You’re welcome! Happy New Year and all the Best!! :)

There's potentially mind blowing amount of storage in this kitchen for someone who cooks to stay alive?: )

I could have written a couple novels while finding ways of avoiding doing all my pre tax time dreaded deeds.....and/or things like this versus the dreaded.

Not even showing the pantry available in what was the fridge space.

( ignore the island , left off a drawer base as I was on the phone )

Wow, Jan! Your renderings are absolutely awesome! They’ve completely reignited my excitement for my kitchen renovation—something I was starting to lose interest in because of the layout issues. Seeing these ideas makes me think a better-planned kitchen might even make me enjoy cooking.

I’m so grateful for all the time and advice you’ve given me. A few things I need to decide:

1. Microwave Drawer: My husband isn’t thrilled with the idea. He says he doesn’t want to be looking down to heat his coffee, leftovers, etc. Given that we’re a tall family (I’m the “short one” at 5’9”), and we have a couple of our tall boys back home (temporarily?!), do you think that should make me reconsider the microwave drawer?
2. Range vs. Cooktop: Should I consider returning the range and switching to a cooktop? If so, I assume I’d need to relocate the oven to where the current refrigerator is, which might also require a landing spot nearby. That would probably affect the refrigerator location too. Do you think it’s worth the hassle to make this change, or should I stick with the range? I really love the idea of a pantry in that spot if I keep the range.
3. Measurements: Good news! The measurement from the dining room wall across to the back wall with the desk area is actually 171", not 169". So, I have an extra 2 inches to work with for clearances and such.

Thanks again for your patience and guidance! (Thinking of splurging on a SZ fridge since I'll be saving money on the structural budget.)

I think there is NO need to return the range! At first blush, my concern was storage and the bonus of drawers beneath it ( seems you have plenty in these renderings?! ...But you also have to consider what you or hubby like to cook/eat. Some people regularly need two ovens! Some have nearly abandoned theirs for an air fryer. Plenty pf folks just use a Breville on the counter or similar if they need a second oven and that is usually a holiday issue.

As to the bend down for a micro, it's directly below the counter top and not much different than reaching into a deeper flatwear drawer , but that's up to you.

You can tweak the fridge wall.....and do this, and it's above the counter. You simply turn around and either cook wall or island is right there for a set down.

You Can add it to the cook wall.............but the PENALTY is a 36 inch opening to dining room versus the 60 " of more view and light.: ) because you don't want to crowd a cook top area which is also prep space.

You can also take the formerly dysfunctional desk wall and make it a breakfast/anything wall.

All those lower drawers are as simple as pie for DW unload, Up onto the island counter, and stow on that side . ! It's the biggest WASTE of real estate in the kitchen. Make it everything breakfast! A wall micro is 400 bucks. Have a second! built right in. The sizes don't change.New ones do convection and other tricks for more bucks. Beverage drawers milk, juice, whatever .

All those plastic ugly running bottles with straws....? Over here?

The point in this wall? It isn't the most useful wall, once you get the sink and cook venting where they make the most sense . Make it useful.!! Turn around and there's your perch for morning at the island or at a table looking out the darn slider and window. The coffee, and toaster aren't taking up cook area real estate and there's no reason to hide that which is a daily necessity.

I would definitely not change fridge locale and I am trying to keep the OLD fridge locale as more pantry space. (Good for not much else ). If you NEED a second oven on a wall? It would go there and you just carefully trek to island for set down. Sink, Fridge and Cooktop locations are the most important in this rather challenging.....kitchen?

It's hip thigh and why appliance drive the rest.

That's why you also look in those drawers and cupboards for what you use most often, and what you never use at all. : )

When do you even sleep, Jan? I feel like I’ve just taken a three-day master class in kitchen design! So much awesome info. I think most of my layout questions have been answered, but I do have one more :):

Should I absolutely go with a 36" base cabinet for the sink, or would a 30" or 33" be better to give me a few extra inches of prep space? Any thoughts on that?

I can’t thank you enough for all your help and guidance—so much appreciation!

The other thing you might want to consider ( micro ) is......this? And a bit less opening to dining room - not a deal breaker

and also consider....HOW MUCH you really need in storage and maybe make that desk wall have a "view"? and some ART?

Or Fridge/freeze

Putting some breakfast /snack components along with drink is nice near a patio exit....and nobody in the cooks way or whomever got stuck with clean up.

Only you know is the answer to what's best for you. .

