I swear to you I have no idea how this happened, this kitchen renovation of mine.
One day I was simply laying a new floor and the next I was all hopped up on new sink and fridge choices, frothing at the mouth over the possibility of a new tap.
Picking out the things I like, I can do. I can pick out things I like while blindfolded with earplugs in and mittens on. What I cannot do is plan a kitchen.
And this kitchen of mine needed a new plan. This is how my current kitchen is laid out ...
The fridge is directly beside the stove, there isn't enough storage and I'm pretty sure Idris Elba, whom I brushed off just a few months ago, wouldn't enjoy cooking for me when he has to go all the way into the basement to get the Kitchen Aid out. I've totally un-shunned Idris by the way. We're back on, so feel free to let him know.
Left in my own hands my kitchen would become a disaster. There would be be a monster walk in refrigerator, a fireplace, but not necessarily any room for a stove. Definitely no sink.
Because I get confused. My brain just can't handle the thought of rearranging the things in the kitchen and making them better than they are.
So as soon as I came to terms with the fact that I was indeed going to do my kitchen over, I did the first thing anyone planning a kitchen renovation should do;
I worked a kitchen designer into my budget. And then I hired a kitchen designer.
Carol Reed is someone who I know only through Twitter and the Internet. I've been following her design career through the miracle of Twitpics, Instagram and her blog.
Plus she designed my Chicken Coop gates for me so I knew she had the grit needed to tackle my kitchen which holds 4 doorways and 2 windows within it's walls.
It all started with a few emails sending Carol some inspiration pictures, my kitchen measurements and what my wish list was. I knew I wanted to keep the kitchen authentically old feeling and I wanted a kitchen table. I did not want an island. To me an island is just a space sucking trend that doesn't have a real purpose. So, no island. But I definitely wanted an antique butcher block in the kitchen. Either the relatively small one I already own, or a great big one.
After several and I mean SEVERAL back and forths between us, we whittled it down to these plans.
What I like about this plan is the fact there there's a kitchen table. I LOVE having a real kitchen table.
What I don't like about this plan is the layout is not much different than my current kitchen and has less storage.
What I like about this plan is there's a fair amount of counter space.
What I don't like about it, is the fridge being so far away from the main work area. Plus there's still less storage than I'm used to.
What's labelled as a kitchen island here is actually a great, big antique butcher block. Which I LOVE.
I really like this plan. There's a HUGE pantry, but I'm not so sure about looking in at the fridge from the dining room. I really don't know if it'll bother me or not. If you're wondering why the sink isn't centred on the kitchen window in these plans, it's because it's because having as much counter space as possible was more important to me than a centred window. Moving the sink off to the side allows me to have a continuous run of counter as opposed to a little bit on either side of the sink.
What I like about this plan, is everything.
It has a lot of storage, a nice view from the dining room (a big pantry), all kinds of counter space
and a place to sit, even if it isn't a real table.
So that's the plan I went with. The final plan. Which, you may have noticed, has no butcher block but DOES have an island in the middle. See? I'm totally screwed up and can't be trusted when it comes to kitchen ideas.
It took me months to decide on this plan partly because I knew I was doing things that were unconventional and quite honestly, wrong, according to most kitchen designers, but right for me. Carol was nice enough ... and wise enough, to indulge me. She convinced me when my ludicrous ideas truly were ludicrous. And reminded me of things I would never have thought of. Like the fact that even though I've always dreamt of having a 6 burner stove, it didn't make sense to have one if it meant I wouldn't be able to have a corner cupboard.
And partly because a kitchen renovation, even when you aren't paying for the cabinets is an expensive thing. There's electrical and plumbing, and installation and lighting and appliances and clown costumes .... uch. There's a lotta stuff. So, you don't want to get it wrong. And the layout of the kitchen is the one thing you can't change your mind on.
If you decide you want a new sink or lamp, those are things you can change down the road, but the layout is here to stay until your next kitchen renovation. Which will hopefully happen exactly once every NEVER.
