It is so curious that there was so much pressure for me to submit drawings of my kitchen layout with measurements. Since the day I did that, there have been crickets! 🤷‍♀️

Hmmm well a brief glance back it seems you are set on keeping your flooring. So that eliminates any big plan changes like a new island layout. What are you hoping to gain here? Doing the investigative work on the soffits would be good before any pencil to paper with design suggestions.

Overall, you have a lot of counter space so you could consider centering the refrigerator on its wall and adding appliance garages on either side (if you’d like to hide all those small appliances). Finding out about venting a hood out and what is in the soffits will determine placement and design of the hood and if you can go full height with the uppers or not. Then, maximizing drawers in your lower cabinets would also be key. You have 500ish photos in your kitchen ideabooks. I’d suggest either culling them down or noting them as to why you have them (like ‘I like this for cabinet style’, etc). Other than that, since you aren’t really changing up the layout you will get a drawing to approve from your cabinet salesperson so have you narrowed down that relationship?

Also, now is the time to research appliances BEFORE you plan cabinetry. Do you want to consider double ovens to the right of the range wall and then do an induction cooktop? Do you want to consider a new refrigerator, etc? Knowing those items is key in the first phase of planning.

Lastly, I don't see any way to change the footprint of the island if you are set on your flooring. You could have the cabinetry detailed all the way around (so no drywall) - just depends on how far your budget will go.

Remember, I am not a pro, so just some ideas and things to think about as you go along.

So, since the flooring stays as is and there is no way to get extra to patch it, it seems you are going to have to keep the island as is. Which means you probably won't have much change in the layout. You can still make it more functional, as thinkdesignlive, and Design Interior South have both given you several good suggestions. One of which is having drawers on all the lowers. By including this on the island to R of the sink, it will allow you to store your everyday dishes there, and they will be much easier to access, especially when you unload the dishwasher.

Removing soffit would be ideal, guess you still are looking into that. And now Design Interior South has given you have some ideas of possible ways to change/improve the look if you can't remove it. Also when you inspect this, they can give you an idea if a hood can be externally vented, and possible expense of doing that.

Another great suggestion is to research what appliances you want. Are you thinking of stacking a wall oven and microwave and having a separate range? Or a range/oven combo like you currently have?

Did you want a countertop microwave? Lots of people don't like that, however, I chose to have one, and I had a few reasons for this. I am short, my husband is tall, countertop was the comfortable solution. We don't really use a microwave to cook, but rather just warm things up from time to time, so we didn't feel the need to spend a lot of money on a drawer or built in microwave. Finally we have plenty of preparations space, so that the microwave doesn't intrude on that. So we had our reasons, but there are plenty of reasons to have a higher quality, built in as well. Our dear friends have a stacked wall oven/microwave and a separate range. They cook a lot, and use the microwave to cook often. So it really makes sense for them to have it set up like that and to spend the money on a quality microwave. Also for pulling things out of the wall oven, it is at a much more comfortable height. So it is a personal choice, based on how you cook and use the space.

You have a lot of stuff on the counter by the refrigerator, which sorry to say, reads as a lot of clutter. Do you use all those appliances often? Think about how you use those, and how you might store them? One of the designers suggested appliance garage, which may be a great solution to the clutter, if you use those items regularly. But perhaps you only use them once in a while. So really consider the storage needs for them. I have a toaster in a drawer that I pull out and use periodically, but I don't make toast every day, so it doesn't sit on my counter. Conversely, I use my blender almost daily, so it has a place on my counter. You may want to measure those items as well to know what size storage each needs. I think the one item you have may be a bread maker, not sure, but it seems quite large. If you use it regularly, then it should be where you can access it easily. If it is once in a while, perhaps it can be stored in the pantry?

One more thing is style. I think someone suggested that you look at your photos, and pare down what you like. I can appreciate a lot of different styles, but French country wouldn't work in my contemporary home. Both styles can be done beautifully, both could go horribly wrong. So really consider what will look good and balanced in your home as it is. Remember that breakfast nook and dining space are also part of your project too.

thinkdesignlive & kimbers333
THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping me know what to focus on next! Tonight is the night where we will find out about the soffit options.
I will get some answers about microwave options as well.
A huge part of all of these decisions, unfortunately, is cost.
If I have to pick and choose, I would definitely pick function over form.
I’m not sure why many are suggesting I need to reshape the huge island. We have huge gatherings, so we love having the extra counter space for serving.
The only thing that bothers me is that, because of the island, it’s difficult to place the stove anywhere else. So, a big change in form might not be the answer. Sad, because I love symmetry!
I definitely plan to put in a range hood, move microwave to other wall above the countertop, raise cabinets to ceiling or add extended moldings.
remove the desk area, hide all the appliances, new sink, possibly new stove, new countertops, backsplash, and maybe a fridge enclosure.
What do you think of this tile with glazed cream cabinets? Will it look French Country or just dirty??