Me? I cook and eat and CLEAN up at blinding speed and efficiency. I loathe cleaning up after a fantastic ( if I say so myself ) meal. I have a galley and two can not share it. My toaster is in the pantry for once a week use. I would ABSOLUTELY DIE without my George Forman grill, the cheapie with removal grill plates and no temp control. Fantastic for a strip steak, chicken thighs, salmon, lollipop lamb chops. (I keep a spare in the basement lest it die lol )

I can roast a chicken, make a big salad, some rice, pull that chicken out of the oven, carve it up on the spot. Take what I want for the meal, get rid of all carcass, stow the remaining poultry , wash the 9 x 13 dish, all before I eat, .....and when done eating? All I do is rinse my plate, the wine glass, and utensils and into the D.W. Finito! and the kitchen looks like nobody was ever in it.

I don't use a dish drainer, never have. Hate sink side "do it later". That's what the D.W is for. A big pot? Soap, a scrubbie , quick wipe dry and back where it goes, AS it is used and before the meal. Call me neurotic, and possibly due to I work from home. A mess anywhere is distracting.

Everyone is different. ........You Know You.

You can't change the house to an open concept . The great room isn't wide open to the kitchen and never will be. That doesn't mean you can not love the kitchen or the house: ) !

God Bless George Forman!!!!......and yup, now and then I do use the oven: ) roast a chicken every Sunday in winter or.....fat pills. Girls gotta eat and life is short.

PERFECT strip steak, 4min, 45 sec rare

same with Lollipop lamb chops.

!0/10 min for thighs bone in w/skin flip half way

and it's a love affair: )

Believe it or not? You can get a fantastic sink, to fit in as little as 30" CABINET. It's less about the sink size, than the additional storage: )

Just remember the garbage disposal is under there too, so you DEFINITELY want an air switch button on the counter top for that. Easy peasy. No it doesn't ruin the look of a counter top.

I used to have a George Foreman grill and absolutely loved it! I guess it got lost in the move... 20 years ago! I’m hoping that with a new, modern microwave, I can streamline things and get rid of a few small appliances. When I am home and sitting, I spend most of my time in the nook so having the coffee bar/microwave would be convenient.

Also, I forgot to mention the kitchen ceiling—no soffits, just 8 ft ceilings everywhere except in the nook.

If venting to the outside were equally easy on either the dining wall or the laundry wall, would that make a difference in your design recommendations? Would you see any advantage with moving the cooking area to the back wall and having the coffee bar/beverage area closer to the dining room? It might be a completely moot point, but I thought I’d ask just in case.:) . I need to get an updated quote from the contractor and get a movin'.

Nope...........!!

I can't imagine that this is easier venting

I loathe the current locale of fridge. .....so over here?

At some point you'll make yourself crazy : )

And locating a cook on the former desk wall? Can' love that, but that's me and it really put that darn fridge back to the spot i hate?

Thanks again, Jan. Noted!

I will stick with larger opening into the dining room to gain as much light as possible. Microwave on 95" wall with refrigerator. Done!

@pamlikesslabs

Check this thread out..... a reno on a tight budget and a tornado: )

There's virtually nothing that can't be BETTER by a lot, and budgets determine how much better.

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/6450924/reconfiguring-kitchen-on-a-budget#29342857

Houzzers forget what they commented on, so it's nice when folks come back with results after we beat them to death for the feet and the inches.

By the way and given the light you so want? Make sure you account for it....while you're making the mess.

Even a broadly day lit kitchen is dark in the dark of night.

(x is under cabinet wherever it shall make sense in final cabinetry layout)

Thank you, Jan, for this lighting plan! Our island pendant light has been driving us nuts—no dimmer, and the bulbs are way too bright. We could switch the bulbs to something softer, but one of my boys bumped his head and cracked the glass cover on one, so we can’t even get to the bulb without risking the cover breaking. The little things! Knowing we were planning to renovate, we've just been living with it. Amazing what you can tolerate without realizing it---until you make the change.

I love the look of stylish pendants over an island, but with low ceilings, would that create too much visual clutter?

The link you sent--what a beautiful kitchen. Huge improvement with layout, function, space and pathways. Love it. Gives me hope! :)

So grateful for all of the help.

Stay far away in pendants, from clear glass, from totally open shades......!! A pendant with a solid shade will force the light DOWN onto counter where you need it to cut/slice/dice! At the right height and number it isn't "visual clutter" .and should relate to a dining table fixture,

But...you CAN do three recessed over the island.

It has gotten to be an absurd problem......all of them: ( I've used this again just recently. She has eye issues and can't do any glare)

does exactly what we want.

Thank you, Jan!

