Moving the trash to the island prep would be great. I was thinking about that too, but figured we could tweak things around some after Les Cin got a visual and a price point for the two layouts and after they decided on which layout to go with.

I was thinking the pullout trash could go on the side of the island closest to the coffee and MW counter, since those tasks generate trash as well. However, I would still want a trash near the cleanup sink, so I would put a small can under the sink.

You can put oils, vinegars, and other frequently used ingredients for cooking wherever you like. The one cabinet seemed a logical place, but YMMV.

Please keep us posted on what layout you decide! And if that PB&J and pasta invite is still open once the kitchen is done, would it be okay if I bring my dog? This is her face when I tell her to sit there and look pretty.

Omgggg, adorable!!!!!!!

Hi to all!

Im a silent partner in this renovation and also appreciate all of your suggestions! i agree Jan, that future tenants/ owners look for the wow vs practicality . we made the aisles smaller so her kids can sit more comfortably at the island! Plus whoever said ”my island is too large?!?!”

I do like a Susan but willing to lose it for better storage consideribg we cant over spend for a future rental thats a small simple house.

Im just weighing out more drawers vs more cabinets in a scenerio for renters. I am not in love w putting the MW on a shelf. i prefer the cabinet you may not have seen that houses it.

We dont know who will live here next, but to answer your Q… likely owners will be a couple with 2-3 kids and a dog :) All windows will be the same style! Ok Ill bow out now but wanted to help in case this info made a difference. thanks again for all the great suggestions!!!!

Plenty of people have said "my island is too large". For my current kitchen, I told my KD it was too large and to give me even bigger isles instead. I think circulation space is more important than having a bunch of extra sq.ft you can't even reach in the middle of a large island.

I have a large kitchen and I only have 2 stools on the short end of the island. Some of us prefer to sit at a real table!

SP (aka silent partner, ha!) is very opposed to not putting the m/w in custom cabinetry, so we shall do that. I’m fine with a shelf, but I’m fine if we spend on that if important to SP, which it is.. Everyone’s goal of the shelf was only use that money for more drawers and the $window move, it’s not like anyone thinks that is the nicest option, so that is a no brainer to do.

Chispa, I happen to love a huge island, but you are not wrong because I’ve met plenty of people who agree with you!

Good point but more length is better than being too deep

Its nice to sit 3 without asking someone to stand so you can get up :) sitting at a table is wonderful but I am an island girl and a long island makes for beautiful entertaining space as well. i respect that you use your kitchen differently :)

I just measured my island countertop. With overhangs, the length 83”. I have three stool with backs and they swivel. It is more then enough room for an adult to swivel in and out comfortably and not feel cramped. The minumum recommended space for each seat is 24”, but I prefer a few inches more.

I was doing the math. You could do a 7’ island (in cabinets). With the countertop overhangs at 1.5” that is 87”.

234” - 87” - 25.5“ - 25.5” (perimeter countertops) = 96”. That gives you 48” for each isle. Perfect!

Hi Rebunky

we also have the wrap around wood (hot trend alert!)that extends to the seating area which will take up an additional 8-12”

therefore we need more length for 3 stools

so nice of you to use all of those math skills! sorry we didnt mention sooner!

Somehow the silent partner has become not so silent.

Tell SP you need a Sharp Microwave drawer, style, remove a 3 drawer bank, and ask where she was, for the work and conversation to now.

The kitchen has received THOUSANDS of dollar value in guidance from the group here, far more important to good looks and function than any the "so called" designer/cabinet shop/contractor provided.

The information from the"owner" dribbled out, the silent partner emerges from the shadows.....

I will end with this and who KNOWS what the "hot trend alert wrap around wood thing is?" Get a drawer micro wave, let the SP buy it.

Home depot.....I doubt you need more than 24" , but comes 30" as well.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sharp-24-in-W-1-2-cu-ft-Built-in-Microwave-Drawer-in-Stainless-Steel-with-Sensor-Cooking-KB6524PSY/203409574?mtc=SEM-BF-CDP-GGL-D29A-029_015_COOKING-NA-NA-NA-DSA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-MajorAppl&cm_mmc=SEM-BF-CDP-GGL-D29A-029_015_COOKING-NA-NA-NA-DSA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-MajorAppl-21814079732-168630910723-2535127072312&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21814079732&gclid=CjwKCAjwz_bABhAGEiwAm-P8YbBm2Kr8cZFPah504iH_8ySp9ZB6KzVtwdMSykPOIUz5GqOi_e_ZexoC_xYQAvD_BwE

Sounds like the op and the silent partner have all the information they need moving forward to make the perfect kitchen for them and don’t need further input from us.

