the peninsula, because the vent hood is right between the kitchen and the den. I was trying to make the kitchen look and function better without having to do as much construction. Maybe it would be worth it to ask our contractor how hard and expensive it would be to move the range and the sink.

I still like the tall cabinets:/ With the tall cabinets I'll have 28" on either side of the sink. Do ya'll still not think that's enough? I really can't reach those corners for prepping.

Thanks for your ideas!

I would definitely price out moving everything - might be out of range but worth considering. for instance i’d rather have a functional layout than built in fridge. ;)

typically 36” minimum for prepping. 28” would feel very cramped. You may not use all of the corner but i’d at least use half regularly to place stuff ready to be chopped or bowls of stuff ready to go. not to mention more wet stuff to get on cabinets… i have 4’ and love it!

TILE.............is a wall protector, and a decorative element, IN NO CASE does it need to be ordered now. In no case does it need to be selected now. It can not be applied until counter tops are installed, and that is at the end of a project.

There is no good kitchen plan on the face of the earth, where this should, a first or even second consideration.

Kitchens, whether remodel or new begin with function. They are "appliance driven" by design, which means both ice and fire, and yes......the wet and where you locate all three of these.

Storage of all the prepping materials, dining and and serve.....all of this adequately lit.

The cabinetry, both in style and finish in conjunction with flooring, counter tops, and nearly at the end or even AFTER tops are installed is when you "worry" about tiling a back splash.

Where is the FLAT on paper plan for this space? The one with every foot and inch noted that includes all the walls in feet and inches, cabinet sizing, appliances, the openings, windows and passages, and even the surrounding spaces.?

Show that, please? Do I like the existing layout plan? No. Sorry: )

Since your cooktop is on the peninsula, and you have only a sink against the wall and then a large window and long cabinet on the other wall, you could just do a short marble backsplash.

This one has a short behind the range as well, which I would not suggest, but I think the short marble looks nice in a traditional/historic kitchen. Lots of tile in the kitchen probably started in the 1920s-30s modern/sanitary kitchen.

You could even consider a Kohler Gilford sink which has a backsplash if you are going for authenticity.

Beautiful!