I’m trying to get myself organized so I can have all the details ready for the contractor to provide an updated quote. Here are a few questions I’m wrestling with:

1. Island Extension: Is there any way to extend my island to 90"? My husband has a large Boos block that we currently tuck behind a cabinet in the dining room. I’d love to create a slot for it in the island. I’d also like to maximize counter space to have a 42" prep area on the island to the right of the sink.Could I do two seats in an L-shape near the fridge/pantry? Or would that be too tight for clearances and pathways?
2. Dishwasher Placement: Does it make sense to put the dishwasher on the left side of the sink so that, when open, it doesn’t block the path to the fridge? Or is that not a big deal?
3. Range Wall: I’m thinking of a 30" range with 36" drawers on each side to make up the 108". I think the original plan you shared had smaller drawers, but I need to review.
4. Pendants: Would two or three pendants work best? (I love the one you sent!)
5. Beverage Fridge: I’m still debating whether to include a beverage fridge along the desk wall. We have another frig/freezer in our garage. Maybe just a personal choice. Luxury vs necessity. (I'm pretty practical!)
6. Cabinetry and Counters: I’ve decided on my floors but am debating between a cream/wood cabinetry mix or keeping all wood. I have a lot of black walnut harvested from my dad’s farm in Iowa, and I’d love to incorporate it—maybe for counters or as trim on the hood. However, most cabinet makers and woodworkers I’ve spoken to aren’t interested in using it; they prefer to use their own materials. Is it worth continuing to search for someone who will use it or move on from that idea?

Thanks again for your advice and help—I really appreciate it! Making some headway.

Island Extension: Is there any way to extend my island to 90"? My husband has a large Boos block that we currently tuck behind a cabinet in the dining room. I’d love to create a slot for it in the island. I’d also like to maximize counter space to have a 42"

______________

Answer: It would have to slide 6 inches toward the microwave wall or you will tale a hip off when you head to the slider with a tray of meat or veggies from the cook wall.

____________________

Range wall: FINE!!

_________________

PENDANTS: I think 2 on 84/90 is plenty. It's size and style dependent

_________________________

Bev fridge and little luxuries are just that. Appliance choice to be accommodated in the CABINET design and layout fro the beginning

____________________

Finishes and counter tops and flooring are personal and simply need to harmonize well and contrast attractively. Wood on counter, wood stain cabinets and wood on floor..........and you WANT MORE LIGHT??? Or a cabin in the deep woods? : )

Harvested wood has to be "cooked". Literally.

You are at stage 1 of a multi step plan. Go online and look at wood stain kitchen , painted....etc. You have to inspire you, and then interpret the inspiration to suit you and YOUR kitchen.

A painted soft white perimeter would be lovely with a wood stain island......and yes trim on a hood.

There are a zillion options.

Thank you for your response! Apologies for the delay—my kitchen plans got derailed for a few days. You make a good point about the walnut; if I'm concerned about light in my kitchen, it might not be the best choice. Noted—I'll move on from that idea! 😊

As for the refrigerator wall, I'm still debating between keeping my current inexpensive fridge or upgrading to a Sub-Zero. Argh! Does the placement of the refrigerator along the wall impact functionality, or is it primarily an aesthetic decision? I'm wondering about counter space—if I move the refrigerator closest to the dining room entry, it would give me a longer run of counter space between it and the pantry. Or I could put it in the middle of the wall. I added a photo below of this (not the desk area) . Bad idea?

Another idea I'm considering is adding a second garbage pullout along that wall. Would that be overkill? Like you said, I think I'll have enough cabinetry. Working on inventorying now. I'm wondering if having two 12" garbage cabinets would work? It might give me more prep space on my island along with squeezing in an extra drawer.

Appreciate the ongoing advice and guidance.

" Does the placement of a fridge affect functionality"?

Well. yes. Any fridge , working and right size, will COOL/freeze the darn food and for how long? There is luck involved.. Ideally its doors or door fully OPEN, ( not banging a wall ) ideally it is a short trek to a sink where food is prepped to cook. Meat, produce washing , thawing.

Yours is currently located inconveniently, and in an awkward ugly spot in a high traffic locale.

Which fridge? Sub Zero will outlast all others. That is simply fact.Do you want to clad it and make it disappear visually? Or leave it be as stainless in any old fridge. It will forever affect the cabinet above, as the SZ is 84" tall, not 72. Compressor is TOP.

Garbage/RECYCLE.

You don't need two. Where is your PULLOUT now? I don't see it.

How often do you want to take it out to the yonder? You make garbage and trash and recycle ......where you prep and COOK. In here? That is island and cook wall.

Back to this: Zones 1, 2, 3, 4 and a 60" open for light and whatever you want for the dining spot at patio slider.

1 Call it the stupid spot A. Good for a pantry, good for a second oven if you really need it....Or port of "last resort"....a 36 "counter height dumping ground, w/cabinet and drawers below or a stool . Note I said last resort, but you know your HABITS for mail and phone charging etc..

2 ......................A WALL ( stupid wall B) . NOT good for cook, or fridge. Is good for keeping people out of your cook /prep where you don't actually do much, as YOU cook to stay alive. Coffee. drink bar. etc

3/4 Cook, prep, wash, clean up, dispose, cool, freeze, You are NOT slicing, dicing, chopping, anything on wall 4. ......because that is happening in zone 3.

