darbuka , it's all about perspective. What you are showing seems to me like a fair amount of light weight stainless pots and pans. Yes, drawers can hold it, yes, they can hold cast iron, but i doubt a drawer can store three-five heavy cast iron pans and after 5 years the hardware will work the same.

But i know that no matter how much heavy stuff i put on the shelf - it still will be there after 10 years even :) That was my point.

Well here's mine after 3. No issues. That's a set of 3 cast iron pans 8", 10" and 12" (12 gets used the most so it's on top) and a 7 quart Dutch oven. And yes, a stainless steel pot. I'll take the ease of using this any day over trying to dig this out of a cabinet (and I do use this drawer almost daily as my cast iron is probably my #1 pan). And even if I have to replace my drawer hardware in 10 years? Well worth it. Obviously you feel differently but claiming that drawers are trendy and not as functional as a cabinet just isn't true. Not trying to start a war but also not wanting the OP or anyone else reading this to think your experience is anything close to the norm.

Great it worked for you.

Just to stick up for ikea I have 36” drawers stacked TO THE TOP with stoneware. I’m only four years in with this kitchen but they get used all the time and I can bump them closed with my hip.

“iron, but I doubt a drawer can store three-five heavy cast iron pans and after 5 years the hardware will work the same.”

As I said, we’ve been storing several heavy cast iron pans in the drawers, in addition to what’s seen in the pic. 8 years, the drawers are as sturdy as the day they were installed.

But, you can make statements of what you imagine reality to be…while the rest of us with all drawers, have documented evidence. Many folks on this forum have kept complete sets of dishes in lower drawers…for a multitude of years, with nary a change in hardware structure.

But hey, you enjoy opening doors, bending down to peer into a cavity in order to find and lift out what you’re looking for. Really. May your shelves give you great pleasure.

Amazing 🍿..

There is drawer hardware and then there is drawer hardware that can hold 150 or 220 pounds and more. My pot drawers had the 150 slides and there is no way I could have got that much weight in one drawer (some le cruset included). Drawers are better as long as the correct hardware is installed.

I should also add that the drawers are constructed properly to handle weight. No different than a shelf, which must also be constructed properly and installed correctly to handle weight. The shelves in my current kitchen are crap and can’t hold anything.

Layout is looking pretty good! I am glad you nixed the island cooktop and the separate wall ovens.

I have a few suggestions for you to consider.

1) Move the microwave drawer to the other side of the island that faces towards the fridge.

This takes the snack zone out of the middle of the cleanup zone and/or secondary prep zone (island). Most mw foods usually come from the fridge, freezer, or pantry, so it is seems like it would be more convenient on that side.

This would allow you to put a wider drawer base on the island across from the DW. I have that exact setup and it makes it very easy to unload the DW into the drawers. I store silverware in the top shallow drawer, two sets of heavy dishes in the middle drawer, and glass storage containers in the bottom drawer.

(Btw, I asked my KD if I should upgrade to the stronger drawer glides since I wanted to store heavy dishes, pots and pans, etc… in them. She said the glides that come standard with my Schuller cabinets would be plenty strong. Ten years later, and the soft close drawers still work perfectly.)

Another option for dish storage would be the base cabinet to the right of the dw. That might be easier for unloading silverware because I cannot tell how wide your isle is between the dw and island. Mine is wide enough to stand in between the wide open drawer and the dw door down. Regardless of where you store stuff, I would change that cabinet to be a drawer stack anyways. Glassware will obviously go in the pretty glass cabinet above it. Love that look! 😍

2) If possible, cut the side wall next to the fridge back to be in line with the pantry cabinet/frdige box. It would still hide the side of the fridge, but the doors would be able to sit proud of the wall and fully open for cleaning the bins. If that is not possible, maybe split the big pantry into two narrow pantries. One on each side of the fridge.

3) If possible, I would remove the side wall on the right that is next to the glass cabinet completly. I think it will look so pretty to see that whole cabinet sitting on the counter. It would let a little more light from the window, and make it feel more open.

4) I agree that the angled corner upper should be changed to an easy reach. Angled cabinets are a dated look and are also harder to store things.

If you post the overhead layout with the dimensions, we might be able to see a few other improvements for you.

Okay one more thing.…

I think I see pullout spice drawers on either side of the stove. I would reconfigure that wall to get rid of those and to also to give you a little more countertop space to the left of the CT/ovens. Then, I would do a 36” super susan in the corner.

