We’re hoping to knock out a complete kitchen remodel in late 2022 or early 2023 and while that’s still months away, we’re starting to plan now. Some appliances, windows, and other kitchen products are in high demand and short supply so the goal is to decide on everything we want for our new space and get any backordered items ordered long before we’ll actually need them.
We’re going to be changing up the entire layout of our kitchen and are considering vaulting the ceiling too since we have attic space above the kitchen. Our vaulting options aren’t cut and dry since our roof line has tons of angles so we’re starting our remodel planning by working through several kitchen layout & vaulting options with a local architect (it’s Susan Vaughn if you’re local to Wilmington, NC – she’s great!). I thought it would be fun to share the different kitchen layout options we’re considering and see what you think! (post includes affiliate links – full disclosure statement available {here})
But before we get there, let me show you the current layout of our kitchen so you can see the space that we’re starting with (all drawings are by Susan Vaughn):
My wish list of changes for the layout of our new kitchen that I gave to Susan includes:
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- Moving the kitchen sink out of the corner. The corner of our kitchen with two arched windows looks like the perfect spot for a sink but…
Sources: Cabinet knobs | Backsplash wallpaper | Faucet | Glass soap pumps | Soap pump tray (mini) | Scalloped blue planter | Blue striped towel
after using it for months, I’ve definitely fallen out of like with having a corner sink. The windows are so far into the corner that I don’t have a good view out either one unless I lean way forward over the sink. I’m mostly looking at the wall space between the two windows with only a sliver of a view out of them. I’m also not a fan of the awkward wasted triangle of space behind our sink. And I hate that you can’t have your dishwasher right next to a corner sink because you’d be unable to open it while standing there. Other than that, it’s great – ha!
- Moving the kitchen sink out of the corner. The corner of our kitchen with two arched windows looks like the perfect spot for a sink but…
- A 48″ range instead of a cooktop and wall oven. I LOVED my Monogram range in our old kitchen – I had plenty of burners plus two ovens all in one gorgeous package:
Kitchen Sources: Range | Backsplash mosaic tile | Pot Filler (vibrant stainless) | Cabinet cup pulls | Cabinet pulls | Round braided tray | Marble & wood utensil holder | Floating wood shelves
- No 45 degree angles. In our current layout, the sink, cooktop, and wall oven are all at a 45 degree angle and it’s just not my thing.
- A kitchen island that seats at least 3 people. I loved the size of the kitchen island in our previous home (our island countertop measured 40″ x 94″) and I’d like an island in this house that’s similar in size or a bit larger.
- A larger pantry. Our current pantry is tiny (a good chunk of it is taken up by venting for an air return) – I miss the pull-out pantry in our last house:
I’d love our new kitchen to have something similar to this pantry cabinet or a walk-in pantry.
I’d love our new kitchen to have something similar to this pantry cabinet or a walk-in pantry.- A closet in our laundry room. If you look at our current house plan, you’ll see that I have a small closet in our laundry room that’s basically created from the empty space behind the angled wall oven. While I want to remove the angled oven, I’d ideally like to still have a closet in the laundry room.
I have several other must-haves on my kitchen remodel list but can work most of them into whichever layout we move forward with – check out my 10 must-have kitchen remodel ideas in {this post}.
Taking my wish list into account, Susan drew up three kitchen layout options as a starting point for us to work off of. Ready to see?
Option A: Lowest Cost Option
Option A is the lowest cost option that would involve maintaining the same basic L shape kitchen layout that we currently have while swapping around the arrangement of everything in it. The kitchen ceiling could be vaulted with the vault centered on the island:
Our range would be centered on the front wall of the kitchen, our sink would be on the side wall (I would want to add a window there so I’m not staring at a wall), we’d have an island with L shaped seating in the center, and we’d add tall pantry cabinets where our current pantry and desk area are. The plan doesn’t involve any changes with the current windows but I wouldn’t want to be staring at the wall when at my sink so I’d want to add a window there if we went with this option. Another option would be to move the sink to the island but to move the dishwasher and trash cabinet with it (I’d like to keep that trio together) I would have to eliminate the island seating on the short side.