What do you all think?

Dark grey countertop for surrounding cabinets and veined cream countertop for island. (Still looking for the ideal island color, maybe the blue/grey swatch.)

Cost always drives the bus. When I remodeled my previous tiny kitchen, we kept everything in its place, also because of budget. Luckily we had a good layout, and we were also able to vastly increase our storage space, which was what was really much needed. So I do understand the financial constraints.

You are on fact finding mission right now. Research and educating yourself about products and options.

Just remember that you want to get the best bang for your buck. Pick appliances that will last-so do your research on this. (I can highly recommend Bosche dishwashers!)

I can't help you on French Country-not my style (and I am not a pro). So do your research if this is the direction you are leaning. Think about whether that goes with your house, or if it will seem out of place with your other decor and furnishings.

FYI, I can't see any of the pictures posted about cabinets and countertops or tile in your last posts. Generally speaking, gray and cream don't seem like they would be very cohesive together. So another area to research. Color is more complex than it may seem. There are undertones to most colors, and colors change depending on the light in the room, both from the outside, and inside lights and the surroundings. If you don't know what I mean, then do the research, and perhaps get a designer/color expert.

You want to pick cabinets first, both wood type, as well as color, and style. Bring samples home (at least of the color) to see what it looks like in YOUR kitchen and lighting. The color should please you in the light you will have throughout the day, and in all the different spaces. They should look good next to your flooring too.

When you have decided that, then you bring the cabinet sample with you to the stone shops to pick your countertop. I highly recommend that you research the different types of countertops. There are pros and cons for every type of countertop out there. You should know what type of maintenance you are willing to do. (I don't know about French country, but my guess is natural materials such as soap stone, granite, and wood are probably more in line with that than laminate, quartz, or Corian.) Cost is a big driver here, and you have a lot of countertop! Also you want to see FULL slabs before you buy. Don't buy the first time you go! Ask LOTS of educated questions. Go home, do more research, sleep on it. If you can bring samples home do it-always good to see in your light. Also realize that you will need more than one slab and will want to make sure that you know where the seams will go, and what/how you can expect them to look.

When you have decided that, then pick paint colors for the walls and trim. Then after everything has been installed, consider the backsplash. You will have a much better feel for the space after that, and you can pick something that will go with everything else. Don't rush the backsplash if you are choosing tile. If you find that you want whatever you choose for you countertop to also be your backsplash, then you know it will go together. I still don't have a backsplash at my house yet.

You want function AND form! Take your time. Everyone wants immediate change, but getting a clear plan and design that will fit in your budget is the most important step. Make sure you have a quality contractor as well!

kimbers333
Thanks for the good tips and advice!
I especially appreciate you saying “take your time!”…as that is going to help me not feel pressured and make regrettable choices! Also, good advice to do the backsplash last. Also, I had not envisioned the countertop with seams. I need to find some examples of what that would look like with veining. Might be weird…

Your welcome. Again, I am not a pro, and you might not need seams, but it is definitely a question to ask, and consider when the time comes. The right fabricator will be pretty good at hiding them. In my current layout, I don't have any seams. Your island, however, is long and angled, so not sure if one piece will work there. It is something for you to think about and ask to see the layout before they cut the stone. There are a lot of posts on here that lament the seams. We purchased a beautiful granite in our last kitchen, and we made sure that the seam looked nicely lined up prior to them cutting/installing. So if you do need a seam, insist on seeing where they will cut it and how the pieces will line up.

I would seriously consider getting a smaller dining table so you can get the tv out of the window. It’s throwing off the whole look and no matter what updates you do to the kitchen, it will still not look right.

Decor Diva if you do the soffits that I shared the finish carpenter should be able to design and build the vent so that there are slats in the wood for airflow. It would of course be finished in whatever your cabinets and soffit are finished in.

I'd save my money until I

re shaped the island and created less vacuous wasted space,

Many ways to do it, just a quickie below and many OPTIONS for attractive storage on the 15 ' wall. You don't need to walk in.. to have easily accessible storage of all varieties

My point is it is just too much in your face/uoper cabinetry. . Drawers are so much more convenient. NOBODY will die of starvation in the kitchen you have. I'd delay, and even I would need to play around a but for more attractive looks to a wall as "storage" id essentailly a bookmark. Even the possibility of eliminating some. .

