--- title: "Dreamwork Kitchens — Kitchen & Bath Remodelers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/dreamwork-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1954818997 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1954818997.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Dreamwork Kitchens" category: ["Kitchen & Bath Remodelers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/76b342f80127e60c_6538-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "401 Ward Ave, Mamaroneck, New York 10543, United States" latitude: 40.9525 longitude: -73.735 phone: "(914) 777-0440" website: http://www.dreamworkkitchens.com rating: 5 review_count: 25 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 74 last_updated: 2026-11-11 --- # Dreamwork Kitchens Original Houzz profile: [Dreamwork Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/dreamwork-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1954818997) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Kitchen & Bath Remodelers - **Location:** Mamaroneck, NY - **Serves:** New York City, Yonkers, Greenburgh, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, White Plains, Rye, Eastchester, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Glenville, Harrison, Scarsdale, Tarrytown, Dobbs Ferry, Sleepy Hollow, Rye Brook, Hastings-on-Hudson, Tuckahoe, Bronxville, Larchmont, Pelham Manor, Elmsford, Ardsley, Greenwich, Riverside, Valhalla, Hartsdale, Stamford, Borough of Bronx, Byram, Cos Cob, Norwalk, Old Greenwich - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (25 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2015–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Family owned - 26 years in business Founded in 1993 by Paul & Elizabeth Bookbinder, DreamWork Kitchens has been satisfying customers for over twenty years. In that time we have completed over 2,600 renovations in Westchester, New York City, and Connecticut. Since the inception of our business we have maintained over 98% customer satisfaction. In fact, we guarantee it! Check out what our clients are saying about us on Angie’s List, Houzz or Birdeye. Everyone at DreamWork Kitchens is dedicated to making your project a pleasant experience. We cordially invite you to our showroom, of which the New York Times wrote, “The new DreamWork Kitchens showroom in Mamaroneck is the place to go for options that range from custom refacing to entirely new designer kitchens.” Paul Bookbinder, M.I.D., C.R., is a respected member of the kitchen and bath industry. His monthly column, “The Kitchen & Bath Insider©” is published in over a dozen newspapers and magazines. A Master of Design (Pratt Institute), he is an advisor for Kitchen & Bath Design News and is a member of the Advisory Panel of Professional Remodeler magazine. He has also been a member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association for over fifteen years. Liz Bookbinder’s seemingly effortless skill in interior design brings a unique perspective to any project. Coordinating cabinetry design, color, textures, and architectural nuances, she helps to create a space that is distinctive to each individual. Her formidable management and organizational skills have helped make the company what it is today. We provide the following: custom cabinet refacing or complete new kitchen and bath remodeling. Home entertainment and wall units. Custom and stock cabinetry. Granite, quartz, and wood countertops. Full service, design and build. ### Services Provided - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Tile Installation - Custom Countertops - 3D Rendering - Custom Pantries - Custom Walk-in Closets - Universal Design - Floor Plans - Laminate Flooring Installation - Green Building - Cabinet Refacing - Bathroom Design - Kitchen Design ### Areas Served - New York City - Yonkers - Greenburgh - New Rochelle - Mount Vernon - White Plains - Rye - Eastchester - Mamaroneck - Port Chester - Glenville - Harrison - Scarsdale - Tarrytown - Dobbs Ferry - Sleepy Hollow - Rye Brook - Hastings-on-Hudson - Tuckahoe - Bronxville - Larchmont - Pelham Manor - Elmsford - Ardsley - Greenwich - Riverside - Valhalla - Hartsdale - Stamford - Borough of Bronx - Byram - Cos Cob - Norwalk - Old Greenwich ### Typical Job Cost $10,000 - 100,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Dreamwork Kitchens | | Address | 401 Ward Ave, Mamaroneck, New York 10543, United States | | Phone | (914) 777-0440 | | Website | http://www.dreamworkkitchens.com | | License Number | WC05441-H93 | | Followers on Houzz | 74 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Dreamwork Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/dreamwork-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1954818997) - **Website:** http://www.dreamworkkitchens.com - **Phone:** (914) 777-0440 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Member NKBA. Author of "Kitchen & Bath Insider" appearing in over 20 newspapers. - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2015–2025), for Service. **Affiliations** - [National Kitchen & Bath Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-kitchen-and-bath-association-pfvwus-pf~1351084655) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 25 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Roz K, June 2024** > From start to finish, this was a perfect experience. DreamWork Kitchens showroom is beautiful and Paul’s explanation of options very clear and comprehensive. His description of how the project would proceed was complete and accurate. His wife Liz was very helpful with design strategies. Manny and his team were prompt each day and Manny came back at the end to rectify a couple of small defects. My kitchen is gorgeous and I’m extremely happy. I feel like I have a new kitchen with just a simple cabinet refacing. **★★★★★ — Pat Levinson, Nov. 2023** > I discovered Dreamworks over twenty years ago, when i was going to redo my kitchen. They have been a pleasure to work with , from sharing ideas, quality workmanship and excellent follow through on everything they were responsible for. During the past decades I have recommended them to others without reservation. > During the past twenty years my kitchen has needed some minor repairs, and they remain reliable and cooperative in taking care of whatever the need may be. They are a delight to work with and very exceptional in todays competitive world. > > The Bookbinders are a first class act! **Comment from Dreamwork Kitchens:** > It's been a pleasure knowing you since we first started working together on your home in 2000! I hope that we continue this relationship for the next 20 years. **★★★★★ — Laurel Ryan, Oct. 2023** > I highly recommend Dreamwork Kitchens! They did cabinet refacing for me 5 years ago and the cabinets still look brand new. They also made a custom cabinet for me that was exactly what I was looking for. I was so pleased with their work that I am using them again for another project! **★★★★★ — B Ryan, July 2023** > very glad and grateful to have landed on Dreamwork Kitchens after way too much research (and fretting). We decided to go with cabinet re-facing and Quartz countertop to re-do an old kitchen. It looks great, and at the same price as what the big box store would have charged, with less predictability as to the skill level of who would actually come in and do the work. Dreamworks is a well established family run business, with a regular crew of skilled and respectful staff, who knew exactly what they were doing and took great pride in their work. > They were efficient, no wasted time, and cleaned up meticulously each day. The owners are very hands on, with attention to detail and great advice. **Comment from Dreamwork Kitchens:** > Thank you for writing this very nice review. We enjoyed working together with you and look forward to another project in the future. **★★★★★ — HU-679584173, Dec. 2022** > Paul and Liz - I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how pleased we are with our beautiful new kitchen and what a pleasure it’s been to work with you! From the design process to the execution, you have made it easy every step of the way - on time and on budget. **★★★★★ — Charles Gabler, Dec. 2022** > Once we decided to do a facelift to our 20-year-old kitchen cabinets, owner Paul Bookbinder helped us evaluate materials for our project, personally came and took measurements, helped us design one new cabinet, and generally guided the process. When we had to delay the start of work twice due to unforeseen personal circumstances, scheduler Liz Bookbinder accommodated us without a fuss. The installation team of Manny and David did a superb job, the fit and finish is top notch, and at the end of each day they left the work space neat and broom clean. The project is a five-star event. Charles and Edna Gabler, Bronxville, NY **★★★★★ — \_new, Aug. 2022** > Paul and his staff were easy and thoughtful to work with. They were creative yet practical about dealing with little but important features as they reworked the kitchen, making sure to match new cabinets perfectly with beautiful handmade storage units adjoining the kitchen that a family carpenter had previously built so that they worked together as one creation. The proof of Dreamwork's fine craftsmanship is that more than ten years later everything still looks new and functions well. And when we recently needed a replacement of a garbage pail and recycling insert, Paul got right on it, found the identical replacement part and his staff made a precise installation of it. My wife and I highly recommend Dreamwork Kitchens. **Comment from Dreamwork Kitchens:** > Thank you so much for your kind words. We enjoyed working with you and look forward to doing it again. **★★★★★ — HU-786273631, April 2022** > When