Last..........

Nobody here knows your eating habits. Nobody knows what or how MUCH pantry you need. How "much" of anything.

Kitchens are appliance driven. Each appliance has its specs and space and clearance requirements. You need to get firm on them. Which means deciding between what you have and are used to, versus what you w,a.n.t.

https://signaturekitchens.com/blog/4-reasons-a-subzero-refrigerator-is-the-best/

Me? I want this sucker to hold two back to back cans, that each take a 13 gallon tall plastic bag. The end. One is plenty unless you have six kids. It goes OUT every day unless you are lazy.

Thank you, Jan, for your continued help and advice. I've attached a plan (on my quilting board!) with the island extended to 90 inches long. I’ve also narrowed the back "wasted" wall (Stupid wall B.haha). While a beverage refrigerator would be nice, it isn’t a top priority—I’d rather give that up to ensure better clearances around the island.

I know you’re not a fan of storage narrower than 18 inches, but I still think having some narrow storage on the back wall would be useful for us. When you mentioned adding art to the back wall, it got me thinking—it might seem a bit unconventional, but my husband spends a lot of time standing and prepping meals and likes to have the TV on. I’m considering centering a small Frame TV on that wall, surrounded by cabinets or shelves. The TV could display family photos or art when not in use. I could also include a narrow counter for a coffee station. Or am I making Wall B even more stupid?

Another option I’ve considered is eliminating the mudroom to extend the storage and make the area more open ? Stupid Wall A extending back in mudroom. Trying to finalize the layout.

Oh, and lo and behold, I found my old posts! For some reason, I couldn’t locate them on my computer, but when I used the app on my phone yesterday, there they were! Looking back and reviewing them, it’s clear my ideas have evolved quite a bit. So many posters were trying to help me based on my initial parameters when I was focused on keeping the island completely free. Now that I understand my kitchen would be more functional with a sink in the island I've let go of the idea of keeping it clear.

THE HELP IS FREE........

I see ZERO reason to eliminate a mudroom ! ALL that will happen is a fire door in your face. It won't feel a part of the kitchen.

You haven't firmly decided appliances and at some point you have to realize there will be lighter, there will be more efficient, there will be more function, but you can reinvent wheels and keep reinventing until you have YOUR kitchen for another three years.

Orient the same way as something prior so we can see what you want? , Print what you want on graph paper, : ) 1/4 inch to a foot.

There is also NO point the very SHALLOW BACK WALL and in a kitchen like this, on that side? a 42 inch clearance is fine . I will be.storage.$$$$ which will be as costly as a better depth. HAVE A TV! I ON THE WALL ! FINE!

Ok, so only structural work will be to widen the doorway to dining room. Decision made. WIll leave mudroom alone. I see what you mean about the garage door opening into the area if I got rid of the mudroom. Might be an awkward space. I’m planning for an 18-inch garbage pullout to the left of my sink(current garbage can is hidden behind the island nearest the nook), with the dishwasher on the right, and I’m hoping to squeeze in an 18-inch cabinet at the end. Also changed the coffee bar/frame tv wall to 18" cabinet depth as advised! Thank you again for your valuable help. When I started this kitchen layout dilemma back in May, I thought I might have a new, updated kitchen by the holidays. Yet here I am, still debating it all in mid-January! At least I can say I didn't make any rash decisons. Ha!

Below is my tentative plan- Rats---Sorry the smaller one is in the wrong orientation and I'm not computer savvy enough to fix it.

A thousand hours later............

where is the darn microwave GOING? There is no such thing as a microwave at 1000 watts that is 24 inches wide. You need 30"

what do you want the wall ( 95") to look like? No matter WHICH fridge? You need a 1/2" each side for HOUSING, so that it shall appear built in, not black or stainless when seen from the side..........!!!!

Even this basic Home Depot fridge is e.n.cl.o.s.e.d, and only the doors are proud of that housing

( in that pic, that is a good look for the pantry at the MUD entry....)

You want this?? and what do you want the storage at right to look like

Or do you want THIS? ( below) AND THE "SET DOWN" SPACE.

ALLL MICROWAVE ON WALL OPEN THE SAME WAY

( has been duly noted that hubby will not use the very convenient and very nice looking DRAWER option

Are the inches from dining entry to mud entry......180 inches or something other?

Do you go out to grill at the slider? Check what that clearance will be

The drawer bases at both sides of 30 inch range......do you have any idea what they will hold? How many pots and pans do you use in a week of cooking? ( where you don't really cook )

A TWO drawer base cabinet to the side of cook? At 36 wide? I bet you can't fill it!!

Where DO YOU WANT to unload a dish washer? You open the door. the stem and drink ware goes in uppers to left/right of range hood. the pots if in the dw.....right there in drawers.

