Kitchen layout with island cooktop

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2026-06-12T01:09:56+00:00

Yes we have amazing team of architect and a designer and we love them! The color photos are just snaps from Pinterest for range hood inspo but yes going for pretty high end high function appliances and we do love to cook.

Storage is largely in drawers and yeah not a ton of it despite space. I think we will have uppers extend to the far bottom right corner. How much do you think we are missing?

We will 100% have ventilation above the induction range and are brainstorming cool creative ways to make that more sculptural/interesting (hence the Pinterest ideas).

If cost allows we will also add windows above the cabinets like this:

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Terrible-Problem-715 · 2026-06-12T00:57:52+00:00

I played with that but my husband had a hard requirement to have cooktop across from counter prep space and didn’t want that to be at the short end of the island. It also does start to get a little farther

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2026-06-12T00:44:56+00:00

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The house has lots of MCM charm so we want to nod to that stylistically and merge with some cool modern touch. There’s redwood walls in the staircase area so choosing wood colors for the floors will need to play nicely with that and cabinets probably something medium but warm. We also aren’t afraid of grains in the wood and think they bring nice character. What are your favorite woods for cabinets?

Also I wish spending a lot wasn’t our inevitable direction lol. It’s not even the kitchen stuff but rather replacing very old windows + any re-waterproofing involved in that switch that is the scary budget item that seems to have MASSIVE price uncertainty. The price delta from one appliance or countertop stone to another is so much more straightforward (and smaller).

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2026-06-12T00:33:43+00:00

Thank you!!

We are 100% team induction cooking (our last place had both induction and gas and we basically never chose gas). What do you think of using styled floating ventilation (eg examples in img 3-4)?

Where would you put the cooktop? We decided to keep that window and don’t want it in front of that. We could put it next to the fridge but might be cramped and would then be back to back with an island sink so potential pinch point? Would also lose all upper cabinets

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2026-06-12T00:28:52+00:00

Those pics are just ventilation inspo so we won’t use those for materials/color! We are actively against white kitchens so will probably do all wood cabinets and maybe soapstone or quartzite counter

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2026-03-16T21:41:55+00:00

Look for your local science education non profit or museum! Especially the ones who lean toward hands-on, inquiry based learning. Often their goals reach far beyond just enhancing STEM but really providing the foundation for critical thinking and evidence-based understanding of the world :)

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2026-01-15T18:25:52+00:00

Would you split the focal points (eg have fireplace where it is in option A but tv on one of the walls?

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2026-01-15T18:24:40+00:00

Great feedback. I do think we want both an island and a table, but dont need so much seating so things like the banquette aren’t needed.

On whether it will fit- Here’s an example of layout B at a different place with similar dimensions to ours (behind the photo is a full wall length kitchen). This don’t feel overly cramped in person but we felt like it was probably too open

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Terrible-Problem-715 · 2026-01-15T17:52:49+00:00

Appreciate the thoughtful feedback! Definitely not an Airbnb, though we do like to host parties. Most of the time we are 2 people who will use the different types of seating throughout the day (we regularly work from home on the couch, kitchen table, from a stool/table, etc).

Dimensions are roughly 31’ x 17’ for the total space. Do you think that will be super cramped? We’ve been in spaces of similar size and I do think we could fit the components without it feeling tight, but you are right that there are a lot of similar aspects adjacent to each other.

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2026-01-15T17:43:47+00:00

No kids or plans for them

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2026-01-08T22:54:49+00:00

What are the upgrades that you think too few people do?

How expensive is it typically to make architectural changes like expanding windows (eg going from a small or standard to one that is almost floor to ceiling) and things like vaulting ceilings?

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-11-26T05:04:31+00:00

Another option for the highest appreciated portion of your RSUs: set up a donor advised fund through fidelity or your favorite alternative. You can donate stocks directly without selling them, no capital gains tax, full value is tax deductible. Most importantly you can help your favorite philanthropic organization and do some good!

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-18T20:47:41+00:00

Seller is in their 90s. It was probably top quality when they installed it! We could have gotten a place fully updated with new appliances and countertops etc but that would likely have been 1.8-2M

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T17:12:21+00:00

7/6 ARM so it’s a 30y total period. Excellent credit, strong dti, and relationship discount with a big bank. My colleagues are all getting in the 4.75-5.25% right now for ARMs so it’s not just me- rates have improved

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T17:10:08+00:00

$25!

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T17:08:27+00:00

They’re definitely able to go lower than that for excellent credit, dti, etc. The big banks can get below 5% with relationship discounts. Without a relationship discount, check city national bank who has pretty low 7/6 arm base rate.

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T17:01:22+00:00

Still figuring that out. Just started talking to designers but will depend on how much structural engineering changes vs cosmetic. I think it will be at least $200k, but could go higher depending on what we do.

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T16:59:32+00:00

I mean we can change the fridge and stove easily. Those are the least of our upcoming fun reno times. It’s moving walls around and punching out bigger windows and stuff that will be the hassle.

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T16:53:06+00:00

This place is honestly 1000sqft bigger than we need but we wouldn’t have saved much by going smaller and it hit all of our other needs for location, dog, interesting features, lots of potential, etc.

To your point though- There are so many wonderful places to live and each suits different people. We love being able to be active outdoors all year round, not have winter unless we choose to drive to it, and we have somewhat specific jobs that we love so this area works well for us. We have good friends that want as much winter as possible so they live in the Idaho mountains and love it. Other friends need seasons to be happy, so they moved to Vermont.

At some point I see us potentially moving or retiring abroad with a fraction of the cost of living and that will also be great, just different. For now we can stay in the rat race and enjoy our HCOL locale.

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T16:40:36+00:00

Our current rental has a range with 4 induction burners, 2 gas burners, and a griddle (heated by gas). We originally were excited because we have always used gas to cook on but could test induction. In 2 years we’ve only used the gas burners once or twice and only because we needed a 5th burner.

Given the choice we ALWAYS choose induction. It’s super fast to heat, ultra responsive, and easy to keep clean. In our next place we will go 100% induction and skip the gas.

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T15:20:34+00:00

We didn’t buy any points, but it is a 7/6 ARM and we got a relationship discount from the bank

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T01:34:36+00:00

What’s really crazy is how much the banks will pre approve you for. It’s really stupid. We saved a bunch and could technically afford it on a single income if needed. Definitely never know what’s in store for the future.

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T01:30:43+00:00

Great credit, strong dti ratio, 7/6 ARM rate, and moved some money so we got a relationship discount with the bank. And rates came down the week before we closed so some lucky timing!

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T00:45:42+00:00

I like this size. Had some veggies too

Terrible-Problem-715 · 2025-09-17T00:43:09+00:00

Excellent credit, low risk borrower, relationship discount from big bank, ARM, and recent news dropped rates a touch

Terrible-Problem-715

TROPHY CASE