we started to contemplate a kitchen renovation we were very worried about the amount of time it would take to complete. With a young baby at home, it was too overwhelming to consider a 10-12 week project. After conversations with many different contractors, we were eventually passed along to Liz & Paul at Dreamwork who walked us through ways for us to minimize that time frame to 3 weeks, while still refacing all cabinets, installing new countertops, and a new backsplash. Dreamwork sent us a timeline of the project and met the completion date to a T. The entire project came in at under three weeks for a rather large kitchen, which is unheard of! What we expected to just be a "refacing" left us with a beautiful & barely recognizable, brand new, modern kitchen which was a huge upgrade from the old fashioned kitchen we had prior. We've had several friends and family over who are absolutely shocked at the transformation and the speed and efficiency at which it happened. Manny and his team were excellent, diligent, and respectful throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend Dreamwork as their work exceeded our expectations. **★★★★★ — HU-299706634, Aug. 2021** > I am taking the time and privilege to enumerate the details of the recent kitchen improvement at our home, performed by DreamWork Kitchens. The wood cabinetry at our home was original from its 1953 construction date. While the cabinets were sturdily built and structurally sound, they had dated handles and exposed hinges. There was one repaint/refinishing performed numerous years ago, however the exterior wood was scratched, blemished and worn. Since we were pleased with the kitchen cabinetry layout, we decided to reface the exterior cabinetry and wood surfaces with scratch resistant laminate instead of the optional wood, with a few appliance changes. My wife and I met with Paul Bookbinder and his wife, Liz, at their well-appointed showroom in Mamaroneck, NY. From the inception, following our initial discussions with Paul and Liz, we knew we were at the “vendor of choice”. Paul was most understanding of our needs and patiently listened to our questions, responding with complete and clear information. The complete showroom enabled us to choose the cabinet finish, design, hardware, countertop type and finish, and new sink. Paul made this an easy process. A visit and inspection of our home followed to measure and verify the requirements to be included in the project. Shortly thereafter, the contractual documents were prepared at which time they were clearly explained by Paul and signed. We found the price quoted to be fair and competitive. We also found the initial deposit and stage payments to be fairly apportioned, to protect both DreamWork Kitchens and us, as homeowners. > To avoid the potential for any possible delays during the improvement project, we as homeowners, decided to utilize the plumbing and electrical contractors recommended by DreamWork. Looking back, this proved to be the correct decision. We were completely pleased with the timeliness and competency of both contractors, working under the eye of Manny Colon, the assigned DreamWork Project Manager. After a reasonable several-week period after contract signing, we were furnished a daily calendar along with our preparation instructions, showing the actual days DreamWork and the plumbing and electrical contractors would be working at our home. The assigned workdays were timely and precisely adhered to without exception. The 2 ½ week project proceeded flawlessly with the keen workmanship and under the competent eyes of Manny Colon. Any questions or concerns raised to Manny during the project, were answered or fulfilled to our complete satisfaction. Manny insured that the kitchen and accessways were left in a clean condition at the end of each workday. The entire project was performed with care, professionalism, and thoroughness, to our complete and unequivocal satisfaction. > It is without reservation that we recommend DreamWork Kitchens for a carefree, timely, fairly-priced and properly completed kitchen improvement or renovation. **★★★★★ — HU-442067502, May 2021** > Just had our kitchen renovated by Dreamworks. Can't recommend this unit strongly enough. Paul and Liz are total pros. They listen, they work hard, they make great suggestions, work through obstacles, and most importantly, they dealt directly and honestly with us. Their work is top-shelf. We went for a mid-century modern motif and they delivered our vision with great precision. Manny was the foreman on the job and he too reflected the excellence of the business. He took on every suggestion and every challenge and always came up with a great solution. He kept returning in a timely manner until the job was fully finished. On top of all of this, their pricing was very, very reasonable. In a world of questionable kitchen remodelers and