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Design Dilemma
ambersarris

Ideas for kitchen reno- tricky layout

12 years ago
We want to redo our kitchen and put an island in the centre but still fit in the dining table and allow for easy walking space through the two french doors and both archways leading into the kitchen. The roof is pitched and has beams so we want to take the upper cupboards and shelf off the back wall. The photo is what the kitchen currently looks like and the design is an idea for the layout.

Any ideas on the layout design and how to optimize storage (desperately needed) and work space while keeping it contemporary?
Featured Answer
  • 12 years ago
    No work triangle? Cooking will become a chore without a good work triangle. If you can put the sink in the island that would be better. You would also be able to visit with whoever is sitting at the island or table. Keeping the fridge near the location you currently have and moving sink to island will be a better work space.

    Comments (24)

    • PRO
      12 years ago
      I think the design is pretty good, I am assuming that they are pantries on either side of arches , I removed upper cabinets in a clients kitchen and I love the look.In a pinch you will always be able to use the table for extra woork space.
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      Not crazy about the sink being so close to the french door and the lack of counter space at one side.

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    • 12 years ago
      Thank you Patricia, there aren't pantries at the moment but that is the plan when remodeling. I'm hoping the size of them will make up for the missing cabinets near the stove. I love the clean open look of the "after" photos… such an improvement!
    • 12 years ago
      Dytecture, i agree its not ideal but the sink is currently in that space and leaving it there would mean less plumbing costs during reno.
    • 12 years ago
      last modified: 12 years ago
      This isn't a good plan. Don't you have a designated dining room? Way too crowded with the table next to the island. Remove the table and keep the island since you can add storage below.

      Where is your stove? Dishwasher and sink should go on the back wall that's now Hob area. Put stove in the island and remove the dining table to the far side of the arches. You need about 4 feet of space between the dishwasher and island.
    • 12 years ago
      last modified: 12 years ago
      Sink should move. It might cost a little extra now but you'll regret not doing it for years to come. It's not functional in the corner with no counter space. It could also affect your resale value in the future.
      ambersarris thanked leelee
    • 12 years ago
      leelee, unfortunately we don't have an indoor dining area so the six seater table has to stay. the entire area is approx 6m x 6m.
      Also the roof is pitched with beams so the stove/hob needs to stay on the back wall as we need an extractor hood.
    • 12 years ago
      This was sort of the idea for the island and dining table so close together, with built in bench seating
    • 12 years ago
      inspiration
    • 12 years ago
      last modified: 12 years ago
      How big is the room?

      And how much traffic is there from the one archway to the other?
    • 12 years ago
      Agree with bungalowlove, this is highly inefficient. What about moving the sink and dishwasher to the island? You would still have a workspace on it. I understand the expense, but this is one expense well worth made both for you as you live in the house, and for resale value.

      Could the fridge stay where it is, just with a nice cabinet frame around it? Then you would have a true work triangle?
      ambersarris thanked Jennifer
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      I appreciate and love the inspiration photo you've included (the island with built in bench seating image) but it seems there is not enough space to include an island at all let alone a built in seating area with an actual table. You could opt to do a two level island (see image)
      ambersarris thanked User
    • 12 years ago
      bungalowlove, good idea, i think i felt i had to move the fridge because we are getting a bigger one but i could take out some cupboard space and leave it as is.
      would digging up the floor to trace plumbing to the island be a big job?

      rinqreation, the room is 6m x 5,7m
    • 12 years ago
      last modified: 12 years ago
      It can be a big expense. If you have a crawl space and a straight plumbing run, the cost is not as much. Digging up concrete and installing a difficult plumbing path could be much more. You would have to have a professional give you that estimate.
    • 12 years ago
      Ok, I see a stove and a vent hood. Puzzled by the "hob." Maybe just not up on my Houzz lingo.
    • 12 years ago
      It is solid concrete foundation so it would involve a lot of hammering… eek
    • 12 years ago
      @ flopsycat1 -I think HOB is the stovetop... European lingo?
    • 12 years ago
      Not in my european, never saw the word hob either :)
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      Hope you don't mind - had a spare 5 mins so thought I'd play around on some basic software ( not the real software I use for proper work!!)
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      Or this ?!
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      It's a great space and you could do so much ! Drop me an email if you would be interested in having a proper design consultation !
      Kind regards,
      Karen
      OnePlan
      one.plan@virgin.net
      ambersarris thanked OnePlan
    • 12 years ago
      last modified: 12 years ago
      This might work for your space..
      Contemporary Kitchen · More Info


      Keep your appliances on a straight run.
      ambersarris thanked bungalowlove
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      Nice but i would still get rid of overheads and make that wall afeature since it is also the DR.
      ambersarris thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
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