Help! Horrible Kitchen Layout

last year

I absolutely hate the layout of my kitchen. The oven is in a walkway and so is the fridge. The placement of the oven is actually quite dangerous, especially with its placement next to the fridge.

I need help with affordable options! I’ve considered downsizing the oven (currently 30”) and getting a 24” then putting a 6” base cabinet on the exterior side. I’ve also looked at getting a smaller fridge. Ours is 35” D.

Other options to just make the space feel a little more open and flow could be to get an over the range microwave or get a counter depth microwave and move it to where the coffee pot is. Also, the toaster oven could go in the dining area where we have cabinets.

I’ve considered doing a drop in gas stove top and a wall oven. I’m just having a hard time figuring out logistics and having everything “make sense.” Currently all of the appliances just feel too big for the space.

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PRO

Emily

last year

I agree that I wouldn't put a huge amount of money into your kitchen, because it does need a complete redo. But with that said, if you don't have the funds or energy (toddler zap) to do it within the next couple of years, than I would make some much smaller changes now to make it work for you currently. Personally, that fridge in the doorway would drive me nuts, which is sounds like it does you too.

This idea does require some money and time but way less so than a complete makeover. And the changes would be big enough to make a difference in the look and also give you a place to move hot things off from the range.

Things to think about are: moving the gas line for range, electrical work to move stove and add microwave above the range, and moving the water line if the fridge has ice. Plus also consider that the tile work would need to be redone... and hopefully you could find the tile you currently have. It looks pretty standard so I think you could. As far as the cabinets/counters, if you can get them down without damaging them, most of them can be repurposed.

I'm not crazy about the range butted up against the wall but I've seen it done many times. Usually people have a piece of glass to protect the wall from grease and grime.

The pic is just showing placement and not finishes. Just an idea....

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Comments (13)

PRO
lisedv
last year
I don't think you'll be able to get any help without posting a floorplan showing all dimensions. Would you consider replacing the cabinets?
apple_pie_order
last year
You've identified the problems with the kitchen clearly. A floor plan is a good place to start.

SInce you are concerned about safety, remove the flammable wood cutting board that is propped up behind the cooktop.

Remove the flammable wooden spoons from the cooktop, too.
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wdccruise
last year
You are proposing to spend a lot of money on new appliances including a range, refrigerator, microwave, cooktop, and wall oven. Perhaps that money should be spent on rearranging the kitchen layout (i.e., the cabinets) which may allow you to reuse the appliances you have.
dan1888
last year
Use graph paper with each square 6 inches. Include wall to wall dimensions written in dark large font. Include windows and doors. Adding adjacent rooms helps plan for flow.
PRO
JAN MOYER
last year
last modified: last year
You have to draw and measure the entire kitchen, every wall, window, doorway, bump out, and opening in exact inches. Note all the adjacent areas.

Someone already put a Band Aid on a poorly laid out kitchen....... more band aids here will NOT help.
palimpsest
last year
I am usually not in the camp of every kitchen with a flaw needing to be gutted so you can start over, but this layout is unfixable as is, redoing the range area with a smaller range is not really going to solve the problem and it is going to give you an oven that cookie sheets and such won't fit well into. At least the range needs to be taken out of that traffic pattern, and that means reworking the layout completely.
PRO
Norwood Architects
last year
As other posters are asking please post a to scale floor plan. Just from the photos you have posted and from the description you have given it really seems like the best solution to the multitude of problems you have is to gut the kitchen and start over.
Kelly Zebbs
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Thank you everyone for your input! I realized the layout is bad but now after reading all these comments, I’m coming to terms that it needs totally gutted. Sounds like I’ll just need to deal with the layout until we can pay a professional to come help us. Being a SAHM with a 2 y/o and newborn, it’s just not in the cards for me to do any of it on my own. Again, I appreciate your input! I’ll put this to rest in the meantime.
dan1888
last year
I'm sure with a newborn and a 2 year old you don't give up easily. Doing the measurements and floorplan layout is simple measuring and using a ruler. Do it and post it. You'll get valuable money saving options you will never get from a paid professional.
Kelly Zebbs
Original Author
last year
This is true, dan1888! lol. Hopefully this gives a good idea on the layout
PRO
lisedv
last year
I think Emily's suggestion sounds very good without replacing any of your appliances.
SYinUSA, GA zone 8
last year
The fridge pinch-point would make me want to take more immediate action than everyone is suggesting. The fastest temporary fix would be to move the fridge where the coffee bar is. You might be able to get a rolling cart that fits in the existing fridge space. Roll it up next to the stove when you need the countertop space. I realize it would block the doorway, but that might be a plus for a gas stove + toddler situation.
Kelly Zebbs thanked SYinUSA, GA zone 8