As the teacher says, "pencils down."

Sorry i dont the name of the ends but it takes up space. i just popped on to help my partner by answering a couple qs

she has shared all the valuable suggestions all along and you guys are incredibly nice to put thought into it. Jan- the KD also wanted us to have a MW drawer and we didnt want to spend there but now we can reconsider bc its a fab suggestion!

Jan- I’m happy to pay you for your help! ive just been busy. its not that i didnt care or just emerged. LesCin is doing a great job leading the way and ill go back to the shadows 😊

If you're referring to the edge treatment on the counter top above, that's a built up mitered edge. It makes it look like the top is thicker than it is.

Hi Dana What is the wood that extends to the seating area called? 🤷🏼‍♀️ i just think it has a nice finished look but takes ” away from seating.

You mean on the side vertically? It looks like a post, and yes finishes it off nicely. You're not losing much seating area from that. The worst thing to do when placing seats at an island or peninsula is to cram in more than the space allows. Allow at least 24", 30" is better. More if the stools have arms (but why?)

Thanks Diana! I agree about 30 is better! I only wanted to chime in on one small detail that i thought made a difference. As the SP I'm the one sitting with the KD to place final order and deposit so i only had the few comments to add. Thanks for responding sweetly xo

Cursor down .lol

Get the cool microwave. I think Diana B was a camp counselor or RA in the dorm in her youth...wait, she is only 39!!!

Neither, Jan! Flower child of the sixties!!! And have made a 180* since!

You Must Be Kidding

Was it an abduction to the convent? Something?!

You know what I mean....

Sure do! It's called BILLS. The T.P isn't free, nor the air you breathe!

I would call that a poor gals waterfall edge.. you know, because it has no stone :)

That may or may not be the technical name for it.

Ha cursors down!

I have been quiet because I am not considering asking for anymore of your valuable time to help because you’ve all gone above and beyond giving us wonderful ideas and even multiple (thanks to Jan) drawings to scale!!

Our job now is just to have the cabinet person price things out, and then we get what everything that we want, or we make a couple of sacrfices.. Rebunky gave us that great drawing incorporating some lower cabs near the cooktop incase we can’t have ALL drawers on that cooktop run, or is SP wants the SS …

Jan.. on the dribbling out.. so so so sorry about not sharing all the details of the remodel from the start. Just know I had no idea it was relevant.

I think now we just decide on m/w drawer or cubby, if we have SS corner or nix that space and have drawers instead., and if we need to add any cabs on the cooktop wall for cost reasons. You do not need to weigh in, and I don’t want you spending any more of your time on this.. I’m only sharing the only things left .. and those are the ONLY things left due to your incredibly generous efforts!!

Welcome to the party Janey! I always imagined the “silent partner“ being involved all along. 😉

I think now we just decide on m/w drawer or cubby

Cubby? Are you suggesting an under the countertop opening or ”cubby” to set a free standing MW? Something like this?

Sorry, if so, another HARD NO!

So your question is, should we spend $1,100 on a MW drawer that is awesome and that one of us will really appreciate using for the next few years until we rent or sell? Or…

Should I put in a cheap $150 freestanding MW on a low, awkward, under the countertop shelf where I have to squat down to see what buttons to press? 🧐

What a turn of events! Or should I say turn of budget. I am thrilled “SP“Janey is on board for spending a little more of the budget on the most important room in the house imho. You won’t regret spending a little extra in the kitchen!

Now as far as the island stool spacing needed after adding the extra inches needed for the trendy (not so much!) extended ”gables”, or extended ”side panels” or extended ”island wings” or whatever the heck the Pros call them! Lol!

Since your cabinet style is inset, with modern slab front doors and drawers, imho, the extended island “sides” should stay very simple to match that style. Sleek and slim. Nothing with alot of built up trim, chunky, or beefy!

Maybe your contractor could build the extended sides using 2x4’s and then wrap it with the 1/4” (?) ”paneling” ordered to match the cabinets? I think 4.5” thick side panels would look plenty substantial and proportional.

