Browse Forums Kitchen Corner 1 Sep 23, 2008 8:57 pm Hi all,
We are currently renovating (and living in a pile of rubble and dust which is lovely), and about to install a new kitchen. We have relocated it to make it more of an open plan design as the space is not very large and a difficult-to-work-with L-Shape. Anyway, here are the current drawings of the kitchen at the moment from our friend who works at a kitchen place lucky for us. I am worried about storage, and am thinking of ways to increase this. We can not lengthen the kitchen against the wall as it is the space from the door to the laundry and a wall to which the main bedrooms door is next to. Attached are the plans for your viewing pleasure. Please share your thoughts, ideas etc with me!!!! N.B. on the Island to the left is a draw pull-out bin, and the pantry has draws below it to store pantry items in an easier way (my parents have done this in their kitchen and it works well). Thanks so much! Cheers, Brooke Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Replacing kitchen - Design complete - appreciate opinions!! 2Sep 23, 2008 9:21 pm Hmm, I see the concern.
I'd remove the bin drawer and go with that option under the sink, and get some extra storage into where the bin drawer is. and I;d move the microwave - too low to use IMO & I'd be inclined to put it into the bottom of the pantry beside the stove - all ghot things in one area , and again, use the under bench smapce for more storage once the microwave is out of there. Enjoy the dust It's great when it;s gone Steve Re: Replacing kitchen - Design complete - appreciate opinions!! 3Sep 24, 2008 3:43 pm Great drawings, you're lucky that you can see your kitchen like that .
If your island isn't going to be used as a breakfast bar, I'd put additional drawers on the side where you presently have space under your bench, they'd probably only be 30cm deep but enough for bits and bobs that everyone has in the kitchen. I have it done that way and store plastic bags, napkins, place mats etc. in there. I've just read that back to myself and it's not very clear , if you don't know what I mean I could post a photo of my island. Re: Replacing kitchen - Design complete - appreciate opinions!! 4Sep 24, 2008 3:59 pm Great looking kitchen.
Have you itemised everything you need to house? This is what I did to see what space I needed. ie 1 Tupperware- cupboard under sink... 2 Glasses- glass cupboard next to rangehood... 3 Plates,bowls drawer next to oven... 4 Mugs and Cups 5 Platters,Salad Bowls 6 Mixer 7 Bin This is just an example but once you do this you can see exactly what you need to find room for and you may find you can fit everything you need to in. I had exactly the same pantry in my last house, I made the shelves inside adjustable so I could house taller things together and smaller things together. I would consider putting the microwave up higher as I had it down low and I found out little kids love playing with microwaves. Its amazing how much you can fit in that pantry. If you do need more room, could you consider an L shaped island bench. Either way maybe you could box up things that you don't use and see if you really need them. Good Luck It looks fab. Re: Replacing kitchen - Design complete - appreciate opinions!! 5Sep 25, 2008 8:56 am You could get a pull out rangehood (a lot cheaper) and put another 2 small cupboards above the stove. Might spoil the 'look' you are after though. I'd also get rid of the pull out bin and I can't believe I am saying that as I wanted one in our new kitchen but our designer talked me out of it (took him a month!) .
I would leave the microwave where it is. I don't like them low down however, for safety, it is better to pull something hot from a microwave and pour it down your legs rather than pour it from chest height. If you have young kids or plan on it, the microwave will probably be the first appliance they use. Re: Replacing kitchen - Design complete - appreciate opinions!! 6Sep 30, 2008 4:21 pm Thanks all for your opinions, sorry, during the renovations darling husband cut the phone line in the roof, all good now.
Have decided to move the pull out bin under the sink which is all good, and the drawers are now going to be 800-900mm so more room in them. Will be using as a bfast bench so no go on the cupboards on the other side. I think it will all be ok! Thanks again! Re: Replacing kitchen - Design complete - appreciate opinions!! 8Oct 16, 2008 11:00 am hi
don't put the pull out bin under the sink as you will constantly be sidestepping it while using the sink to rinse food scraps etc. you need your bin and dishwasher to the sides of the sink so you can easily access either while using the sink to rinse. it is much easier to have the bin pulled out at your side while standing at the sink rinsing etc. having bin to the side also means you can open it before rinsing, do the rinsing and discard food scraps, and then close the bin, rather than opening and closing the bin with wet, dirty hands while you rinse. and ditto the previous posters re the height of microwave. having it that low will give you either a bad back or bad knee joints from all the bending/squatting and kids will inevitably break it or burn themselves. Re: Replacing kitchen - Design complete - appreciate opinions!! 9Oct 16, 2008 7:31 pm Thanks for your thoughts, good point about the bin, but too late as it's done! Oh well, we are having a large double sink so can stand in between bin and dishwasher I suppose.
Ended up changing the configuration of island bench a little, so now goes microwave / long drawers / sink and bin / dishwasher. I am happy with this (I hope so anyway!). Have attached a real life pic of where we are up to, have all the two packing done on the doors and drawers (thanks to my Dad and hubby who did it all for the cost of the pain!), just waiting for our drawer runners and stone bench, then can put the appliances in, floors, splashback, etc. Cannot wait until completion!!!! Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Replacing kitchen - Design complete - appreciate opinions!! 12Oct 16, 2008 8:02 pm Actually it was supposed to be done a bit sooner, but there has been some problem with the machine or something! Unfortunately for me, my husband has decided to go on a camping trip tomorrow for a week so I get to live in this with no progress Great timing!!!
Donuts our cabinets have been done in two pack Dulux White on White (same as we are doing the walls), and benchtops are C/stone Ice Snow I think it's called, that only got measured up this morning, so the waiting continues! All of our nice new appliances are sitting at the Good Guys waiting for us! Re: Replacing kitchen - Design complete - appreciate opinions!! 14Oct 17, 2008 7:07 am Paula Great pic! Its good to see things coming together. DH going camping?? Doesnt he know you have no kitchen Oh well, you'll just be eating out, won't you ??? Built the Eden Brae Cambridge 34 Family with Boston Corner Facade Re: Replacing kitchen - Design complete - appreciate opinions!! 15Oct 17, 2008 8:38 pm Quote: Unfortunately for me, my husband has decided to go on a camping trip tomorrow for a week so I get to live in this with no progress Great timing!!! Good to see he has a bit of work play balance in life What's another week in the scheme of things Steve Re: Replacing kitchen - Design complete - appreciate opinions!! 16Oct 19, 2008 2:31 pm Kitchen looks great... I have a bin under the sink that comes out with the door and i dont have any trouble with it. Except when husband doesnt empty it. Maleena Hardy Curiouser & Curiouser Vintage-Handmade-Interior & Colour Consultancy http://www.curiouserandcuriouser.com.au 2 8366 Yes, get a builder, make sure he is experienced and a registered building practitioner 5 8979 Hi, we live in an area where the black soil is prone to a lot of movement. We have an old 50's house with masonite everywhere and nails popping out, warping, rusted etc.… 0 4515 |