Planning a small kitchen for my new 800 sq ft house and am now binge watching all your videos! Super helpful. Thank you and I look forward to more. Subscribed :-)
I've bought my drawer and cabinet pulls, now I need to do my lay-out. There are those who will excommunicate me, but I have to use a microwave-vent (and it will be ducted outdoors). As a senior planning to age in place, I have decided to use a separate cooktop and wall oven. I discovered early on that setting the oven below the cooktop would make access to the lower oven racks difficult now with no prospect of improving mobility. I have decided to split my countertop with the oven under a 48-inch-high countertop rather than a 36-inch standard height. The higher countertop will give a home for the toaster, coffee-maker, can opener, etc, most of the small electrics in one location, with the gargantuan stand mixer and food processor as the only electrics that will be on the prep space countertop level.
Solution: have an appliances cabinet. The toaster, the sandwich press, the rice cooker, the coffee machine, the blender, the bread machine, and all the other necessities, all in their own space with their own rangehood to remove steam and fumes from your space, and all behind a pull-down door so that when they're not in use, they're out of sight.
One thing people need to consider is special needs. I am taller with a bad back, I need to take that into account as far as storage and location of items, even electrical outlets.
Absolutely! You should also consider your countertop height too. Even just a few cm's can make a big difference to help combat back pain. I write about it a little bit here: kitchinsider.com/kitchen-worktop-height/
Enjoyed your website article on how long a kitchen fitout takes but it would be really helpful to know how long it takes installation on site.. living in an apartment the time is critical to minimise nuisance to other apartments. as you can imagine work in one apartment can affect easily nine or more surrounding apartments causing a lot of angst to neighbours PS love the depth and quality of your website and videos.. have subscribed
Hello, how do we ensure a kitchen is practical. For example where should the fridge be, how far and also, does it matter if the oven is further away from everything etc. You may have already got a video about this. I am a new follower.
Thanks for posting an informative well done video on kitchen design. I am presently adding an island and would love to see how to add an island to an existing kitchen. Not may videos on that subject. We just bought a house with a five year old kitchen. However, the L shape kitchen lacks an island which is needed for storage and work space. Lucky for me the manufacture still makes these cabinets and white is easier to match. My biggest question is how do you mix countertop choices? the existing countertop is a faux wood grain finish in a textured type of laminate or solid surface. I would like a heat resistant option for my countertop. Any suggestions? what is new in 2022?
Sometimes, you need to choose practicality over minor esthetic preferences. If having my refrigerator at the end of the countertop means I have to take 5 extra steps from the cooktop or the sink, I'd rather have it closer to my working triangle. Creating a working triangle is a common practice in kitchen design. If you're the one member of the household who does the most cooking, those 5 extra steps can add up to a lot of extra time preparing meals. There are also lots of limitations to appliance placement regarding plumbing, electrical, energy conservation, lighting, etc. General practicality before minor esthetic preferences!
To my mind the refrigerator has to go at the end of the bench - it *is* the end of the bench, unless you have a bar fridge under the bench instead. But moving the stove and sink closer to the fridge is a valid option. Also, I use my pantry, dishwasher, oven, and small appliances just as much as the fridge/sink/stove triangle, and statistically we use the bin more times per day than any of the other items. So the "triangle" needs to gain some points.
I really enjoyed this (subscribed!). Do you take on kitchen design projects? We are preparing a renovation, know the dimensions and are now starting to think about the kitchen layout and design.
Really pleased you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for subscribing. I'm afraid I'm not taking on any extra projects at the moment. However, I've got lots more info on my website (kitchinsider.com) you might find helpful.
@@kitchinsider thanks for the speedy reply, esp on a weekend :) Sorry to hear that but thank you for your tips. We have a large open plan (4x 5.5m) kitchen space so we are trying to work out how to have a U-shaped kitchen + island without having to walk around the island constantly. Do you recommend any designers?
That's a good sized room. Lots to work with! It's difficult to recommend designers, it really depends on your location, kitchen style and budget. I'd think about the appliances (types) you want, and look at those working zones to come up with a functional layout. Also keep an eye on the space around the island. If possible at least 1m between countertops (1.2m if you can). If you have windows that's typically the best spot for the sink, as there's nothing overhead. Think about where you put any full height cabinets so they don't block any natural light in the room, or feel too imposing when you walk in. It's about balancing that practical layout that works for your kitchen needs/habits with an aesthetic design. I'm a bit fan of symmetry (or A-symmetry) to help with that. I hope this helps!
@@kitchinsider thank you, it helps a lot. The room is tricky because the windows are not symmetrical on the main wall and we could have several corners. I am a big fan of your idea of "zones" but am concerned how a U-shape + island design (which seems like the only option for a kitchen this size) avoids constantly having to walk around the island to things.
Pleased it helped. I see. I'm not a big fan of corners but they're often unavoidable. It's a case of optimising them as best you can. Similarly with your working zones. Make sure you take into account and plan for the main ones that you use (whatever they may be, everyone is different). As you say, a U-Shape and Island by its very nature will always have a certain amount of walking around. I find the fridge/freezer is often the appliance that goes on that 'third side' as it's also used a lot by people that aren't necessarily 'in' the main kitchen section.
This is a great video. I am currently planning 2 kitchen renovations-one for my primary home and one for a vacation home that is used by many families. Each has different requirements. Your focus on the idea that “form follows function,” helps me view each space differently because each kitchen is used differently. One is a kitchen that is home to a large vegetable garden, so processing food is important. The other is a kitchen for large family gatherings, so prep space and efficiency is very important. You’ve given me lots to think about.