contractors, Dreamwork is a honest and supportive a team as you're likely to find. **★★★★★ — Hal Wolkin, Dec. 2020** > Dreamwork Kitchens undertook a cosmetic renovation of our large kitchen installed in 1988. While we previously replaced the appliances and countertops, we had done nothing to update the cabinets. We were happy with our kitchen layout so it did not make sense to replace our quality cabinets. Dreamwork helped select new doors, drawer fronts and trim to provide an updated modern appearance. We were offered an expansive selection of doors and drawer fronts covering a wide range of prices and we selected quality wood doors and drawer fronts. Dreamwork also took care of arranging necessary electrical upgrades and for our wood floors to be refinished. > The entire process was seamless and painless thanks to the efforts of Liz, Paul and their staff, each of whom took ownership of the project and addressed our needs as if they were applying their efforts to their own kitchens. We cannot think of a contracting experience that was more pleasurable. > The project was handled with precision and on schedule, and the result was the same as we would have achieved by replacing the cabinets. We also avoided the substantial inconvenience that comes with replacing an entire kitchen as the work took two weeks rather than the two months that would have been involved in a cabinet replacement project. > We could not be happier with our experience or the quality result, to say nothing of the substantial cost savings relative to kitchen cabinet replacement. **★★★★★ — bobsolomon, Oct. 2020** > We needed a combination of cabinet replacements and refacing. Dreamwork Kitchens was happy to take it on. Paul was very patient and professional, listening to our requirements. We got great advice and computer generated drawings. The cabinets arrived when promised and the measurements were perfect. The quality was better than expected. > Couldn't recommend them more highly. ## Selected projects - [Refreshed and ShipShape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/refreshed-and-shipshape-pj-vj~1627769) - Location: Mamaroneck, NY - Photos: 11 - [Hi-Gloss Colorful Multi-Color Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hi-gloss-colorful-multi-color-kitchen-pj-vj~6004515) - Location: Rye, NY - Photos: 8 - [New and Refaced combined to create a beautiful kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-and-refaced-combined-to-create-a-beautiful-kitchen-pj-vj~6004508) - Location: Scarsdale, NY - Photos: 5 - [Dramatic Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dramatic-transformation-pj-vj~2542909) - Location: Greenwich, CT - Photos: 7 - [Refaced and Refreshed in Eastchester](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/refaced-and-refreshed-in-eastchester-pj-vj~1463970) - Location: Mamaroneck, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: Refaced and Refreshed in Eastchester We were recently called in to revitalize a well used kitchen in Eastchester, NY. The layout of the kitchen was good, and there was plenty of natural lighting. The cabinets were structurally sound, but the doors and drawers sported a tired painted finish in a traditional style, that did nothing to accent the lovely Granite countertops and tile floor. First, we removed all the door and drawer fronts, and also removed the old wood hood. Next came a fresh applica… - [Fairfield Contemporary Refacing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fairfield-contemporary-refacing-pj-vj~175861) - Location: Stamford, CT - Photos: 5 - Description: Fairfield CT Refaced Kitchen with new solid surface counters, tile and a contemporary two-tone refacing. Stylish and much more suited to the owners' taste. The homeowners are a young professional couple with very contemporary taste. The kitchen, installed by the previous homeowners with the help of the local "Big-Box" home center, was new but bland. Nice, but generic & boring. We gave it great style with a simple refacing and new counters. - [Award Winning Deck House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-deck-house-remodel-pj-vj~369943) - Location: Fairfield, CT - Photos: 10 - Description: A recent project in Southern Fairfield County Connecticut, That we won a Design Award from Executive Cabinetry for. Our Mission: To take a unique Mid-Century Design home and a replace the lovely existing Traditional Kitchen, and give it a Culinary Workspace that was at once complimentary to its Design Roots, while working with today’s lifestyle choices. Challenges: Giving the client the modern airy style that they wished, while still working with the somewhat low front wall and the deep ceiling… - [From Cramped and Awkward to Delightfully Spacious.