What about plates, bowls etc....Left of range...in the DRAWERS

? Or with a slide across the island to the STUPID wall?

What is going in this cabinet to the right of WHATEVER microwave placement??

What is my point here? That at SOME point only you can decide. I told you what to do. You go through the cabinets that have been in place for 20 years......... AND YOU ASK YOURSELF,:

What do I use in here, and how often

Where do I want to put it? IF I do in fact........USE IT?

THAT'S THE PART YOU KNOW....and we do not.

You are too used to inconvenience or you are not? If not inconvenient? You'd replace what you now have Or I am insane.

What is on the far from everything stupid wall? Do there need to be ANY upper cabinets on that 112" wall? What size tv? if a tv?

( any smart tv can be ART, btw, there are apps for that)

So.....the rest is up to you.

GET THE CONTRACTOR, HIS CABINET SOURCE.....( I am assuming ) and get going. It's you and YOUR kitchen.: )

Before you do that? Get it PRUNED to what you use on a two week basis, first. Plan that there will be stuff on your curb lol

You are the decider, what and where......and WHAT appliances in the available inches

And decide fridge, once and for all: )SZ or other, clad or not clad

Ha! Your layout and drawings are definitely more detailed than mine! Sadly, from the dining room entry to the back of the stupid walls, it’s only 171 inches—not 180. That really impacts the clearances around the island. I think the 180 might have come from when I was considering adding a foot from the dining room? I’ve measured and measured again, and it’s definitely 171 inches. I tried to attach one of plans you sent me with you using 169" but I can't seem to attach. Technical issues again. You gave me 42" clearances on each side of the island.

I’ve thought through my storage and done an inventory, so I’m confident I’ll have plenty of room. All of my dish and/glass/ pots/pans will go along the range wall. I’m debating whether to do one long, skinny drawer above the deeper drawers or split it into two 18-inch drawers above the deeper ones. Definitely need a top drawer on each side for spices/potholders and utensils.

Along the 95-inch wall, I plan to have the refrigerator, followed by the microwave. (I assumed a counter microwave was 24 inches, as shown in the below photo. This is the look I’m going for---just a shelf but not on the range wall like this shows. ) Maybe that is too small. We currently have a 30" over the range. Perhaps my husband will need to relent on this detail and give in to the drawer.

Back Bay Brownstone · More Info

On the right end of that wall, I plan to do drawers in the base cabinet with a tall glass cabinet above it to give a built-in look. Maybe similar to this below.

Boulder Remodel Home: Approachable Elegance · More Info

I’ve also been considering adding glass cabinets flanking the TV on the stupid wall. I don’t want too much (or maybe any?) glass, but I feel like a little bit somewhere in the kitchen could be a nice touch.

Visiting the cabinetmaker tomorrow for a look see. Big girl steps!

Thank you so much...again!

It shall depend what you put in the microwave: )

And depends what you want to the right. If you just want more counter top as your picture, up to you.

Draw it, elevate it.....and REMEMBER your fridge is on the left. I was balancing that with the far right side,if you want more counter top, fine.

It's your kitchen, make you happy, not us.

This is why precise measurements are so important. I think I mentioned it in my previous post (11 days ago) that the numbers didn't add up.

You really need to draw it with accurate measurements in order to plan the room. As Jan always says, feet and inches.

Hello again. I’m back! Hoping to get some feedback on a few decisions I’m still wrestling with.
I have put together a few mock ups closely following Jan’s floor plan she designed for me. Right now, my island is 94“ x 40“ and the back “stupid“ wall is only 15 inches deep for better pathways despite Jan’s strong recommendation for 18 inches. This mock up was done by my friend using a design program so it’s not exact, but it gives a good general layout.
A few key details:
Cabinets: planning on cream colored cabinets with drawers, on the bottom except under the sink. Plan shows some cabinets.

Dishwasher: it will be on the end of the island next to the sink.

Counters: Still debating! I’m considering mixing black walnut for the island top (been down that rabbit hole—-upkeep, water/sink concerns, etc) with soapstone. Or should I stick to one counter type throughout? Also, I do not want a farmhouse look so I’m wondering if the wood and soapstone combo is the wrong direction. I also want to avoid a dark kitchen, but I am hoping with good lighting, light cabinets, and floors will help keep it bright. I prefer natural materials and have ruled out marble even though I love it. I also got a quote on Taj Mahal Quartzite but the price seemed outrageous for the square footage I have. Also don’t want anything with a busy pattern so that rules out a lot of granite.

Another big question is my hood vent. I’m torn between

1. A stainless steel under cabinet hood
2. An insert with a hood painted to match my cabinets.

Also With 8 foot ceilings and no external wall for venting I’m concerned about logistics. Right now we have a useless recirculating microwave fan. The options for venting externally involve either cutting through floor joists (certainly not ideal) or running it along the wall and through the top of the upper cabinets. I have a 30 inch induction range . There is a 36 inch vent a hood on clearance at Fergusons. My contractor says to just pick a hood, and they’ll figure it out. Basically he thinks I’m making this all too complicated.