Option B: Open Concept Option
Option B has a lot of similarities but the vaulting of the ceiling would go the opposite direction:
In this option, the sink is on the front wall of the kitchen with a new, enlarged window. The range is moved to the side wall and the kitchen island remains the same as option A. We could add cabinetry to the wall where the tall pantry cabinets are in option A or we could open up the wall to the dining room for more of an open concept layout.
The big negative of options A and B is that there is still a large, unused space between the kitchen and sitting room (space we call the “circus room”). We could put a round dining table in the middle of the space and two lounging chairs in the bay window but it seems like overkill to have kitchen island seating, a large table in the kitchen, and a dining table in the dining room that’s just steps away. Especially since our girls are in college so 90% of the time it’s just Jeff and I eating together.
Option C: Adding a Scullery
Option C is a complete change-up! A portion of our kitchen would turn into a scullery (or butler’s pantry or walk-in pantry – whatever you want to call it!) and the rest of the kitchen would shift down toward the bay window:
We wouldn’t vault the ceiling in this option because working with our roof line, we couldn’t create a vault that’s centered over the kitchen space but we could do a tray ceiling if we wanted (we already have two tray ceilings in our house so I’d actually probably leave the ceiling as-is). One negative is that we would lose having the two corner windows in the main kitchen space – they’d be in the scullery instead. But due to the direction they face, they actually don’t bring a ton of light into our home. The bay window and circus room windows are the ones that really fill the space with light.
Option C also allows for a nice size closet in our laundry room which I like. The negative is that we wouldn’t have a vaulted ceiling (we do have 9′ ceilings so we’d still have a taller than average ceiling).
Our Thoughts…
Option C honestly kind of blew my mind. It goes to show that getting a good architect is so worth the cost – it’s not an arrangement that I would have come up with on my own but I LOVE it! Jeff and I are still thinking things over (and I’m so interested to hear what you think too!) but our initial thoughts are to work off of Option C with a few changes…
I’m a symmetry girl so I’d want my range and kitchen island to be centered on the bay window which would be easy to do by lengthening it and shifting it toward the circus room a bit. I’d also have the option for making my kitchen island wider than 3′ if I wanted to eliminate my small round table and four chairs that are currently in the bay window breakfast nook. Since I’d have seating for four at my island and our dining table is right around the corner, that might be the way to go. If you’ve eliminated a table and chairs in your kitchen area, do you miss it?
I’d plan to keep our coffee maker, air fryer, and other small appliances in the scullery so I’d love a small sink in there. And I’m taking back my “no corner sink” request 😂. As a second sink, this would be a great place for it. It’s possible I could even reuse some of the cabinetry from our current kitchen in the scullery but I’d still add new countertops.
Since the scullery adds so much storage space to the kitchen, I could probably incorporate a tall cabinet for my cordless vacuum, mop, etc. that I currently keep in my laundry room closet. Then instead of having a broom closet off the laundry room, I could open that space up to make it more of a mudroom with storage for coats and shoes (you get to our garage through the laundry room so having it there would make sense). It could be similar to what I did in our previous home, where I used inexpensive IKEA PAX units to create this coat & shoe storage space out of a shallow nook in our laundry room:
Sources: Tangerine wall decals | Over the Door Ironing Board Hanger | Brass & Acrylic Cabinet pulls (Golden Champagne finish)
You can get all the details in my post on creating our IKEA mudroom.
So that’s where we’re headed at this point but nothing is set in stone – what do you think? Which option is your favorite? I’ve never had a walk-in pantry/scullery – for those of you who have one, do you love it and what all do you keep in it?
I’m off to celebrate Mother’s Day with Jeff, my parents, and one of my two girls (my other daughter is still finishing up her college semester). Jeff is making us all dinner which is a treat (he’s not usually the cook!). In the past, I haven’t been able to spend many Mother’s Days with my mom since we’ve always lived states away so it makes today’s celebration all the more special (my parents are now just down the street!). Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mamas out there – I hope your families spoil you with love and hugs (and some good food 😉) today!