What would help? A more accurate drawing, of all the space, such how deep the pantry you have?

A hard measure with more accurate info ........you may need some help , or maybe the actual floor plans were left in the house.

Jan!
Wow! These Layouts really do make a lot of sense! “Vacuous” is a strong word. I guess I am just used to the space having lived here almost 20 yrs…lol! That’s why I am here, to help me get a fresh perspective!
I do have a couple of question for you:

1. Would you suggest enclosing the fridge area, or just having the fridge stand between cupboard sections?

2. Have you ever seen success with “patching” laminate flooring? We have a den that has the same flooring, from which we could “harvest” matching planks. What do you think?

I've never tried to harvest laminate: )

My point is one:

Upper cabinetry costs money - it is basically NOT all that ergonomically friendly to dinnerware, you tend to use the first surface the shelf above and the top shelf is a burial ground. It's fine for stemware, g;asses , coffee mugs ! even super handy for large size bottle os some pantry that is everyday. Beyond that? MEH! a drawer is so much better for so many things..

Pots and pans, PLATES bowls... just about anything you need to set the table.

I'd need to play around a bit. but the last thing I would do is KEEP that island you have. EVEN if I had to wait a couple years.

Agree. Extended cabinets are off the table!

Wow, that’s a great kitchen layout! With an island that big, an island-mounted hood would be a really cool upgrade if it fits your budget.

^^^

Why an Island mounted hood? The range is on an exterior wall...........sure you are on the right thread?

I have 15 very UGLY feet.........

Kitchens do not live and die on walk in pantries,,,,,,,,

Yes, Jan, but your sixteenth foot is a beauty. Especially the pedicure.

😂

Don't remove soffits they might have wiring then stuck work up there they might be hiding Upper Floor structure too and it's costly and it's part of your style design there

I’m curious, do you like your current island? I’m all for the long islands and have it myself (bc Jan told me to! 😂)

But I don’t mind the shape of your island either. It does date the house a bit BUT if you don’t care, then who cares? And since your style is French country, could that island shape work too bc it’s traditional?

I like where your style is going so is there an option that keeps your island shape but you could modernize the cabinetry and appliances and counters?

I say all this bc of the floor convo and know that replacing floors are a pretty penny - we did real white oak hardwoods in our reno….however I have zero regrets!

A kitchen renovation really starts asking you what matters to me bc when you touch one thing…you touch a whole lot more than you thought.

I am in the camp of go all out bc the after is priceless but I understand that’s not everyone.

Last note - Definitely do drawers on lowers when cabinets are updated! That’s not even a discussion. 😂

It isn't the" dated shape " of the island, it is the inconvenient distance from fridge : )

Just catching up on this thread ... the link posted for Shazia's project is working again. Probably just a typical Houzz glitch that the link doesn't always work!

Just a word on pantries… for me they are the best part of a good kitchen, if done well…but the shelves do not need to be too deep…and those boxes to put things in are too much trouble…… also .. if it can be laid out with no door… that will be the most useful spot in the kitchen….who needs to have everything in the kitchen behind closed doors?dinnerware sets… glassware…spices…cereals..serving pieces..can all be easy access and in view to choose from… at convenient levels to lift according to weight and size… even heavy cookware that is always difficult to get out of inconvenient cabinets 👌

As a kid growing up … all my aunties and grandma had pantries..sooo useful… and saving lots of $ and space…from having less cabinets

Shazia, Jan, et All!
I just read the thread of the absolutely HEAVENLY renovation!!!
I am so impressed and inspired…and certainly a bit jealous! It was definitely worth the pain & $$. CONGRATULATIONS❣️
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6359906/option-1-or-option-2-for-kitchen-layout

Hello again, Friends! I want to update you all on the kitchen project, so please look for my new thread! See you there!

Can you connect your new thread to this? That way everyone who has commented previously will be able to find it.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6564485/please-help-me-decide";

Plate Racks?!!!

Bring all the new information, here, delete the ( link above ) other thread.

Please?

Where are ALL the elevations in the new plan What is the whole of the as we saw in this thread?

Hi, Friend! Nice to hear from you again!

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/19o8l6f0hu0vnvlm1kflm/Kitchen-Plans.pdf?rlkey=wgqfmh819m1e3hlx543bg0i16&st=5i2c6z9a&dl=0

There’s a typo. They put 15” cupboards instead of 18”s. (Still, I feel like I’d go with at least 21’s.!)

Also, I have nixed the plate rack! lol!

