Which kitchen layout? And mixed cabinet colors
should have been this way from the beginning! (In fact, now I'm widening the sliding door from 6' to 10' so get a wider ocean view from the kitchen/dining room
Now it's time to replace the cabinets which are falling apart. This home is a vacation rental when we are not living here. We have 2 huge pantries, so our cabinets are usually not full. We basically like the layout, but want to make the island larger. It could get slightly longer and definitely 12-18" wider, as the aisles are wide that direction.
The funny thing about this kitchen is there is all this counterspace and almost the only thing we use is the island and the space around the sink. That little space on the island that doesn't have the cooktop is where we put everything that comes out of the refridgerator. And where we prep. Somehow the counter between the fridge and the ovens never gets used, it just seems unappealing. Even the long length of counter along the windows doesn't get used much. We use the left end for coffee/tea, and that's about it. So weirdly, there's a lot of space that never gets used, but we still feel like we have plenty of space. (We only stay for about 3 months at a time, so we can't stockpile food and such.)
So anyway, if anything needs to be bigger it's the usable space on the island, because we use that all the time. I know there should be more space to the right of the cooktop, so we're going to add a little, but still not the 12" that is recommended, because iI just don't think we have the space. It doesn't seem to bother us not having space on that side. We don't have gas, so we will do an induction cooktop, and might go 36" on that instead of 30".
Here's the issue regarding layout. My husband does a lot of the cooking and he really likes the cooktop being on the island He likes looking outward and not against a wall, and we often both cook at the same time, from opposite ends of the island. However he has consented to moving the cooktop to the window wall if I really want to. That's where most people think it should go upon first glance. But it's not perfect there either, because the windows seem a little too close together, although they are 36". While I am going to replace the windows, I don't want the expense of moving them. And we wouldn't be able to cook together.
BTW I am probably also adding a cabinet above the fridge, not because we need it, but for balance. And I want wood, but don't want it to get too dark. I'm thinking cherry, walnut or sapele (in natural or a very light stain), with white uppers, or maybe with a white island. I like the white uppers best to keep it bright, but there's not many of them and the one is a tall cabinet, so not sure how it would looking coming down the whole tall cabinet. A third idea was to make the tall cabinet and the new cabinet over the fridge the wood color, and just have the upper and lowers between in white. Sort of a "serving center" since that's where the dishes, glasses, and silverware are.
The floor is teak. I am switching to mostly drawers instead of doors, and also want it easy to clean, so am going for a lot of slab drawers.
Lastly, regarding island size. If I can, I'd like to use a prefab granite island slab which is 42" wide. (It's hard to get stuff on island, especially when you only have 3 months at a time to work on the project.) That would make my aisles around the island all about 36". (Actually a few inches more between the island and the fridge wall, since that's the main corridor to the garage, and a few inches less between the island and the wall opposite the sink, which doesn't get much traffic.) Does that seem like enough given the overall flow and the fact that you can go around the island both ways?
So... which is it? Cooktop on the island, or cooktop between the windows?
And which cabinets (if any) would you make off-white?
Thanks Houzzers!
Comments (14)
PROKea Interiors
8 years ago
qofmiwok
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Ideas on updating/replacing the veneer trim under kitchen cabinets
Comments (12)I would seriously consider replacing the cabinets before putting a new granite countertop on them. The problem is that no one will remove the countertop at a later date if you want to change the cabinets, due to the possibility of breakage. The only choice you will have then is a reface. Adding new doors, drawer fronts, and veneered sides is just a facelift. You could also add new hardwood drawers with undermount cushion close slides, but by the time you do this if will be the same cost as new cabinets now. The cabinets you have now, frameless, particle board sides are notorious for having the hinge screws strip out the particle board they are attached to. Since you can't put a longer screw in them, because the material is only 3/4" of an inch thick you have a problem. You also can't put a wider screw in them because it won't fit through the pre-drilled holes in the hinges....See MoreClueless on rug color! Help me find my perfect rug!
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Comments (5)Hello, In 3 years time, you need to put back the wall since u have a 9 yrs old Son hitting teenager and expect own space or your girl would prefer her private space as girl and part of build self-respected lady. Beginning putting them together helps build bond and family strength. Best to start building independence early, makes your parenting easier. Build a home rather than a house. A space is meant to build relationship. With your family size, I would not suggest breaking wall. Extend living room, best is extending into balcony by creating same levels as living room. Now got zip blinds which seal aircon space within balcony open to living. Having glass showcase is good for your toys display. See idea from Ikea. For your new home starting, get basic done prosper. Basic means the essentials. For other parts, take your time and enjoy finding more ideas and shopping around till the great feeling comes to u. If not sure, I think Ikea has many combinations so if u do not like after few years, easy to do make-over. Expensive furniture is too painful to change. Ha! More space for bedroom? use the folding type beds and double as study table. I use platform bed like Japanese room. For Long dining tables, there are extendable type when guests comes. Ikea comes cheapest. There are premium in other Malls. Get extra chair that is stackable not foldable, hurt kids fingers and takes space. Have fun!...See More
Xochitl
8 years agoqofmiwok
8 years agoqofmiwok
8 years agoqofmiwok
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoqofmiwok
8 years ago
PROJohn Stanton
8 years agoWithout too much deconstruction, I favor induction cooktop between two windows. Flip flop the dishwasher and get rid of that termination ½ wall facing the refrigerator so you do not hop food over it. I'd put in the Galley Workstation 4 starting from the new dishwasher. 42" wide island is impressive if possible without impeding the aisles. Alternately 36" wide x 60" slab with 12" overhang at three sides with a 36" base with wide pullout drawers will permit 4 comfortable barstools with arms viewing the cooktop, windows, and the workstation. With this design there should be at least 42" minimum aisle around the island. Remove the flanking refrigerator wall, it's too boxy and place the cabinet above. Accentuate the two trimmed out appliances with a soft arch and entertain that area with a bar sink including libations/soft drinks. For more information on Galley Workstation 4 click here http://thegalley.com/ideal-workstation-4/
qofmiwok
8 years agoqofmiwok
8 years ago
Xochitl