As usual, I’ve added a bunch of new favorite finds and deals to my Shop page {here}. Also Serena & Lily is having a sitewide sale with 20% off using code GOFORIT (plus they FINALLY added flat rate shipping which is a plus!) – you can see the Serena & Lily finds I have and love in my own home {here}.
XO,
Mary says
C is amazing with that walk-in pantry! And 100% on the centering with the bay window. Like, how can you not?!
I can just imagine that for resale purposes all the added storage on this option will be a huge selling point.
Mary says
oh! And Happy Mother’s Day!
Angie says
I definitely agree C is the best and will look fabulous.
Ralinn says
I definitely think C would be the best option. The added storage is a huge plus. I like symmetry as well.
Karen says
Option C is my favorite. Very happy for you!
Lizzy says
I like option C, with your notes. I’m a symmetry girl too, and the addition of a Butler’s pantry would be very functional. As far as the ceiling, I’d either vault it or leave it alone. I’m not a big fan of tray ceilings. No matter what, it’s going to be great!
Nancy says
I love option C and also the changes you made to the plan. I love a pantry/scullery. Given your family and their needs this layout makes the most sense. Good luck. I can’t wait to see the finished room!
Janice says
I have a corner sink and love it! My windows are quite large and wide so sight lines are fine. I use the space behind sink for my orchids. The dishwasher is next to the corner cupboard and I have no problem with the doors and dishwasher colliding. Everyone is different!
cindy says
Wow. I was all about A with a longer and slightly wider island with the sink added to it – THEN I saw C. Such a great plan.
We did away with the eating area in our kitchen in our remodel by adding a huge island with seating around three sides (for 6 easily and for 8 good friends). It has worked beautifully for the two of us; and for informal dinners with friends; and for food and drinks during larger parties; etc. We also have an adjacent dining room area with a table and chairs and thought the same as you – too many tables/chairs.
The benefits to C seem to outweigh so much. I’d keep the larger electrical closet in the laundry, just because you will not want to store everything out in the open.
Giving up a vault with 10′ ceilings does not feel like a big sacrifice for all the space and storage and just general good an extra room brings, IMHO. I’d love to have a place for coffee and small appliances.
Definitely go with the symmetry based on the bay windows. Good catch.
You will be able to have two comfy chairs in the bay area. If you ever move, a small table and chairs could probably still fit if someone felt they needed to go back to that.
Good luck. So exciting.
Julie says
We got rid of our kitchen eating area, and just have a very large island. No regrets. Everyone gathers around the island, it’s a terrific buffet style serving area (I purchased bar stools that tuck under the island- it has extra deep knee space) so they don’t have to be moved when serving there. The other benefit of no longer having the kitchen eating area is that we actually use the dining room for more than holidays!
Barbara L Armacost says
Definitely C – so much potential for this setup. I love extra storage space and the scullery sounds like a great idea. Totally agree with the symmetry issue – I drive myself crazy with everything having to be centered and level. This kitchen is going to be awesome!!
Shawn says
Option C sounds like it would work best for you. Love the idea of the walk-in pantry/scullery and also making the laundry room more open with mudroom functionality. The only thing I might rethink is the placement of the refrigerator. It’s not quite a triangle with the sink and stove/oven in the current plan. Maybe slide it to the end of that front wall?
Jayne says
Maybe it’s just me but I’m not a fan of a sink in the island. I don’t like my pots and pans that are air drying to be front and center.
Jo says
I like option C the best. However I agree with Jayne and am not a fan of a sink in the island for the same reason. That would be the only change I would make. I like all the enhancements you made as well to option C…can’t wait to see your finished kitchen!!!!
Trish says
Like the majority, I too also favor option C with your proposed modifications implemented. You already well know the value of a functional mud room, and removing the existing wall clearly makes the space less claustrophobia-inducing too. That said, in my opinion, the scullery is a genius addition – kudos to your architect!