Sorry to say that changing the island is non-negotiable. Keeping the floor, which is Wilsonart & not produced anymore. Also, everyone is begging me not to change it, especially my husband. We are a party house & always use it to the max! (I am aware that it is a designer’s nightmare….but we are good with that!)

Any suggestions on the project are appreciated. The design needs an overhaul, and we, clearly, don’t have the right people helping us.

Have you considered having a full fridge and a full freezer? A friend did that in a smaller kitchen and it was a game changer for her. You could fill in where the fridge is now with a fridge, a freezer and a full door pantry.

^^

Any suggestions on the project are appreciated. The design needs an overhaul, and we, clearly, don’t have the right people helping us."

Understatement of the decade. , sorry.

" The island and flooring are non negotiable " ( edit/summarized)

What exactly are the "improvements" here? I ask not in snark, or mal intent. What is the improvement via a CABINET seller, taking your money?

Even with an island remaining, I am fairly clueless as to what beyond, replacements is the real improvement. I'd step back, delay, get a designer pro in there. Even the most basic effort applied to good looks.........isn't addressed let alone a weeny drawer/set down at a door entry.

WHY this...............? below

I am confused by the two threads now. Where should we be posting? I posted on the new thread but maybe we are back to this one? I will just copy and paste my comment here again.

"Design Interior South, We are going with Waypoint. It’s not Shaker, but a recessed panel with a hint of embellishment. Vanilla. (Not Ikea…lol.)"

Sorry I was reading other comment sthat kept bringing up Ikea cabinets & was wondering why Ikea kept getting mentioned.

"I CAN move the stove & It will cost me $0!!!"

IDK who said that but nothing costs zero. Is it worth it to allocate money for centering the range? ABSOLUTELY!

"Yes, I’ve banished the plate rack!"
Example the money you were spending for a plate rack would be better spent moving the range on center.

"Five 18” cabinets in a row, that are 42” tall, will look super weird!"
If you centered the range you wouldn't have this concern.

" those asking about the odd shaped island - I remember her original post and the reason for keeping the shape has to do with not wanting to redo the laminate floor which runs throughout the whole level. "

"We are a party house & always use it to the max!"

The actual cabinet imprint can be incorporated into a large square island. She has a massive overhang on the existing island. I explained this in her original post and showed her an actual kitchen under construction I was doing where we made the change with little to no need for flooring replacement. It can be done. How would changing the island keep you from being a party house and still using the island to the max? We are not suggesting a small island that will only accomodate your sink.?

I hope you understand that we aren't trying to be "bullies" here ;-) . Every wrong decision has a consequence in design. Or my favorite saying in my line of work "misappropriation of a good idea" . The saying "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results "is in play here. Really you are not getting a new kitchen here you are just getting new cabinets and maybe that is all you really wanted to start with and there lies our confusion? The design you were given reflects this. You seem to be very unwilling to incorporate any of the key design points that a multitude of posters/designers here have given you that would greatly change the space for the better. I am not sure why. Budget? Stuck in your ways? Taking advice from hubby or other family members that don't like change because they are used to something the way it is and can't understand any other way? If that is the case I recommend sitting on it for a bit longer until you have the budget/mindset to really make the changes that will result in a kitchen that you won't want to change again for the next 20 years and one that will add value to your home. I say this in the nicest way possible and I hope my language here reflects that. Sometimes our excitement to move forward with something new that we have been dreaming about obscurs our ability to envision what the actual results will be. :-)

^^^

What she said, and exactly my point just above that. Maybe a bit less apologetic, but you are spending a lot of money, for a whole lot of NOTHING. I'm not sure if you see that, or not,

This statement hours ago? Seems to?

"Any suggestions on the project are appreciated. The design needs an overhaul, and we, clearly, don’t have the right people helping us"

Yet all the prior posts ignored and still asking?

Okay, there it is and yup, I say it very UN apologetically, as it is appearing to be reality..

Please, please ? Delay/step back for more resources, more real design help. Do not do this as posted.

Go back and delete the other thread : ) that too.

Houzz doesn't permit the OP to delete a post after it has comments added to it. The OP can ask Houzz support to delete a post.

Have you figured out exactly what you are using each cabinet and drawer for? Have you sat back and visualized step-by-step cooking and entertaining in the new kitchen? Does it work optimally for you?

I like the refrigerator wall with adjacent counter and cabinets. I have a similar wall in my kitchen with full size refrigerator, under-counter 2-drawer refrigerator, microwave, prep sink, coffee maker, etc. The family can grab snacks, light breakfast, beverages, food storage items, etc. outside of the kitchen’s main work zone.