Lastly, island lighting…cans or fixtures? I love the pendants that Jan showed in the thread. My sink is offset in my island and I am trying not to get hung up on symmetry. Will a fixture
/pendants look weird with the sink not being centered? Going with cans alleviates that issue.

Any advice is greatly appreciated! I know I am overthinking every aspect. Ugh!

HERE and separately at bottom of comments

One: Get straight on cabinet "white" exactly which!!! white

Take it to a stone yard....... with your flooring.

As to walnut......? I wouldn't as a top- and I would not mix- use it as accessory, Or do the stupid wall in a stained wood cabinet. Or do the island in a stained walnut wood and ALL perimeter "soft white". Top ALL with soapstone or a good mimic, like Virginia Mist granite/honed

Get the cad....or put the DIMENSIONS ON ALL you have elevated here.

WHAT IS OUT THAT WINDOW, that you insist on blocking? as you complain about light?

As to pendants.....there are plenty and as to off center sinks.

WHO and how many cooks? at one time? If one cook? It doesn't matter......: ) and any prep helping can be done on the stupid wall side of the island.

This:

either MOVE the fridge to the left, or as below. and you still would have to go around an open micro door....so???? se below which makes more sense, since you don't want a micro DRAWER

AS NOTED......BELOW ( BUMPS OR DOESN'T )

AND.....

Thanks so much for your response, Jan. I overanalyze every decision!

Okay—done. I’m going with soapstone. I love it, and since I’m in Virginia, I can get the Alberene variety quarried here. There’s a soapstone dealer (not super close to me, but I’m willing to pay a travel fee) who works with M. Teixeira, so I’ll feel confident about the fabrication, installation, and selection. I’ve already spoken with him on the phone and received a price quote—so I’m moving forward. Thanks for helping me make that big decision!

To answer your other questions:

• The microwave next to the refrigerator opens downward and is a combo microwave/speed oven—Advantium. I believe it has to be installed above the counter. I'm stuck with it. Non-returnable. I bought it as they were making room for a new display/model.
• I’ll narrow my island by a few inches to keep the 18" bottom drawers on the back wall.
• There’s no bump-out on the back wall—my friend just mocked it up incorrectly.
• The island layout: Dishwasher closest to the nook, then a 30" sink cabinet, an 18" garbage pull-out, and another 18" set of drawers. I debated putting the garbage on the end of the island near the nook, but I know the dishwasher shouldn't be in a prep space so I flipped those two cabinets. Is there a better configuration that I haven't considered?
• Venting: I’ll run the vent along the top of the cabinets to the exterior. Good idea. I doubt I’d use that space for much anyway. Might be the easiest solution. Still debating—stainless under cabinet hood or a painted one to blend in with the cabinets?

I’ve made a lot of compromises in this process! This space has its challenges, and I officially have decision fatigue. I appreciate all of the help and am excited about finally moving along thanks to the advice here.

Oh, and below is my beautiful view from the large nook window out to the driveway! We’re currently in the middle of a snowstorm. We do have plans to push the fence and driveway back to create a side yard—so I won’t have to stare at my husband’s tarp-covered boat anymore! Perhaps a courtyard area but that's another project. Now do you see why I keep my curtains closed? 😆 So unsightly!

There's a tray in the dining room behind those cabinets for venting?

It has lights / recessed/ so it can't have plumbing

Was that his "cut the joist" option?

As to micro?

Move the fridge far left, then put micro in middle… leaving open counter at far right by opening to dining?

Yes, I do understand the view issue!! What you really want to do is get firm on the layout, get the cabinet /layout firmly to whomever to CAD the plan 2 dimensional. Definitely as well.....the white of the cabinetry....

As for our house’s structure, it doesn’t seem to follow standard framing? The tray ceiling (2 1/2 feet from the dining wall) closest to the kitchen actually has the ceiling joists ending at the first tray rather than at the shared dining wall, if that makes sense. So, the bedroom wall above doesn’t align with the dining wall below but instead ends in the dining room over the tray.

I think the sink vent pipe runs up along the dining wall, then turns and follows the tray/floor joists before exiting up through an empty cavity behind the bedroom wall and then to the roofline. I’d have to refer to the structural report to use the correct terminology. I'm sure I'm butchering this.

If we vent in the direction you diagrammed and want to keep the ductwork hidden in the wall, we’d have to cut into the joists since they run in the perpendicular direction—another dilemma!