See what the dimensions look like with those changes and come back. Please do not feel bad coming back here for final advice before pulling the trigger! After all your designer has missed so far, that would be foolish to not let us all look for any last minute mistakes, Nobody expects to be paid here. We are all just here for the fun of it. For some resson we weirdly enjoy spending our free time helping people!

Hard NO NO NO!!! on any ordinary cheap micro in a low "cubby" below the counter top.

Get the drawer micro. The payback will far outweigh the price tag, and is probably not a huge delta in price over a bank of drawers.

All of them are made by Sharp, and they are a salvation with young kids in a house. Much safer.

Ha, I had a low m/w cubby in another house and I hated it with a passion, too much bending! But, SP was originally talking about a cubby that was built into the upper cabinet (there is an image of it if you scroll up, but you shouldn’t scroll up because there is no reason to hurt your wrist!).

Ah, the drawer makes sense for shorty kids.. never thought of that aspect! (I don’t use a m/w nor do I have short people in my house! :) And on the safetly, I at least instinctually knew m/w seem safest for kids if on a counter because you slide your hot plate out and it has an instant landing spot. I realize we aren’t putting it on the counter, but I do see the utilty of that. I may or may not have had hot things slide off a plate or the frozen dinner cardboard tray when I was young! Drawers address part of that risk becasue if you drop said hot plate when pulling it to the counter, it drops in the drawer :) EUREKEA!

Trash should go left side of the island (so it’s not close to the dw area trash) so where does the m/w drawer go? on the right seems far from food, so I wondered if left of the fridge where it’s out of the way.. but the island also makes sense, but where? Advice?

The cost of drawers is in the hardware, right? meaning, there is more value in larger banks of drawers than more narrow drawers, right? That is what I’ve always been told.

SP is thinking of 12 cabs on the outer edges, one will be a SS (assuming it is not too expensive and possibly even more than drawers, but she gets to pick that if she wants because I don’t personally care about having a SS for myself, but I get that people love them. Dawers are less bending than a SS and I’m all about the no bend for my stuff :).... and then drawers after the 12 inch cabs

If the ss is too much, then I think the wide drawers go to the far edges of the cooktop run

And yes, the ’waterfall’ edge of the island will be minimalist and very clean, thank you for weighing in!

And we haven’t been able to get the new drawings yet, because you’ll love this, the cabinet person apparently needs someone there telling them what to do.. I had no idea!!! But SP will go this week. I envisioned sending your drawing and saying does this work, if so, can you price it, ha!

I spoke too soon, SP is not thinking of the SS.. but I think she should price it out anyway because why not ask… just incase.

Also, if we turn this into a rental (most likely that over selling it… sentimental value in owning the house and all), that means we will eventually have to consider replacing the m/w drawer over the years for renters.. so my question is, do these things last a fairly long time??

Forgot to add.. (I wasn’t going to bug you anymore, so if this is annoying, you all get to blame Miss Flankey for encouraging me!)

The reason the m/w drawer makes sense at this point is because of the new design you provided us. Putting the m/w cubby in an upper next to the fridge is now a cabinet we don’t need, and at that point, we guesstimate that a mw drawer is no more expensive than that cabinet plus a m/w (ish).

Also, the cute little lights Jan put above the windows is a very nice touch. it’s defintely something we can nix due to putting that money into drawers, but my question is, if you happen to know offhand, we will need lights and aside from a couple of cheap cute pendandts over the island, so we plan to have cans.. if we found cheap but cute lights for over the windows, does that cost a lot more than a can? was thinking those could replace a couple of cans and perhaps be a wash? or is wiring it the expense.

Thanks for the invite Rebunky :)

Ill show you what the KD has mocked up for MW but still may get the drawer if we don't fear future renters breaking it! Its not important for LC bc she doesn't use one Ever!

I do not trust the KD to redo all of this wo me spoon feeding her (its all in the details) plus she hasn’t been paid and its not a priority unless I'm there, since LesCin cant be..

It just gets worse. Flush inset slab doors (sexy) and no panel on the side of the fridge. Odd place to save money. I swore I was done… sorry but that microwave location looks bad and have you ever tried to find a 12” deep microwave?

That mw is at the same height as if it were over a range, which is not preferred. I'd rather it be a drawer mw or even sitting on the counter.

This works fine

The microwave on a shelf next to fridge works fine. We have ours in the exact spot and I am only 5ft tall and it is fine. Ours is just a small microwave as we don't use it to actually cook just to heat some things up. We did not want to spend the money on a drawer microwave and did not want something built in. The microwave we currently have has got to be going on at least 10 years. If it stops working it will be cheap to replace.