As a designer, I find symmetry essential to an aesthetically-pleasing plan, so I concur that centering your functional work space on the bay window is also critical. Further, I would eliminate the current “eating area” in the Bay entirely.
Initially, I propose you make the island not only longer but deeper, so as to accommodate additional seating on the shorter side facing into your “circus room”; on its opposite face, I would add under-counter wine/beverage refrigeration and an ice-maker so as to provide you with more functional bar service that doesn’t enter your work triangle – an absolute gift when entertaining…
Next, I propose you add a charming trapezoidal window seat to the Bay, ideally one constructed from cabinetry fronts that could conceal additional storage. An upholstered bench cushion and oodles of decorative pillows that will function to ‘emotionally soften’ the entire space and unite the Circus room to the Kitchen in colors and style.
In the event the vertical drop of the actual windows within the Bay preclude this option, I propose you have a custom-made open-backed, open-legged and armed bench that mirrors the shape of your bay “inserted” within the space; decorative bench cushion and multiple pillows are still appropriate.
Ultimately, I would visually “frame” this now-unique space with the addition of gorgeous wall sconces that complement your island pendant lamps mounted to the left and right of the Bay… I’m sure this charming moment will prove a most welcome addition; my mind’s eye already sees you lounging there over coffee and the paper on sunny morns!
Please keep us posted on your progress,
Trish
Design Maven Interiors
Sharon S says
I agree….I like an island top to be clean and clear
Jilian Nazzaro says
Option C! Honestly there are 7 of us in our house and we put in a bigger island that seats 7 because we had the room. We eat at the island all the time! We hardly ever eat at our kitchen table. Enjoy the process and can’t wait to see the final look. Happy Mother’s Day
debra @ 5th & state says
Hi Kris
love a scullery idea but I would do option A, so attractive, cannot wait to see what you do
happy mothers day!
Debra
Jill says
Unlike the other posts, I would never do away with an in-kitchen dining area. I think for resale this is a big no. I would hate it. But if you could sneak in a banquet in the bay window of option C, then I say go with that. If not, that’s a deal breaker for me.
Kathy says
A walk-in pantry is a must. I never had one before my current home, and I don’t know how I lived without it. I love for my counters to be neat and empty. I store all of my appliances in my pantry. Good luck with the renovations!
Judy says
So much to think about when planning your dream kitchen!
My two cents — plan C
Interesting but that island even with your extension maybe too narrow for a good sized sink with seating on the opposite side that’s comfortable and dry. Also as others pointed out —chef at that amazing stove and the dishwashing staff will be cheek to cheek so to speak !!
Kitchen flow makes all the difference !! Good luck Kris
Diane says
I totally agree that Oprion C is the way to go, and your edits make it even better! A walk in pantry for appliance storage and all the rest would be a dream. If you have the room and resources, I say go for it!
We recently completed a kitchen reno and kept the layout but added a large island. I have space for 3 stools at the island and don’t miss the table and chairs at all. The kitchen looks neater and we really enjoy using the island for eating, socializing, buffets, etc.
Like you, I would definitely want the island and range centered on the bay window. It would bother me every day if it wasn’t. OCD or good design, whatever, it needs to happen.
Noél Nicklas Emswiler says
I like C as well (you can never go wrong with more storage!) but wondered about the placement of the refrigerator. What about moving the fridge down where the cabinet is next to the pantry door? It would put it closer to the work triangle (if those even exist anymore!) and give you a larger expanse of counter space on the left of the fridge. Plus as you walk in from the sitting or dining room and turn, the focal point would be more about the upper cabinets than the fridge. In Option A the focal point was the range which I liked. I agree that a small table/banquet in the bay window would be a nice addition. If you did a banquet that could give you more storage. Love the options!
Lynette says
Exactly my thought. Move the fridge to make a better working triangle.
Cathy says
All options are great, but option C is so creative! Love it! We did away with our kitchen table & chairs & opted for island seating only about 10 years ago. I never regretted it until last year. I had a surgery that didn’t comfortably allow taller seating and we didn’t enjoy using the dining room daily for close to 2 months! Would adding a window seat in the bay be an option to have a small bistro set for intimate meals rather than the dining room if needed?
