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Kitchens Design Dilemma

Kitchen layout ideas

4 years ago

Hi, we’re in the process of planning a kitchen refurb... in my dreams I’d love a full ground floor extension but that’s some way off so our very dated kitchen needs updating in the meantime. For that reason I’m keen to keep the budget as low as possible, but rather than just replace like-for-like I’d be interested in ideas on how to best maximise the space - especially in terms of storage, countertop/prep area and sociability of the space.

Plan attached, together with images of the existing kitchen and drawings from benchmarx who have quoted for new units following the same basic layout (although installing a full height cabinet in the alcove next to the fridge which currently has dual aspect windows).

The windows and door to the side of the room face the side alleyway of the house - I’m keen to keep the door for access, and most of the side windows if possible for the light.

The large breakfast bar (or something equivalent) is essential - it’s where the family and all visitors inevitably congregate. But again, I’m open to ideas on alternative options.

Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

PRO

Marina Drobot at Cinnamon Space

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

I am assuming the plan is similar to this. it is better to know exact measurements:

if it is possible to incorporate you big fridge / freezer into the kitchen area (or swap for a standard Fridge / freezer, then you'd possibly have space for wall oven / microwave / mixer garage / coffee machine), remove the radiator from the kitchen and put it in the dining area or do under cabinet heating radiator, you'd have a space to put 300-350 mm deep tall china cabinet (could be with glazed doors and some integrated lighting) and you'd end up with a better traffic flow and small cosy breakfast nook away from cooking. Obviously, it all depending on precise measurements and budget. here are some ideas:

Comments (12)

victoria12345
Original Author
4 years ago
Images of existing kitchen attached
PRO
Marina Drobot at Cinnamon Space
4 years ago
Hi Victoria, you have a lovely and light kitchen. could you check the floor plan. it's incorrect. the kitchen has potential for better space planning, but it it tricky with incorrect measurements.

the sink wall is at least 2400mm, cause you have 4 standard cabinets in a row, there is no niche on the right and the wall opening between the kitchen and dining space is on the wrong place. do you have the plan that Benchmarx did?
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The sink in the island is the way to go here. As Lampert Dias mentioned above, your island can be larger than drawn. I prefer the sink and the breakfast bar at the same height as pictured above, but some people like to step the bar side up to protect it from the sink. It is an option. You can put the pantry and refrigerator on either side of the wall or even split them up and flank the wall as long as the refrigerator door can open. I would take the opportunity for more storage or display and put a cabinet on the wall behind the breakfast bar. Consider using a shallower cabinet there like 17" deep. It could be like a "china" cabinet display piece or more pantry storage if needed.
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victoria12345
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks for your response Marina. You’re right, my mistake - the sink wall is 2500mm. I’ll upload an updated floor plan asap.
obobble
4 years ago
I think if you block up or cover the alcove windows with a fridge freezer, that end of the room will likely become a lot darker.

Are you planning to move the radiator from next to the back door? Seems to be taking up some usable wall space.
obobble
4 years ago
Also, if there’s money in the budget for window changes, have you considered moving the back door along to where the radiator is? That might give even better layout choices.
Tryphic
4 years ago
Drawers hold more than cupboards, and use pull outs for any corner cupboards.
rinked
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Marina, that design looks great!

Here's a little variation on it, with a bit more counterspace between sink and cooktop/range. A flush mount steel sink would look better in this design (but that might be just me). And a built-in dishwasher (and if possible washing machine). At least one corner cabinet with full pull-out plateaus (we call them Lemans).

Is the current kitchen worn out? Looks nice on the photos. What about it you really want to change?
PRO
OnePlan
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
In a kitchen of these proportions - a smaller FF and smaller DW are usually the first thoughts that sping to mind . You will need ovens somewhere too !
PRO
Marina Drobot at Cinnamon Space
4 years ago
Rinq and OnePlan, agree with both. Smaller fridge, oven, dishwasher, washing machine. I had to be clearer when I said, that this is just a quick sketch just an idea of moving the fridge to the kitchen out of the breakfast area. I’m still waiting for Victoria to come back with precise measurements then, the cabinet layout can be determined. I’m not completely sure at this moment that this layout can work at all. The wall steps in where I put the fridge, I’d like to know how much and how long. And how wide the actual breakfast area is without the window bay. But both points are correct. X
Lisa D
4 years ago
If your longer term goal is an extension, I wouldn’t replace the units as the current benchmarx plan isn’t different enough. Save the money towards the extension and get the units painted the colour you like and replace the tiles and handles. Then you can get to your real dream kitchen quicker.
josiefaurewalker
4 years ago
Agree with others. Your current kitchen looks lovely, why change the units now? Better to wait and save for the extension.
For what it’s worth we have a kitchen of a similar size and layout. Can’t afford an extension but the cabinets are 40 year olds and tiles are falling off the wall. I’d love a kitchen like yours !

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