You wanna know the most interesting part of this story? Carol Reed and I ... have never met.
Along with her regular design business she runs an e-design business. You just send her your measurements and inspiration photos and she does the rest of the work. IT'S AN INTERNET DESIGN MIRACLE.
I cannot think of a better way to work. It was genius. AND less expensive than having her work here with me in person. Plus there was the added bonus of me not being able to see Carol roll her eyes when I suggested things like a trapeze so I could swing from one end of the kitchen to the next with a stylish flourish.
And she couldn't see me scowl when she suggested something ridiculous like paying attention to where my toaster, coffee maker, etc. would go so I could have electrical outlets installed at those spots.
So that's it. The kitchen is planned. Somebody tell Idris.
Barbie
I'm not going to make any suggestions because clearly you have spent MONTHS figuring this out with an expert! I LOVE what you finally decided on! I know losing the table was probably hard but I do love the extra room it provided you! I am sorry you don't get the six burner stove but you will get lots of great cooking done with this new more efficient kitchen layout! Your going to love the bib sink! I have a one and it is a small one at that and I can get all my big pots easily washed in it! I do love my island as well. It lends itself to lots more counter space and also room for a second helper in the kitchen w/out getting in my way, and servers as a great way to have a buffet style dinner where I put all the food and we all load up there and eat in another location...either outside or in the formal dining room etc. I am adamant about keeping it clear of clutter or extra decor stuffs....it can become a collect all if your not careful. I have just come to realize it's best to just keep it entirely free of anything on it at all. Lastly....keep in mind when grieving the fact about the 6 burner stove...you may not be living in this house for the rest of your life...and what you are putting into your kitchen now will up the value of your home immensely, and add $$ to the home you will be someday be "building" ....I can totally see that in your future! I know you would be the type to completely LOVE the process of building a whole house! Even though you might not think so.
I can hardly WAIT to see the final result of this kitchen reno! So excited for you!
Kristin
I'm very excited to see your choice of countertops. I applaud your insistence on keeping to an authentic old-style feel. We bought a newly-renovated old Craftsman bungalow (1902) that has an unfortunately modern-looking kitchen (black granite counters, boring putty-colored tile backsplash and floors, stainless (but cheap) appliances.) I would love to redo it, but it's basically brand new, and most people would swoon over it.
One question: is it my imagination, or is your fridge partially blocking your window? If so, I'm not judging.
Karen
In the initial plan it was going to overlap by about an inch. I've altered that and now it will not. ~ karen!
Evalyn
That was the only thing bugging me. So glad someone else mentioned it also. Even more glad you fixed it.
Grace@ Sense and Simplicity
You probably hate all these people question your FINAL version, but I have to put my two cents in too. I love the kitchen part and am totally on board with the 4-burner stove etc. The only part you never altered was the bathroom door. I am very concerned about the tinkle noises interrupting your cooking mojo. Would you be able to access the bathroom through the laundry room so there was a buffer? Just a thought. I'm interested to see how it turns out.
Karen
Nope, not possible. :) ~ karen
Sara
I am so very excited for you! Can't wait to see pics of the final design. Thanks for sharing all the fun with us. I was neutral on islands, but my current house has one and it is my favorite prep space. I hope you enjoy yours after all. :)
Debbie
Nice job, can't wait for the pictures.
Call Me Patty
You made the right choice. Congrats! Can't wait to see the progress reports and the final result.
Nancy Blue Moon
Can't wait to see it finished!!
valerie
Interesting plans and comments thus far.
Is it possible to relocate the washer and dryer closer to where your bedroom(s) are located? If you could do that then it would allow for alternatives in the kitchen plan.
My current laundry room is adjacent to the bedrooms upstairs.
I have lived in homes where these appliances are in the basement and on the main floor. In both cases I found it exhausting lugging baskets, going up and down the stairs endlessly and realizing, that for me most heavy laundry originates from the bedroom areas.
