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Enough Space for Kitchen Table and Door Access?

last month

I’m still tweaking this kitchen design. I’m specifically looking at the cabinets to the right of the dishwasher. The table space is 8 ft wide between the half wall and the end angled cabinet. I would like to keep the drawer next to the dishwasher for utensils because it seems like the best location for them, with plates and glasses in the wall cabinet above. And I like the angles cabinet so I don’t clip my hip trying to get out the door. But I’m worried that 8 ft may not be enough. If I increase the width, I will need to give up one of these 2 cabinets. Looking online, it seems like with a 36” wide table, I would need 3 ft on all sides for chairs, so 9’ would be optimal. Any thoughts?

Comments (10)

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    The main drawback is the step down to the family room. Without that no knee wall and more chair space and a large open feeling for the space. In listing all options raising the floor and deleting the step wall is one. Number two is to move the step wall over one foot and raise that one foot wide segment of floor. Number three is a 30" wide table. Four is a bench against the step wall to compress seating space on one side of the table. I'd possibly reduce the width of the upper cabinet above the dw somewhat toget a less top heavy appearance.

  • last month

    Angled cabinets are a dated look, so I would give up the lower angled one. I’d also not use an angled one in the upper corner. The sink looks a bit crowded as drawn. If you’re open to using a bench on one side that would also help with gaining necessary inches.

  • last month

    Is this a remodel or a new house/addition?

  • last month

    1. put the dishwasher to left of sink. 2.extend where dishwasher was and make a U shape. there is no reason with all your square footage not to have the storage set up better. If you extend out from dishwasher spot, you will not have space for stools but you will have distance enough to walk behind chairs to reach patio door.....and 3. on kitchen side you can have about 5 or 6 feet of drawers. 4. the upper cabinet should be pulled in from patio door side ...I'd go for a 21 inch w hinges on right side probably.

  • last month

    Just a question here, if you are proposing an angled base end cabinet because you are worried about hip pointers, then shouldn't one also be located at both the Foyer and formal Dining Room?

    Also, if you go ahead with the angled base end, verify the manufacturer offering, as some will have a double "pie-cut" shape which may allow a same-width upper cabinet to stick out beyond the base cabinet footprint.

    Also, your Kitchen lighting is not functional.

  • last month

    I think I would try for closer to 9 feet for the table and chairs. Remove the angled cabinet at the end of the sink run and use a 15 inch wide cab next to the dishwasher.

    Is there any way you can do a 39 inch corner cabinet. Might be easier to use than a 36 inch corner cab.

  • last month

    Figure 36" b/w the table and wall and then 48" b/w the table and cabinets. This is a path to/from the outside (sliding doors), so you need space to walk b/w the table and cabinets when someone is sitting at the table. With a 36"D table, you might need more like 10'.

    You probably should get rid of the angled end cabinet and shorten the upper to match the base cabs below. You might be able to add 3" or so to the 12" cabinet next to the DW, but not much more to maintain a decent aisle width b/w the table and cabinets.

    I would also replace the upper diagonal corner cabinet with an easy reach cabinet for a more up-to-date look as well as functionality.

    Where is your MW? I suggest next to the refrigerator where you have uppers/lowers. Or, create an alcove in one of the tall pantry cabinets to place the MW. Then, have drawers below and shelves above.

    Note that the upper shelves in tall, deep cabinets like those will not be very useful b/c they're so deep - experience talking! Keep a stool handy! Consider ROTS in the upper part - you'll still need a stool to access the upper shelves, but at least you'll be able to get to the backs of the shelves when the ROTS is pulled open. (ROTS = Roll Out Tray Shelves)

    Easy reach example:

    ==========

    You could also consider using the Dining Room for main meals and use a smaller table (bistro?) in the Kitchen for a quick meal or to sit with a cup of tea or coffee.

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Kitchen lighting:

    If those two lights (recessed?) are your only lights, they will not be very functional since you will be casting shadows on your work spaces with the lights behind you. Layer your lighting:

    • Recessed for overall - but try to have some in front of you rather than just behind you.
    • Under cabinet for task lighting
    • Other for "atmosphere" (e.g., above uppers if they don't go to the ceiling)
  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Home we bought in late 2015, had a step down to the family room, which meant a step up to the kitchen, and to the foyer hall. We began renovating in January 2016.

    We knew from the outset, the den (aka, family room) floor had to be raised to the same level of the rest of the floors to make the home safe for aging in place. Since then, I’ve had a lung transplant, emergency bowel surgery, and a knee replacement. You never know what life is going to throw at you. Having raised that sunken room, was a lifesaver.

    Sunken family rooms were once a thing, in the 1970s. Do yourself a favor, spend the money and raise the floor…safer for all ages.

    And, yes…get rid of the corner cab. Had one in my former home, and swore never again. There are better options for corners, as noted in above comments. Also, you need a true lighting plan. What you show is quite insufficient.

  • last month

    @Buehl I have a setup very much like this and agree with you about the bistro table. We use a bistro table in the kitchen and a kitchen table in the family room plus a dining table in the dining room. It's so nice to have tables everywhere. This kitchen looks remarkably like our on the wall shown in the OP, not the rest of the kitchen.

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