The voided corner sometimes makes sense in a small kitchen to get some drawer storage, but I think a SS would work better here verses wasting the corner space. You would adjust the drawers to the left of the sink of course. 😉

A few visual ideas on storage that might work in your space. (Depending on the specs)

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Beautiful!!

Here is the new layout. I included many of the accessories suggested above. Two questions:

1. should the glass cabinets be next to the window or above the oven?
2. is it ok to have the oven next to the microwave?

Here is the measured layout. Please ignore the pictures on this post ( other than the measurements).

3” is not enough space between wall and fridge for the fridge door to open completely. You will want at least 6”. Consider flipping the fridge and pantry.

Here are the previous

Which rendering are you going with? You have a beautiful (previous) kitchen rendering.

Trying to decide. The glass cabinets by the window or glass cabinets above the oven?

Window, and don't do the trim piece across the top of the window either. Glass cabinets next to window will help lighten the look. Also, that's a logical place to store dishes and glassware, which are the items that look good behind glass. Over the oven I would think you would want baking ingredients, oils, spices, things that aren't so attractive.

You are going to put the cooktop on the island after all? Why?

I feel that putting the stove on the island gives me more storage.

As someone who cooks in a smallish kitchen with the cooktop on the island, it is awful. I would do anything to change it. People are constantly getting in the way, even if theres no reason to. Its messy, it takes up valuable counterspace.

How messy can it get? More messy than cooking on a standard stove that is not on an island?

I'm amazed at the folks who object to a cooktop on an island, but some are willing to put their main sink there.

You have created the storage that you posted about - so - don't let anyone deter you from what you know is right for you - and your family.

You literally cannot create more storage. It's impossible. Your kitchen is not bigger, you didn't have more cabinets. Maybe your storage is different (drawers not cabinets) but it's not more. It will be the same cubic feet of storage. Math doesn't lie.

As all appliances are not exactly the same (should be obvious), cooktops on islands are not the same as sinks on islands.  Tons of threads about why.

BTW if you put the cooktop there your dishwasher will open up into the back of the cook.

I do not have a pantry, I do not have deep drawers or cabinets around the island. So with the new set up I would have all that. The size of the kitchen would not change but the placement would and that’s what is making a difference.

There's cubic feet of storage, and there's functional, efficient storage. Your plan above does not make efficient use of the space you have. Examples: a 36" sink base (move that 6" to a drawer stack); an angled upper cabinet (lots of actual space, but only the first 6" can be reached); pullouts next to the cooktop (which you may or may not like - I've seen mixed reviews); those pullouts leave you with two 12" drawer stacks (which are of limited usefulness).

To fully understand what I mean, you need to develop a storage plan for the entire kitchen - determine where every plate, pot, towel, utensil, and small appliance will go. Hint: things should be located near their point of use. Near the stove: pots and pans, cooking utensils, oils and spices, potholders. Near the sink: knives, cutting boards, colanders, trash. Near the DW: dishes and flatware. Near the fridge: leftover containers, bags and wraps. On the counter: either you want a clear, uncluttered counter, which means you need a place for small appliances, or you need the counter space to leave out the mixer, coffee maker, and toaster. As you create the storage plan, measure what you have, so you know exactly what will fit where.

Once the plan is complete, go through the exercise of preparing a meal: a pasta dish with a salad and garlic bread. Imagine gathering the ingredients, prepping them, cooking them. Set the table, and either clean up as you go, or pile up the prep/cooking dishes - whichever is your habit now. Serve the meal, and clean up afterwards. Imagine the path you take - and the interferences if there are multiple people in the kitchen.

Most often, the storage plan drives the cabinet plan. In our last kitchen remodel (a U shape), I considered every conceivable contraption and device for accessing the space in the corners. One corner got a super susan; the other had me baffled for weeks. The corner was between the sink and range. I already had other spaces for rarely used or bulky items (often stashed in a corner); what I desperately needed was more drawer space. I ended up making a dead corner, with drawers on each side (one 18" wide, the other 24" wide). I used those drawers every single day, and never missed the "lost" space in the corner. But it wasn't until I went through the exercise outlined above that I determined what I really needed in that corner. "Where am I going to put cooking utensils? Potholders? Towels and dishcloths? Canisters of flour, rice, pasta?" Drawers were the obvious solution.

One of the best advice so far. Thank you so much.

I am imagining myself cooking a meal with one or two people helping or wanting to use the kitchen at the same time. Sorry if this offends you, but I find this plan to be extremely dysfunctional.