Toni says
I would consider what is the focal point when you walk into the kitchen? In C plan it seems it is the fridge and I wouldn’t be a fan of that. Also, if it is just you and your hubby most of the time, do you really NEED a scullery area? I personally would want widows on the end wall which you couldn’t have with a scullery. So I’m probably more in favor of. A or B. Plus I think for functionality a stove right behind your kitchen sink could be problematic if more than one person was in the kitchen preparing food and cooking. Something to think about. What about building a wall of cabinets on the kitchen side of the dinning room wall(in B) that could house small appliances, extra dishes etc. I think I would choose option B because ceiling lines would then be more in line with current eating area. Yes eating at an island is fine but there is a lot to be said for sitting across from faces when dinning rather than beside each other. I just went through a huge kitchen remodel in a high end home of the lady I work for so these are thoughts gleaned from that experience. .
Toni says
Also that large unused space you are concerned about by current eating area gives space for when you do have groups of people to be able to freely move and mingle. C crowds the kitchen to me. Remember how people gravitate to kitchen when entertaining!
Kathe says
C is the way I would go – great layout. I just did a new kitchen with basically the same layout, and I moved a door and made a secret pantry, and having that, I can promise you will love it. And yours will be much bigger, too. What about a banquette in the bay window? I did one and we love love love it. We also put a drawer microwave on the end of the island, which you could do when you lengthen it, and a beverage fridge on the other end (closest to your living space, for guests and the kids to get their own without opening the big fridge or taking up room in it). Can’t wait to see what you do – you have such great style.
Hilu says
What great options! I totally get the allure of option C and the idea of a butler’s pantry. Some of the larger new homes in our area offer that to help hide all the clutter, especially when entertaining in an open concept space. Two things to consider, though: 1) In that scenario the kitchen becomes much more dominant. When you’re in the sitting room, will you feel as though you’re sitting in the kitchen? 2) Will you miss the opportunity for a casual dining spot that’s not an island? Islands are great for quick meals, but nothing beats a cozy breakfast nook or even just a little bistro table for those long weekend mornings with the paper and your sweetheart across from you. With just the two of you, I doubt you’ll use your formal dining table much, and side-by-side island sitting may not be that conducive to conversation. Option C is the most practical and rational, but only you can tell whether it’s the one that “feels right” in daily living. Good luck with this project, and thanks for sharing the options with your reader friends!
Nanci says
I see that C is the big hit! Question though…do you have another sit down dining area besides in the kitchen. If the answer is yes, then by all means eliminate it. Otherwise if the answer is no, you really should have a place to sit down to eat, play games etc.
Monica says
I love C. Lose the seating area and make the island as big as you can. My instinct would be to put the range on the wall furthest from the living area. When my exhaust fan is running conversation is impossible. Not sure if it would make a difference in your space. If you or your guests are coffee drinkers maybe do a double height cabinet with bi-fold doors to hide everything when not being used. Could even fit a small microwave if you don’t plan on a microwave drawer. Your work is beautiful and I can’t wait to see what you decide!
Pam says
Option C is the one I like best! I would LOVE a pantry like that to accommodate all of the small appliances that currently live all over my limited counter space and even in some cabinets. I am looking forward to seeing your kitchen progress.
Margaret says
Plan C for sure. I have a walk-in pantry and wouldn’t be without it. You will never regret choosing Plan C.
Alison Kelman says
Option C as well. My only thought would be to think about having a door between the kitchen and the laundry so you can close it off if you want to. A pocket door would take less space. Just wandering what you are going to do with the bay window space. Such a gorgeous area but nothing in it?
Cindy says
Kris,
Love all the things you share with us. Looking at your style I don’t see you enjoying a narrow island with a sink in it. No room for decorating on the island. The kitchen work triangle is best with A or B. The scullery is fantastic, but what does it add for the two of you? I might consider closing the dining entry from the laundry side and make that a drop zone. You will make anything work beautifully. Best wishes and Happy Mother’s Day.