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-cramped-and-awkward-to-delightfully-spacious-pj-vj~2157132) - Location: Bronxville, NY - Photos: 13 - Description: From Cramped and Awkward to Delightfully Spacious. We recently completed a project for a client in Bronxville NY, who had purchased a newly renovated home. Among its new features was a less than inspiring builder grade kitchen. Nothing in this misguided renovation was to the new owners taste, nor did it function well. Out went the “Box Store” cabinets and laminate counters, as well as the awkward wall that shoved the refrigerator into an odd corner. At our suggestion, the client switched the loc… - [From Builder Standard to Designer Upgrade.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-builder-standard-to-designer-upgrade-pj-vj~1101927) - Location: Mamaroneck, NY - Photos: 17 - Description: From builder standard to designer upgrade. A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling. The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the sli… - [Scarsdale Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scarsdale-remodel-pj-vj~1471288) - Location: Mamaroneck, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: Scarsdale Remodel We recently completed a new kitchen for a couple in Scarsdale NY. The existing floor plan, while it had worked well when their children where young, no longer functioned well for a household with teenagers. We replaced worn and dated laminate cabinets with New Mouser Cabinets in a sophisticated two-tone cherry palette. A two-tier granite topped island with room for stools replaced the existing island and an entire new desk/storage wall makes the kitchen far more functional. - [Revisiting a Time-tested Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/revisiting-a-time-tested-project-pj-vj~883078) - Location: Fairfield, CT - Photos: 3 - [Leaving the Time Warp Behind](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leaving-the-time-warp-behind-pj-vj~352367) - Location: Larchmont, NY - Photos: 12 - Description: We are currently putting the finishing touches on a mid-century Westchester county home for a young couple that purchased it from the original owners. While in it's day this kitchen was lovely , it is now tired and ready for a new lease on life. - [Year-End Kitchen Project Review](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/year-end-kitchen-project-review-pj-vj~847153) - Location: White Plains, NY - Photos: 25 - [Year-End Custom Wall Unit Review](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/year-end-custom-wall-unit-review-pj-vj~847111) - Location: White Plains, NY - Photos: 13 - Description: a year-end overview of some of the custom wall units that we have done in the last year - [Year-End Bath Portfolio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/year-end-bath-portfolio-pj-vj~847084) - Location: Mamaroneck, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: an overview of some of the bath projects that we have done in the last year - [Harrison Refresh](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harrison-refresh-pj-vj~819929) - Location: Harrison, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: We recently completed a new kitchen for a lovely couple in Harrison NY. The existing floor plan functioned well, but all of the cabinets were worn. We made minor tweaks to the layout ,replaced the dark and dated walnut cabinets with maple in a lighter, brighter warm honey tone. Bradshaw Cambria quartz replaced the old laminate countertops, and Ceramic tile and a gleaming wood floor completed the picture. - [New and Improved Kosher Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-and-improved-kosher-kitchen-pj-vj~633760) - Location: New Rochelle, NY - Photos: 8 - [Simple Yet Elegant](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/simple-yet-elegant-pj-vj~645229) - Location: Scarsdale, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: This Scarsdale kitchen had a good layout but the style did not match the taste of our client. The lovely pottery helped disguise the dated cabinets and worn laminate countertops, but couldn’t hide them completely. We replaced the cabinet doors and drawers with new RTF fronts finished in tobacco cherry with a hand applied pencil glaze, and replaced the counters with beautiful quartz. To top off the stone, we installed a vibrant tile backsplash. The passage door to the hallway was converted to a s… - [Scarsdale Spruce Up](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scarsdale-spruce-up-pj-vj~636100) - Location: White Plains, NY - Photos: 4 - [Refaced and Refreshed](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/refaced-and-refreshed-pj-vj~571820) - Location: Mamaroneck, NY - Photos: 14 - Description: Refaced and Refreshed We were recently called in to revitalize a well used kitchen in Rye, NY. The layout of the kitchen was good, and there was plenty of natural lighting. The cabinets were structurally sound, but the doors and drawers sported a tired laminate and oak