How will people access the DW when someone is cooking?

If someone is prepping next to the sink on the left, (so they do not block the dw or bother the chef) what happens if someone wants to use the MW? Do you have to stop chopping and move out of the way for them to put in the food and then a second time after it is done?

Most FD fridges need the doors to fully extend to remove the bins for cleaning. This might not happen often, but imagine doing this task even a couple times a year. Is there enough space left in the isle after clearing the wall to remove the bins or will you jam your backside against the seating overhang?

What is your planned flooring? If it is hardwood as shown, will rolling the fridge out multiple times (even with protection on the floor) damage your flooring over time? I have Ipe wood flooring, one of the hardest woods there is, and even with cardboard and a thick rug, I have two indented stripes on the floor from the wheels. 😤

I see more issues with storage locations, but the DW behind the cooking zone is the worst.

But, this is your kitchen. It doesn’t matter whether someone on the internet thinks it functions well or not. If you love it and think it will work great for you and your family, then you should go for it!

You are amazing! No offense at all. This is the whole purpose of me posting this. I need help please!!
This is such of huge investment that needs to be right. I am grateful you took the time to look at this picture. May I please ask, what would you do? Where would you place the appliances? I am now going back to the original idea of having the stovetop back to the wall.
I need a hood, and a place for my coffee machine.
Thank you.

There are 46 inches from the DW to the island. I can extend the Island to 6x6. Right now the island is 4.3x4.9.
The microwave would be a drawer microwave.

The rooms around the kitchen

Hi Fabiola,

I don’t know if you saw this layout I did for you. I think I posted it with a lengthy explaination, but then I decided to delete after a week or so went by and you didn’t respond. I must have been in a mood that day Sorry! 😆

Anyways, I was deleting some of my photos just now and saw it. Then I felt bad, like maybe you just missed seeing it for some odd reason. Anyways, here it is in case it is not to late. If you like it or want me to explain any of the details, just let me know. Hope your new kitchen turns out great! 💗

Oh my gosh, No!! I went MIA because my mom fell ill and I had to go help her. I am incredibly grateful for the time you put it to my plan. I actually decided on a layout very similar to the one above. Work will be starting in October. I am very excited!! Thank you so much for your help. You are wonderful.

Oh I am so sorry about you mom and so glad you saw it and it helped. That makes me happy! Please come back and share pictures of the kitchen when it is finished. Id love to see it!😍

Will do. Thank you for all the support.
Please remind me of the name of apparatus that will keep my dogs off my couch? Thank you

I got two of these, the longest size.

I drape a light throw blanket over it so they won’t see the mat and figure it out. I propped a pillow over the on/off switch.

It doesn’t shock them. It just beeps super loud and won’t quit until they get off. Only took a couple times. I left them on until I thought they were trained, but a couple months later I saw evidence of one one the loveseat. I put it back on there and a couple days later heard the beep from my room. He came to my room with this sheepish look on his face. It was hilarious!

Oh my gosh, you made my day with this. My two favorite lazy dogs LOVE anything soft and warm but I do not love them on my furniture anymore since I noticed they been scratching it. Thank you for the tip. I will definitely order a couple of these mats.
In a different note, I need help choosing paint colors. I love the feeling I get when I walked into RH any suggestions?

The color of my cabinets and countertops

Colors I think I like plus the color of my couch.

Cute pups!

Those wood cabinets are beautiful and look great with the countertop. I love the knobs and pulls too. It will be gorgeous!

Hard to judge paints online, but it looks like the bottom ”white” is to yellow, and the left one seems slightly too bright. I think the one on the right is a winner!

Thank you. I got all three color to try out so will see which one (if any) I decided to go with. I really appreciate your input and advice.
My sofa scram will be arriving on Saturday. My pops will be very unhappy 🤣

Rebunky, trying to upload updates pics but having problem :(

The first pic in your latest post looks fabulous!

Thank you. I am excited but now I need help finding countertops. Would you please vote for one of the stones in my latest post. Thank you

Here is my new kitchen and I am in love with it.

Thank you to all of you for your encouragement and words of wisdom. I got the storage space I so desperately needed.

I can see why… your new kitchen looks great!

Beautiful!

Gorgeous!

Beautiful kitchen! I especially like the framing around the window (and lucky you to have such a big kitchen window!)

Thank you. That window used to be 2 small windows so a few years ago I decided to changed it to the current one. And this time I decided to add the wide black frame to it. My sweet husband made and painted the frame.