Kitchen Remodel Suggestions?
The Friend and I will be moving back to the U.S. next summer, and my condo's kitchen is badly in need of a complete remodel. It's an exciting project for me -- I'm looking forward to full-sized appliances, multiple electric outlets in sensible locations, a garbage disposal, reasonably deep cupboards and good lighting. The kitchen is about 10' x10', U-shaped, and is fully enclosed -- the building was constructed in 1944. The budget has room for new cabinetry (bamboo is the current choice) and appliances (a double oven or a large oven with a warming drawer of some sort is a must.) Other features on my list: A hands-free faucet w/foot pedal; an induction cooktop; large, deep drawers for dishes and pans; and really good lighting of some sort. Function is more important than form. Suggestions, cautions, comments are needed!
7 Comments
Agree with others' advice on a deep sink and the great usefulness of pullout drawers in cabinets. Our trash is also in a pullout bin and I think it works. I wanted cork floor but steered away from it after witnessing too many problems with it in both home and commercial applications (I work in a design firm). Went with good old linoleum in one area, which is just as sustainable and more durable. I had a hard time committing to a color in the backsplash and did a clear glass subway tile that I completely love. A little modern twist on the classic.
I have deep drawers for pots and pans, and I love them. I would never go back to putting them in a cabinet with shelves. If you are not able to convert all of the cabinets to drawers, pull out shelves also work pretty well.
In terms of sink(s), make sure you get a deep sink that is installed underneath the counter. Our sink is just eight inches in depth and it is just too shallow. it's hard to wash a stock pot or even cookie sheets without splashing water all over the floor. The sink is one of the things in my kitchen that I am hoping to upgrade.
Good luck with the renovation -- and keep us posted on your progress, please!
He did some grid studies when designing his kitchen and came to the conclusion the most important element of the kitchen was the Trash Can, which should be located no more than a few steps away from the prep area and open to allow easy disposal of items.
In my last kitchen remodel(house built in 1948) I got rid of the overhead microwave because it took too much space and the fan didn't work at all. Hated it. Also designed my cabinets to go all the way to the ceiling so as not to waste space.
Designed pull-out shelves for pots and pans and heavy items. Cook-top stove and separate oven at eye level, which left room for pots and pans under stove.
Also found that I saved a lot of money by having wood on the outside of the cabinets, and a white coating (can't remember what it was called) on the inside. The wood I used was fir. Also was easier to keep interior clean.
Cork floor. Loved the cork floor - easy to keep clean and stand on. Environmentally friendly.
Double sinks a must for me.
My current wish is to have a work station in the center of the room with more storage and ANOTHER SINK for prep.
I don't know if it is possible in your situation, but I opened my kitchen up so I can be with people while cooking.
My contractor and I measured the cabinets we wanted together and he went to the cabinet maker. We tried to use stock sizes when possible, which saved more money.
What a fun, fun project! Please keep us posted with pictures.