Karen
Nope. Not possible. I like the laundry off the kitchen anyways. Works for me. ~ karen!
Auntiepatch
OK, I was going to suggest more storage where the blackboard is and then paint it with blackboard paint. But then I noticed that you said you have plans for that area. Can you tell us what your plans are for that area?
I love the finished footprint and I think you will love your island. I use mine all the time!
Lynn
Congrats on a great floor plan! Prior to the final plan I was wondering about the width of the kitchen and what looked like to many steps from one side to the other. Great choice!
I was wondering why some of the walls in the drawing look so much thicker than other walls. The black board wall looks extra thick. From it's location it shouldn't be an exterior wall unless the kitchen is an addition. Is it partly brick, just old with lots of layers, or just a drawing? Very curious.....
Karen
It is a supporting wall that used to be exterior. The kitchen is an addition, albeit one done many, MANY years ago. ~ karen
JF
I am SO thrilled to see this -- I love that you hired Carol, loved seeing the progression and can't wait to see actual photos of the process, including a little butcher block porn!
also, I echo a pocket door for the bathroom (especially since I want one in my bath or bedroom and because of structure/wiring limitations, cannot have)
eeeeeeee, this is so exciting -- vicarious renovations, all the fun, none of the construction mess
Jeannie B
Well, I love your new design. And i'm glad that you're including the island, as long as it is moveable. But most importantly, is the BLACKBOARD. I love my blackboard and wouldn't be without it. Your kitchen will be beautiful Karen.
Carey
This doesn't happen often, or to many people, but I completely agree with you! It must be such a relief to have the hard part conquered. Now for the fun... counter tops, cabinets, backsplashes, paint choices and wiring trapezes!
Clyde Page
It is worth the work that you went through as a poor kitchen design will haunt you for years. Might I suggest that where you have the 15 inches of counter space that under it you install a pull out rack to hold your cookie sheets etc. next to the stove as I have found this to be very handy.
Jodi T
Woo Hoo!! I can't wait to see the progress / final product. I like the final plan. Especially that long counter on the far wall. Also, I love the idea of an island. You could even... maybe.... possibly, put a butcher block top on it...? Maybe?
Good luck with your reno!!
Rondina
The problem is that you really have to choose between the island and storage and you need both. This is one of the most expensive things that you can do in your home, so you shouldn't settle. I personally liked 4-4, if the island was on wheels so you could move it around and use it for extra space for baking and canning. You live in an older bungalow and kitchens can end up to be a bit weird. I have a corner stove, which is a horrible position, but two huge pantries. A big plus is lots of light, but again, this can be a problem to work around.
I see the sink is in front of the window with still plenty of work room. I thought about your sink comment and decided you were right. For the last 30 years, I've had windows in front of my prep and sink areas. Now you will have the best of both worlds. I love looking out at the wildlife while I work.
Cathy
Who is Idris?
Karen
https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/an-open-letter-to-idris-elba/
Feral Turtle
I love your choice!! She really gave you a lot of designs. Now the hard work begins! Wish I lived close as I would come and help!
Janet
Love the final plan... moving the sink in front of the window is a must in my book (of course that's where I stand to watch the birds taking a bath in the birdbath. Might as well wash a dish or two, while there, which... some times leads to having to clean the window, as I wash pots and pans like the birds taking a bath...flinging water all over the place.), but so worth it. But mainly, what does it for me, is the fridge change, along with the extra counter space in front of the window and cupboard underneath ...and a real biggy...the COOL blackboard. Way to go ladies. Great minds coming together...a little give and take...can't beat that.
Pat Kichinko
Ooooh! A trapeze!! That's much better than the moving sidewalk I want for my kitchen!!
Karen
We're both wrong Pat. I have one word for you. Monorail. ~ karen
Pat Kichinko
A monorail!! Why didn't I think of that? Maybe 'cause I'm getting older. I think a big old Rhuumba would be more my speed. I could take my cats for a ride! That's me! Bringing the Crazy Cat Lady image into the 21st Century!!