The contractor and my husband both think I’m overcomplicating things—maybe I am! Maybe I just need to stop researching and go for it. But after reading about CFM, MUA, and all the other details for proper ventilation, I feel like this needs to be figured out ahead of time rather than just buying a hood and hoping it vents properly. Any venting is going to be better than our current set up so maybe I should just pick out a vent hood and move on.

Virtually anything, even a good recirculating hood is better than a 200.00 dollar microwave vent.

I don't use a lot of oil......I don't do fish indoors , nor own a wok. A lot depends what and how you cook. Recirculating means stainless....and don't fantasize your cooking/eating habits. The Kitchen won't change them that much. You won't become Martha Stewart - no matter you wish lol

Haha! Don't worry--I am not that delusional!

Thank you for your continued help and suggestions. I'm inching along.

Hello again, I’m back hoping for some advice on my final kitchen decisions. The kitchen is gutted, cabinets are finished, and installation is set for a few weeks. Layout is finalized. All cabinets are painted Benjamin Moore Feather Down. Went a different direction with counters. Perimeter is Taj Mahal. Island counter is black walnut. Here are my continued dilemmas:

1. Cabinet hardware finish—have stainless sink and appliances. Is logical choice satin nickel?

2. Need a wall color. Only the nook area will show much wall.

3. Lighting—too boring to do canned lights above island? We are a tall family so sometimes I feel pendants can be distracting and in the way yet fixtures add such a nice design element.

4. Backsplash—debating whether to extend the counter? The fabricator said he has enough to do it for the two walls but not sure about back wall. I’m considering adding the black walnut on the back wall for some warmth/interest. I’ll be glad when this project is in the rear view mirror! Below is my floor, paint choice for cabinet (my cabinets are shaker but sample is not) and a piece of the walnut with the selected stone.

Thanks for any thoughts or advice.

"Cabinet hardware finish—have stainless sink and appliances. Is logical choice satin nickel?"

.........Satin Nickel always works, but DEPENDS what you want in "warmth". A warm brass can work as a second metal in hardware and lighting.

"Need a wall color. Only the nook area will show much wall."

No you DON"t need a wall color. It's Feather Down as the cabinetry.

"Lighting—too boring to do canned lights above island? We are a tall family so sometimes I feel pendants can be distracting and in the way yet fixtures add such a nice design element."

There is such a thing as semi flush, and it depends if you want that light in the seating nook in the yonder.....they need to make sense together.

"Backsplash—debating whether to extend the counter? The fabricator said he has enough to do it for the two walls but not sure about back wall. I’m considering adding the black walnut on the back wall for some warmth/interest."

Clarify.........? You mean taj as back splash on cook wall....and fridge wall? and then what?

I think you could do the stone splash on the cooking wall and nothing (just paint) on the other areas - there is no water cooking or major prep in those spaces so it's logical.

Thank you Jan and Rebasheba for the input.
Makes sense to do the stone on the cooking wall. On the back wall I was considering adding black walnut vertical strips as a backsplash to tie in the island wood but maybe that is overkill. I don’t want the kitchen to look too busy. My husband thinks I’m going to have a pretty boring monochromatic kitchen but he is a maximalist!

As for fixtures I like my nook fixture fine but not married to it and could certainly change it out . Hadn’t considered semi flush mount over island.

Would rather have warm looking hardware for cabinets rather than satin nickel. Just wasn’t sure with all my stainless appliances/sink if it would look off using something different.

If I use the Feather Down on the walls and cabinets do I use it for the ceiling as well?

Thanks for the continued guidance!

Don't use feather on the ceiling.... ceilings always read darker than walls, and frankly a low ceiling needs not be an "element" Use your trim white from other areas in the house or same as other ceilings in the house.

As to adding a finish in metal?

If a warm brass? You want to repeat it somewhere, such as a light......

If satin nickel ? No issue ...

I am STILL not clear as to "back wall" what the elevation looks like..and by "vertical strips"...maybe not, I don't see tongue and groove, assuming you meant that, with the Taj Mahal. on splash opposite side as splash?

Thanks again Jan! I understand your point about Taj Mahal and tongue/groove. Maybe not the best look together. Of course still second guessing my countertop choice but it’s done. Was going to use soapstone but decided I wanted a lighter looking kitchen so scrapped that plan. I could use all Taj Mahal and skip the wood totally. The wood has been delivered and I’ve paid a deposit but in grand scheme of things not a dealbreaker to change my mind. My husband might not be too thrilled after he loaded and hauled it. 😂
Here is the back wall.

As a new month begins, I wanted to share an update on my kitchen renovation now about 80 to 85% complete.

But first, a huge thank you to this community for your responses to my kitchen dilemma and floor plan questions over the past months. A very special thank you to Jan Moyer for her incredible guidance, detailed floorplan, drawings, patience, and amazing design advice. Jan, you invested so much time into my project, all for FREE, and it made all the difference. I was frozen with indecision for months, and your expertise gave me the push I needed. My kitchen is coming together beautifully because of you. THANK YOU! Very grateful.