Marian Zimmerman says
Plan B… best thing I did was open my dining room wall
more space for grandchildren n son -in- laws to all hang out
Corinne says
Totally C. Without a doubt, drop the mike. Love your updates to it too and the modification of the Laundry broom closet to the mudroom with the Ikea storage. We have two dishwashers and I LOVE it. You could add a DW next to the scullery sink or move the fridge closer to the scullery door and move the main sink to the wall counter and add a prep sink to the island. That is how ours is set up and it works pretty well with 2 cooks in the house.
Patty says
Option C with your changes will be amazing!! A walk-in pantry truly makes a better kitchen – mine doesn’t have a sink but I wish it did. I can hardly wait to see this transformation. You are a genius in designing room make-overs 🙂
JL says
If you go with C, make sure you get a huge sink so that you can “hide” any dishes in so that they won’t stick up/out. I LOVE my big sink (it will fit an entire cookie sheet lying down flat, no problem – had a divided sink previously. Would never go back!). Also, I think the dotted line probably delineates tap the counter be on the safe will be raised up? You may want to consider that to keep the eating counter top area “separate” from the portion of counter with the sink.
Mel says
Kris,
So excited for you and this project. I would pick C because it is the most functional use for the kitchen. You have all the elements for a family. Ie mudroom, ample counter seating, pantry. I have similar elements in my kitchen and love it. The one thing that we rue having is the extra kitchen table and chairs. A little overkill, especially with the open concept floor plan and dining room off it. I say the plan is solid, and can’t wait to see what you do!
Annemarie says
Hi Kris,
So much to consider and I have no doubt you will end up with a beautiful kitchen. Like Toni and Hilu I have to recommend a casual space for dining where you sit face to face. As empty nesters we eat at our counter space, side by side, the layout for watching tv has us facing the same direction though not quite side by side, and again in the car – side by side. I make a point to have dinner at the table several times a month and our conversations are much improved and more interesting. And since we are already at the table on those nights we usually play a few rounds of Rummikub.
Barb says
I’m with the majority in loving C. This is the one that I would tweak. There are so many good suggestions from your readers. Great job on adjusting the laundry area if you can’t have it near the main bedroom. I agree with the person pointing out that you might want to rethink the stove placement so close to the sink. Think about holiday gatherings when there are cooks and helpers in the kitchen. You have so much space, but the C layout is crowding the functions. I liked the stove on the back wall to be a focal point and keeping cooking smells to the back. As you plan, imagine doing different activities in the kitchen that you currently do and whether it will be practical in the new layout. Think about being in the sitting room like a guest and looking back at the kitchen. Is this what you want to see? Think about when you bring groceries in—where are you going to set the groceries to be able to go in the refrigerator? Where are you going to set up your buffet for serving at parties? Eating at a bar is great for a quick meal, but I dislike turning sideways to see my husband. Since I’m retired, I’d want to take advantage of the beautiful bay windows for a bistro table to enjoy the view along with a meal and conversation with my partner. Eating at the bar, all you will see are the dishes in the sink and the stove. Good idea of having a beverage center where guests can get coffee/cold drinks without getting in the way of the cooks. If you have a situation where the dishwasher is at the end of a counter, I’d suggest raising the dishwasher about 18”. Your back will thank you as you age in place. A drawer can go underneath. You are wise to plan far in advance. It gives you time to be in your kitchen and think about how would I do X in the new layout. Whatever you do, I know it will be beautiful!
Erin says
I like option A and C. I like the idea of centering the island in option C but are you centering the sink and range on the bay window as well? If so, now your range is not centered on your back wall. You can “fix this” by putting in a pantry cabinet to the left of the range and moving the range a bit to the right so it appears centered on the back wall.
In C, I also don’t love the sink in the island b/c it can be messy but I don’t think it’s a deal breaker. There is no other place to put it in. You could also move your range to the wall where the fridge is and swap the 2. Where is your microwave going? In the scullery? We have a microwave drawer that we love.