combination that was common in the 1970’s. Adding to the dated look was a mismatch of worn-out laminate and out-of-place granite countertops. First, we removed all the door and drawer fronts as well as the countertops. Next came a… [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/dreamwork-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1954818997) ## Ideabooks - [Banquettes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77536867/list/banquettes) — 17 ideas - [Client Hardware](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77327396/list/client-hardware) — 4 ideas - [Crown moldings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62041282/list/crown-moldings) — 7 ideas - [Sclient moldings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47787699/list/sclient-moldings) — 5 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/paul-bookbinder) ## Community Q&A **Q: Do u provide all services?** *(in Photo Questions)* After refacing can I pick out quartz CT and b/s from u? I want a tile floor replaced also do I go through you for that also? A: Good morning. Although our name is only DreamWork Kitchens, we offer refacing, remodeling, counters, floors, backsplashes and pretty much any thing else you can think of in remodeling. Check out our website www.dreamworkkitchens.com for a look at all that we offer. Thanks for asking. **Q: what was the cost (approximately) of this remodel of the kitchen?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This Kitchen was roughly around $35,000 - There are a number of factors that effect pricing. If you are in the general Westchester NY or Fairfield CT areas I would be more than happy to discuss a new kitchen with you. **Q: What is the name of the granite?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The name of the granite is Tiberious. **Q: Can you share the paint color on the island?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The island was done with material from Walzcraft Custom doors from Wisconsin - the color is Sage Green **Q: my kitchen needs HELLLLLLLLP!!! :)** *(in Design Dilemma)* Ok we just purchased this home and im not a huge fan of the kitchen-pretty basic cabinets-but I don't have the budget to get new cabinets. ive been debating on painting them white or staining them dark. im having a hard time figuring out which will look good with black appliances. any advice would be much appreciated!! I dont have a huge budget and I enjoy doing DIY projects. Also this may be a dumb question but I have no clue about flooring--can you sand and restain laminate? my understanding is laminate is just thin wood glued on plywood or whatever. please correct me if im wrong. if that is true I would think if you lightly sanded you would be able to stain it again?? THANKS! A: Luckily your layout is good , beware of painting the cabinets yourself without first sealing the grain , otherwise it will in short order telegraph thru the paint. I would have the cabinets painted in a light white or off white , consider adding a crown molding to the top of the cabinets to give them some height. Invest in new countertops in a solid surface material , it looks like you have the room to extend the top on the island to provide rooms for stools. **Q: Need help planning my new kitchen** *(in Design Dilemma)* I am building a new home, and have the basic layout, but I need help deciding how to build my breakfast bar. Right now, I have it partially raised with no overhang on the family room side through the corner side area, then not raised, with a 12 inch overhang on the dining room side. My current home has a bar with the sink in it and it is not raised. Guests definitely love the convenience of sitting at the lower bar, but I've been told the raised bar will hide kitchen mess better. This is a lake home with a very open feel; I'm worried the partially raised bar will make the kitchen more closed off, as well as limit serving space. I also need help with placement of my 2nd sink and appliances. A: Rhonda , Overall the plans look great , however I will have to agree with the several other Kitchen Designers that have offered opinions. The island is far to small for two appliances (sink & cooktop) and the cook will always be in the main traffic lane. You may want to consider moving the cooktop from the island to the counter to the right of the main sink. The main cook should never be standing in the major traffic isle while attempting to work. By moving the cooktop the cooks work area become then a private area that no-one need enter to come in or out of the room. You should look in your area for a Kitchen designer that is a member of NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) , they will be able to help you make a plan that comes up to all of your local building codes. Good Luck with your wonderful project! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-11.*