I am happy with my selections of wall and cabinet color(BM Feather Down) and Taj Mahal quartzite counters. For the layout, I wish I’d followed Jan’s plan to the LETTER. I made a few adjustments (did I think I knew best?😂) and while I’m happy enough, sticking to her design would have been perfect. Lesson learned: trust the expert! I’m trying not to get worked up over my changes and some of the other small snafus . I am finding I am a bit more persnickety than I would like to admit. Sigh.

I am still waiting on some trim work, my walnut island top and the sink and dishwasher installation. While I wait, I’d like to start pulling my 8 x 9 kitchen nook together. I’m planning for two chairs (are slipcovers a good option with pets?) , a rug, curtain panels (no grommets, I hear they are a decorator cringe!), and something for the blank wall facing the slider. I previously had a mirror that reflected my backyard nicely. Debating whether I should stick to neutrals or if I should add some color. Any thoughts or advice is greatly appreciated.

Adding a few photos of kitchen partially done so you can see my nook space. Will post again when kitchen is finally completed.

Oooh pretty! I'm so glad it's working out well for you. I vote for some color in your nook. Color is happy. Happy is good! A good dose of color in your rug and your art that speak to each other will be amazing, if you can make decisions on all the options out there - or just go to Home Goods and hold rugs and art up next to each other in person for a simplified choice & less agony. Natural/bamboo blinds layered with white curtains is a great look for windows that has both texture and practicality.

Looks very nice! I also vote for some color. Have you considered a small table and chairs in the nook for casual meals?

Looks so nice - you must be pleased! agree with some color, some blues or greens in the nook would connect with the pretty view outside the windows

LOL

Please refresh MY MEMORY?

What did I say to do that you didn't do, "didn't follow to the letter" and now regret ?!

The nook is bugging me a bit. Not necessarily for color on walls. I STILL think it begs a little dining spot and c.o.m.f.y dining chairs. Or one great chair, an ottoman and a console in the back window with lamps and give up the hanging light!! It really only works over a larger dining table, and even then, would be too high! If you must keep the seating....trade that for a really pretty semi flush, and ditch the hang concept!

Not gonna lie? Not loving the "boxy" look of the light in that spot no matter over what it shall hang : )

I agree on the pendant (admittedly I don't like the exposed bulbs/Edison bulb trend in any case)

Are you a plant person? If you did smaller chairs there is room for a nice tallish plant that could also hide a bit of the driveway view.

Congrats 🎉

You must be sooooo thrilled. It looks great. love the walnut! You will love that mini sunroom!

Thank you for the kind comments about my kitchen! I'm happy with how it turned out—it's a big transformation. The biggest change, besides the new floorplan, was widening the doorway to the dining area. It lets in so much more light while keeping the kitchen separate. (I had considered removing the dining room wall—so glad I didn’t!) Although we can’t fully use the kitchen yet, the new floorplan already feels much more practical. Jan, you were so right about moving the refrigerator from where the pantry is now. We were so used to its old spot that we didn’t realize how poorly placed it was. The new location makes such a difference!
I love spending time in my nook and want to make it feel warm and inviting. The view of the backyard is nice, though the tarped boat out the big window isn’t exactly picturesque—that’s a project for another day! Duly noted about the nook’s light fixture. Now that it’s been pointed out, I totally get it. My boys have bumped their heads on it, so no one will miss it when it’s gone! Diana and Jan you both suggested a small table and chairs for the nook, which I’m open to, but I spend a lot of time there (as do my dogs!), and I’m leaning toward one or two comfy chairs. I did have an oversized chair with an ottoman there at one point. Any thoughts on a rug for the nook? Would a 5x7 work, or is a round rug better?
My biggest regret is not sticking with the original plan for the refrigerator wall. Jan, to jog your memory, your design had a sleek, built-in look with a Sub-Zero fridge at the end and no counter along that wall. An unexpected pup emergency surgery and hospital stay threw me off when I had to make decisions, so I went the budget-friendly route with the frig. I wish I’d splurged on your plan for both function and style. I kept thinking I needed a counter on that wall, but you were right—I just need to turn around to the island! Lesson learned.

And caught you are Gordon....... along with Alex the wallpaper guy. Bye!!!

Just how many of you are there?

Ahhh there's Atalanta Wallpaper, Gordon, Alex......did I leave anyone out? Bye!! Take the AI diatribes with you.

"Jan, to jog your memory, your design had a sleek, built-in look with a Sub-Zero fridge at the end and no counter along that wall.............."

Ahhhhhhhh : ) Yes. I DO remember now. Not the end of the world. You have to remember the old kitchen: )?

Hey, I can only scream TURN AROUND!! just turn AROUND" so many times, then it gets annoying, lol