I appreciate what you all are saying!! And I agree with most of those things!
I AM stepping back!!! I AM approaching with an open mind! The budget is $40 K. (I know you are all probably laughing…but that’s the budget.)
DESIGNER INTERIOR SOUTH, You are correct!! We HAVE to keep the flooring, because it covers the entire first floor and we don’t wish to break it up. It’s the best floor we have ever had…AND it’s finally back in style!!! lol!
That being said, the only other thing I don’t have a lot if control over is the island. I did see the example of modifying an oddly-shaped island into a squared-off one. I was impressed!
I will measure and see if that’s a possibility….however, Husband says we have to keep island as-is. I’m pulling for a rounded shape with a lot less overhang.
Having extreme difficulty convincing him with even that concession!
Beyond that, Hubby does not want any pendant lighting or sconces of any kind. He likes the space clean & open.
YES, Jan Moyer, I am processing all the input I’ve received. I just have inferior tools to work with in trying new iterations. I am constantly measuring, mathing, and dreaming up new ways to configure things. Also, getting seriously into the nutty-gritty details of functionality and organization. We won’t be hiring anyone to design. I just can’t prove to you what I’m trying to re-envision. Unfortunately, we are unable to hire an actual designer on this budget. I can, however, glean knowledge and vision from the pros here, reading, & and by consulting the knowledgeable peeps in my realm of contact.

Start over:

Three months ago, you were asked for a drawing. ^^^ We want all of this.^^

We don't care to see the appliances, cabinets noted on the new drawing, we have the pictures. What we need::

Every single piece of drywall in that photo,^^ and it's dimension, Just the wall, not what is on the wall.

Every opening, it's dimension.

The breakfast nook should be included

The exact dimension of the pantry opening, and please add a picture of the room we can't

see. Show the living spaces you have crowded out of your universe, via take over of a

dining table in the great room area. in full daylight

In other words, a really tidy, fully informative version of your earlier , down below. Every distance feet and inches, to a wall from every single point/corner on the island,

What exactly is the flooring? Maple? It does not appear as oak in the photo.

It seems to be one of four major obstacles to the best result, so inform what it is.

Nemesis......

Budget 40K -

Husband, not a Houzz believer

"Also, my husband had convinced me that there is no such thing as “free” help, and that this site is primarily for people who are fishing for business….Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with that!)
I do appreciate all the feedback/info I have received here, and now I need to do my homework! lol!"

Doesn't want a change to island.........and you?

We are a party house & always use it to the max! (I am aware that it is a designer’s nightmare….but we are good with that!)

"Good with that.." Spell nemesis.?

Doesn't want all important lighting

Doesn't want island change which is "problemo numero uno".

Call it the elephant in the room, It crowds out good design, cramping some areas, while simultaneously creating unnecessary vacuous spaces, and other than a big "party hub" does you nor the kitchen any favors.

Beyond that?

You want the design "tools" from us. You want the final look. You'd like the how to for the how. The result.....that you can somehow produce, but are not able to articulate. You have no inspiration pics of that "look".

IN short?

You are both attempting the acquisition of a drivers license, knowing only the location of the start button in an automobile. : ) ?

If that were not the case, you'd have thrown the most recent elevations you posted in the trash can, and not even begun a new thread with what was handed you, by a cabinet seller who cared NOT your improvement function, looks , anything..

Go back to the beginning....

Hello, Houzz Friends! I have reviewed all of your thoughtful comments and illustrations. Thank you all so much! I don’t feel the need to defend any choices that have been made, (although some of you seem bothered to the point of complete collapse.) I just want to share what changes I am most excited about. #1) A place for everything & everything in its place! #2) Tearing out the soffits & extending the cabinets SO much higher! #3) Being able to add some elegant molding! #4) A new place for the microwave, so I don’t have to tell my husband “move your head” anymore! #5) Having more drawers than doors below, for mush easier access and better organization. #6) A range hood that adds some classic and personality. #6) Getting rid of the non-functional desk area. #7) A reorganized pantry that will house all of the appliances, including the water cooler. #8) Quartz countertops and a gorgeous new tile backsplash! #9)Clean and sturdy new cabinets with snappy hardware. #10) A brand new sink, with an integrated top disposal button, that might actually make me WANT to do dishes! After serving tirelessly for the last 20 years in this suburban tract home, this kitchen space, everyone’s favorite place to hang, is getting the glow-up it deserves! Hubby is thrilled with the plans & so am I! Of course, there were compromises…life’s full of them. But, WOW! We are so very blessed to be able to spruce up this kitchen that we already love!!!

I hope you'll post pictures when it's all finished. So happy to hear that you're doing what's going to work for you. Good luck with your project!