I am a fan of the freestanding micro on a shelf next to the fridge. We took out a wall oven once and put a microwave in the hole. It was just slightly lower than the first shelf of our uppers, maybe 16" above counter height, and I'm 5'2". I thought having it at eye level was great.

I am a fan of the microwave oven in the trash.

Mark years and years ago I was walking through a house with a client and they mentioned removing the microhood. I agreed since an actual hood would work better but in their small kitchen it was a consideration where to put the microwave (two adults and three kids micros seem handy?) The dad replied ‘we don’t believe in them’ It was hard for me not to say that no really unlike nessy they do exist- I own one and it heats things up- usually too much or too little. I know they were just expressing that they don’t use one the same way I don’t use a drip coffee maker but I think of them EVERY time I use my microwave (so twice a week)

Hallett, love that you think of them every time you use your m/w to this day!!

Mark Biashak, ha, I’m with you! I just know me, and if I allow myself to use one at all, because it’s so fast and easy, it becomes a slippery slope and then I use it make way too many things which only means my food won’t taste as good. It’s like I’m an alcholic.. I must never use it to keep from going overboard! My father detested food made in them too

Glad you all like SP’s original idea for the mw placement, too. I guess now she just prices the two options, and then if there is a standout savings, she can pick that one if she winds up not having a strong preference.

SP just met with the cabinet person and just wait until you see the design!!!! We thought it looked good before, aside from knowing the windows were very off. BUT WHOA, it’s substantially more gorgeous.. AND more functional. Thank you everyone for all of your help!

Look forward to seeing it!

Does it include . . .

?

Ha ha funny pic! Jan’s influence got us the MW drawer! Just trying to be a good landlord bc families like them! I would never cook with one but i reheat things so i guess we wont be hanging out :)

Mark,

I feel seen.

Were I to make you some fresh asparagus topped with lemon butter in my micro, and make you some steamed in the range? You'd not be able to tell the difference.

The lowly micro is also fabulous for frozen veg, which many folks, (especially those cooking for one) use mostly for that purpose. Not all vegetables.....but no way will I waste produce or any food. No way would I buy enough fresh to have a variety at will, and then not be home to use what I bought.

Nobody really "cooks" in a micro....it's just handy as all get out for a re heat, and SOME frozen things.

Jan, which are your favorite frozen veggies? Always looking for new tips! I buy frozen berries, peas, corn and edamame all the time.

Also, I forgot to mention that by removing the upper m/w cubby cabinet, SP thought of moving things to the left and created a larger pantry!!!!!!!!! Brilliant move.

One more MW drawer question.

I found two drawers that cost less than Sharp. One is less than 900! Considering they are all made by Sharp, is there any reason not to get a less expensive brand?

I ask because sharp, zline and summit have slightly different dimensions and we learned the cabinet that holds it is custom and they need to know the model.

The only reason that perhaps it’s important to pay more for the Sharp is that it‘s most likely always going to be available if/when we ever need to replace it.

Or maybe the tolerances of sizes for this cabinet have some flexibility

Thoughts?

I have no idea Zline or Summit. or any. other......but it might be a big change in wattage to save a few hundred bucks. I'd stay with the Sharp, and the specs that go with it.

I'd definitely move the one and only sink to the island with the dishwasher. Then everything is easy to reach.

Nova, you might have missed it, but they are adding a prep sink to the island.

So if it was my choice, I would get this one below (Sharp SMD2470ASY). The 24” is big enough. I like how it has the hidden controls and the display panel tilts out at a 45* angle so it is easier to see. Otherwise, you are back to crouching down in order to see the buttons.

Also, please get the regular stainless steel. The “black stainless” coating on appliances tends to peel. It looks really ugly. Same thing happens with ”fingerprint resistant” coating on SS. I found out the hard way on both. 😠

I liked the microwave placement to the left of the fridge and trash on the left side of island. I would not put it on the right side of the island for the reason you mentioned… being too far from the food storage.

So were you thinking to put the MWD to the right of the stove closer to the corner, then slide the fridge to the left to allow a wider pantry? You cannot have the fridge too close to the corner or the left door will bang the counter when fully open.

I liked the fridge where it was. It is nice to unload items from the fridge to the island prep zone with just a 90* pivot.

I will continue to keep waiting patiently (not!) for you to post the latest design. 😉