I like option A too as it keeps the kitchen large and open. I wonder if C will make the kitchen feel too cramped. I also would keep a small table in the kitchen if possible. We have a table and island seating but we almost always prefer to eat at the table. The height is more comfortable.
Good luck. I’m sure whatever you choose will be beautiful!
Karen B. says
You had me at “walk-in pantry”. I personally would love Plan C, if it were my decision. B would be a close second. I have followed you long enough to know anything you do will be amazing. Good luck. Huge decisions. I’m happy for you and you are smart to begin planning now.
Karen B.
Liddie says
Is it possible to turn the island 90 degrees and push the island into the breakfast area (you may lose some of the space for the breakfast table…not certain if you already have one specifically for the location)?
Move the sink to the island looking towards the sitting room. Keep island as large as possible without compromising workspace. Not certain how tight the aisles become so may not be feasible.
You may have already thought of this & footprint may not work yet thought I’d throw it out there.
Our family lives at the island so it became a priority over the breakfast table area when remodeling our home.
Michele Rutigliano says
I have the same layout in my house with the pantry and the sink in the island. I have a 2 tiered island so it works. Guests don’t get wet and that top is always clear. I love preparing and talking but I don’t like it in the island if it is level with the guests. The walk in pantry is a must have!!! I could put a twin bed if needed. hahahah Totally agree with moving the island and have it even with the windows. Can’t wait to see it. Everything you do is amazing.
Traci says
I would go with your adjustments to Option C. I agree with other comments that the frig is pretty far away, We just did a remodel to move the frig closer. I know you love your range, but as another option, to make the “cheek to cheek” a little easier, add wall ovens and a cooktop. It will be hard to open the oven when it is right behind the sink if someone is standing there, or push the island towards the bay. I like that you are starting now. We started our remodel a year ago, then it took us 9 months to get all our appliances. Now the wait time is 16 months on some appliances. It’s crazy. Good luck. I know it will be beautiful.
Dani says
Such hard decisions! I love a vault but with the circus room you already have a lot going on with the ceiling. I agree with some…not a fan of pots and dishes out to dry on the island where everyone is sitting. I had that and got ride of it b/c company would sit at the island while I was cleaning up and it annoyed me. I also don’t love the sink and stove right across from each other…feel that you would be bumping into each other often. The pantry is to die for and in the end it is what makes you happy:)
Donna says
I love option C and your suggested changes for symmetry. I like the larger island with the suggested wine fridge.
Do you really need three dining spaces? I always find that a waste of space! The larger island and your dining room will prove more than enough.
The bay window is calling for a comfortable seating area. A banquette, a free standing bench or a couple of upholstered chairs and a table. Perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea, reading a book or chatting with a friend.
You can leave the sink in the island. If drying pots in the center of your kitchen are an issue for you wash and dry them in the scullery. Speaking of scullery, what a fabulous addition to the plans! Prep space to keep your kitchen clean when entertaining. Oodles of storage for every kitchen gadget. I love it.
The ceiling doesn’t necessarily have to be vaulted over the kitchen. I think leaving it as is or the addition of the tray ceiling will work just fine. It leaves the drama for the circus room.
Can’t wait to follow along with your Reno!
Jessica says
Option C with the changes you indicated is the clear winner! It might be nice to have an upholstered window seat in front of your bay windows.
Kathy says
Option C – when I did my remodel, I created a butler’s pantry and all of the small appliances – coffee maker, toaster, blender, etc are there. I leaves my counters clear and free and beautiful. I, too, disliked the corner sink and changed that out for the remodel, moving it to under a window. I also eliminated the small table in the kitchen and have space to sit 6 at the end of my island (2 people on 3 sides) and it works great. I wouldn’t do it if all of the seating is along one side but with 2 on each side, it gives it a family table feel anyway. I used your idea to put the paper towel in a ‘drawer’ and it’s fabulous. The revision I made to it was to hide it behind a ‘false’ drawer front so you don’t see the paper towel at all. Good luck!
