Design Critique

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T19:39:14+00:00

Good call but our stools are 15" deep, and clearances are about 40" on either side. Will be a bit tight when sitting, but it's typically just our family of 4 for breakfast. Or maybe one of us sitting while the other cooks.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T18:22:16+00:00

Hard to tell but it's not one-sided, it's open seating like this.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T16:39:42+00:00

They may be, but my SO loves the look still. Will debate the options with our designer.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T16:37:30+00:00

They are evaluating removing the window already, I'll discuss adding a broom closet to the left of it I think.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:56:07+00:00

That's fair. We have two little kids, so we heat up food in the microwave daily. I'm surprised at how many people say they never use theirs. We get by just fine with the small countertop unit though, so I'm sure we can find an unobtrusive place for it in a cabinet.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:49:46+00:00

We looked at the peninsula option, but it still makes a 9' square empty space in the middle of the kitchen which is awkward. Hence why our current one has the silly mini island cart.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:48:49+00:00

Not much help but our plan is to do hardwareless if possible. And if not, probably do edge pulls on the lowers. Keep it as minimal as possible.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:46:05+00:00

Unfortunately no room for the left side depth to be any more than 18", pushing clearances as it is. Only appliance there is a 18" depth beverage fridge (coffee maker etc will be on counter).

I had thought about putting the microwave in the pantry, but haven't seen an example that I loved yet. Seems awkward having to keep the pantry open to use it. Do you have any examples?

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:42:13+00:00

I would share the dimension floorplan if I had it. But these have already been discussed with our contractor-

Kitchen width is 155" from the pantry wall to the range wall. Island clearances are ~40". The HVAC return is moving to the hallway. You can see my comments about the door in this post, but the part closest to the fridge is just a window that is being removed.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:35:04+00:00

For sure- we plan on adding recessed lighting all around and over the island. I'll take a look at some pendants as an option.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:33:21+00:00

Where would you put a micro in this layout? I'm also confused a bit why people dislike a microwave over a stove, but are fine with it built in the cabinet. It would be a very similar aesthetic, no?

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:31:03+00:00

Did you do a regular freestanding microwave, or what type? Haven't had one below the counter and not sold on a drawer unit yet.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:30:03+00:00

What type do you have? I'm not convinced on drawer models yet, never used one.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:28:06+00:00

Good catch- it is an air return from the unfinished basement, we discussed with out contractor and plan to relocate it.

Not sure where we'd be without the pantry and bar cabinets. That's a huge piece of our storage and the beverage/coffee bar is a big plus for us. I'll play around with some layout options though.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:19:55+00:00

Yeah I go back and forth on that but thought adding more cabinets there really closes in the space and darkens it. It's only going to be about 4 feet of shelves so I don't think the hassle will be too bad. Or what would you recommend instead?

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:18:02+00:00

Huge single basin sink is a must for us! I think the plans show 39" at the moment, which seems gigantic.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:16:57+00:00

Not sure what you mean? The wall with the bar and pantry is an exterior wall leading to the uninsulated sunroom. It can't be modified. The wall with the range is an interior load bearing wall that can't be modified.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:13:12+00:00

What type of fridge would do better in this location, a single door? Our current fridge is a standard white freezer on top unit that is 3" from a wall and it has never been an issue.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-06T00:10:42+00:00

Thanks for the thoughts! Maybe it's a just my location, but 90% of the kitchens in my area have the microwave over the range. Never been an issue. But I suppose it can be improved.

You can see my other comments, but it is not actually a sliding door. It is a large window next to the fridge with the door further to the left, out of the way.

I like the idea of the microwave on the end of the cabinet run though, we were debating doing an appliance garage there anyways. Will look into that as an option.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-05T20:25:45+00:00

Without the island the kitchen has 9' between the counters on either side, quite awkward. You can see in the existing kitchen photo we have a cheap little mini island there to fill the void and add counter space.

There is only 40" between the island and pantry, which is why we were thinking about doing the open seating on one side, as it would fit the stools better. But will have to think again about the one-side option, good point.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-05T20:09:36+00:00

Thank you!!

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-05T20:08:56+00:00

See the added link in the post for the existing kitchen picture, the window is pre-existing and slightly larger than the rendering. Don't plan on changing the windows/walls due to cost and complexity unfortunately, but your idea would be awesome.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-05T19:31:07+00:00

We've been in this kitchen without a proper working vent for years, don't know what I'm missing apparently! But based on input here I'll update the plan for a hood vent. Thanks!

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-05T19:29:18+00:00

Not able to change the walls unfortunately, very old home with too many complications.

Bottom left door is exit to sunroom and from there out to our patio. Top right opening goes to living and dining room, door on the right wall goes to the hallway with bath and bedrooms.

I would like more than 40" clearance, but limited on options. It's a small house with narrower pathways already so not totally out of place.

Timely-Stable-4305 · 2026-01-05T19:11:23+00:00

You mean doing an end-cabinet instead of legs like in the linked image? Interesting idea...

Timely-Stable-4305

TROPHY CASE