Dani says
Hiya…I already commented but then looked back with an idea. For plan C could you flip flop the fridge and the range. Maybe the fridge could be paneled so you wouldn’t have to worry about centering it on the bay window and can then move in an area on that wall so you wouldn’t be bumping into the person at the sink.
After reading the comments about plan C if you are rethinking having the sink in the island could you move the sink to the wall in plan A with a window?
In the end it will be beautiful:)
W. Stewart says
Option C is lovely. If you go with the scullery, I would recommend a second dishwasher. I have a friend who did this with her small walk-through butler’s pantry. Every time she entertained, clean-up went much quicker with both dishwashers going.
Laura says
I do like option C the most but I think a vaulted ceiling would feel so good in your kitchen area. And because my kitchen only has the set of back windows my dream kitchen has always included tall windows across the back of my kitchen overlooking our back yard giving us a better view of the place we spend the most time during the months we have good weather; better view of our bird feeder; a better view of the butte somewhat close to our home. I love a LARGE island to seat your family or to include friends in your kitchen area. The idea of all the additional and functional storage areas would be a dream!
Kim V says
I think C is a good choice for a 1 person cooking kitchen. With the sink behind you at the stove, you have no way for anyone else to comfortable be doing stuff at the sink (I speak from experience). If you really like C because it would work for most days, then I suggest moving the refrigerator closer to the side with the bay window. That also solves the problem of people having to get by others at the island when getting to the fridge. Then put a small prep sink where the fridge was so others could help you (unless you want someone prepping in the scullery.) Try to imagine holiday prepping and all the dishes. The dirty dishes will pile up on the island just when you are trying to bring out all the food. Personally, I’d go with option A for the best flow, both when it’s just the two of you and when there is a large crowd. I find sinks in islands to be a major annoyance. I love the picture of your previous kitchen’s functionality.
Cathy says
Definitely option 3. I love having my sink across from my cooktop. I agree, shuffle everything over to center to the window. Check out Verandaestatehomes on Instagram. They do beautiful work with pantry and kitchens (well, actually the total home), you may garner some ideas from them.
Pamela Q says
I like C with the butler’s pantry!!
Margaret says
I would go with C and enlarge the island. We don’t have a “breakfast nook” and don’t miss it, as we all gather at the island to eat and everything else. I like “Design Maven’s” ideas–it’s so good to have so much talent when undertaking an expensive remodel.
Heidi says
I love the scullery in option C. But I wouldn’t love the main clean-up sink/trash/DW in the island. I think that leaves you with very little food prep area. I would rather have the clean up area on the back wall in front of the scullery and have the island as a food prep area. I would add a prep sink in the island and the refrigerator would shift to right. I love that Option C utilizes the space in front of the bay window. The other options left that space under utilized with all of the kitchen crammed into a small area. I also like the changes you’ve made to the plan.
If you need to cut costs somewhere, you could skip the tray ceiling. You have one in the dining room and another ceiling “treatment” in the circus room. (LOL. I love that name!)
Roberta says
I like A & C. A has alot of gains. Alot of thoughts here. A vault wouldn’t be my priority with 9′ ceilings & the circus room. Scullery storage in C is phenomenal. How would you get clearance for aisle if island is extended? I would not want an island sink but I don’t see a better place for it. I greatly prefer seating where I face my family to eat rather than sitting side by side. What about turning the island & making it fill the bay? Or no stools as bay seems perfect for table. Agree dont need both. Moving the range makes it asymetrical to me by mismatching the cabinetry sizes on either side. It doesn’t relate to the bay window in any sightline. Or could move it to the scullery wall. I dont like my sink & range back to back as it often clogs the pathway in our kitchen. What bothers me most is the frig floating in the middle of a counter run. I would have to push it to the end of a run. I think guests often get coffee at my house so I would put the coffee bar in the kitchen so the scullery isn’t frequented by visitors. Just throwing my thoughts out there. The larger drop zone in the laundry is great.