Dear Michael, It's been said that a kitchen island should be one tenth or one fifteenth of the whole kitchen area to look proportioned. My kitchen is 17'x9'5" (161.5 sqft) so, in order to look proportioned, my island should be 16 sqft to 25 sqft. We are a family of 4 and considering 24" per seat, that gives me an 8' wide and I currently have it at 4' depth. (32 sq ft area) I still have my clearance around the island at 36". Would this size look proportioned? (8'x4') or should I consider make it a 6'x4' island instead and only keep 3 seats? (I really want 4) Please help! Contractor needs an answer and I am having a hard time making the final decision. Thank you!
Hi Barb! I think pop up sockets on a run of cabinets up against a wall aren't as practical as they will take up cabinet space underneath when not in use. Personally I'd prefer an extra socket on the wall. They are a good option for islands when you can position them in the void between the backs of cabinets so they don't use up storage space. 😊
Planning a small kitchen for my new 800 sq ft house and am now binge watching all your videos! Super helpful. Thank you and I look forward to more. Subscribed :-)
That's amazing! Thank you so much. Really pleased you're finding them helpful. Next video will be on Saturday! 😁
I've bought my drawer and cabinet pulls, now I need to do my lay-out.
There are those who will excommunicate me, but I have to use a microwave-vent (and it will be ducted outdoors).
As a senior planning to age in place, I have decided to use a separate cooktop and wall oven. I discovered early on that setting the oven below the cooktop would make access to the lower oven racks difficult now with no prospect of improving mobility. I have decided to split my countertop with the oven under a 48-inch-high countertop rather than a 36-inch standard height. The higher countertop will give a home for the toaster, coffee-maker, can opener, etc, most of the small electrics in one location, with the gargantuan stand mixer and food processor as the only electrics that will be on the prep space countertop level.
Excellent presentation. I am taking a second look at my kitchen. Thanks
Thank you so much! I hope I haven't caused any extra work 😊
Really useful insight! Thank you!
Glad it helped! Thanks!
Solution: have an appliances cabinet. The toaster, the sandwich press, the rice cooker, the coffee machine, the blender, the bread machine, and all the other necessities, all in their own space with their own rangehood to remove steam and fumes from your space, and all behind a pull-down door so that when they're not in use, they're out of sight.
Thank you again...fabulous and such orderly information!
Thanks Michael for sharing 👍
My pleasure! 😁
One thing people need to consider is special needs. I am taller with a bad back, I need to take that into account as far as storage and location of items, even electrical outlets.
Absolutely! You should also consider your countertop height too. Even just a few cm's can make a big difference to help combat back pain. I write about it a little bit here: kitchinsider.com/kitchen-worktop-height/
Thank you very much. Very helpful.
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful! 😁
Love your videos Thank you
Enjoyed your website article on how long a kitchen fitout takes but it would be really helpful to know how long it takes installation on site.. living in an apartment the time is critical to minimise nuisance to other apartments. as you can imagine work in one apartment can affect easily nine or more surrounding apartments causing a lot of angst to neighbours
PS love the depth and quality of your website and videos.. have subscribed
Hello, how do we ensure a kitchen is practical. For example where should the fridge be, how far and also, does it matter if the oven is further away from everything etc. You may have already got a video about this. I am a new follower.
You may have already found this out but check out the golden triangle of kitchens
Thanks for posting an informative well done video on kitchen design. I am presently adding an island and would love to see how to add an island to an existing kitchen. Not may videos on that subject. We just bought a house with a five year old kitchen. However, the L shape kitchen lacks an island which is needed for storage and work space. Lucky for me the manufacture still makes these cabinets and white is easier to match. My biggest question is how do you mix countertop choices? the existing countertop is a faux wood grain finish in a textured type of laminate or solid surface. I would like a heat resistant option for my countertop. Any suggestions? what is new in 2022?
Sometimes, you need to choose practicality over minor esthetic preferences. If having my refrigerator at the end of the countertop means I have to take 5 extra steps from the cooktop or the sink, I'd rather have it closer to my working triangle. Creating a working triangle is a common practice in kitchen design. If you're the one member of the household who does the most cooking, those 5 extra steps can add up to a lot of extra time preparing meals. There are also lots of limitations to appliance placement regarding plumbing, electrical, energy conservation, lighting, etc. General practicality before minor esthetic preferences!
To my mind the refrigerator has to go at the end of the bench - it *is* the end of the bench, unless you have a bar fridge under the bench instead. But moving the stove and sink closer to the fridge is a valid option.
Also, I use my pantry, dishwasher, oven, and small appliances just as much as the fridge/sink/stove triangle, and statistically we use the bin more times per day than any of the other items. So the "triangle" needs to gain some points.
I really enjoyed this (subscribed!). Do you take on kitchen design projects? We are preparing a renovation, know the dimensions and are now starting to think about the kitchen layout and design.
Really pleased you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for subscribing. I'm afraid I'm not taking on any extra projects at the moment. However, I've got lots more info on my website (kitchinsider.com) you might find helpful.
@@kitchinsider thanks for the speedy reply, esp on a weekend :) Sorry to hear that but thank you for your tips.
We have a large open plan (4x 5.5m) kitchen space so we are trying to work out how to have a U-shaped kitchen + island without having to walk around the island constantly.
Do you recommend any designers?
That's a good sized room. Lots to work with! It's difficult to recommend designers, it really depends on your location, kitchen style and budget.
I'd think about the appliances (types) you want, and look at those working zones to come up with a functional layout. Also keep an eye on the space around the island. If possible at least 1m between countertops (1.2m if you can). If you have windows that's typically the best spot for the sink, as there's nothing overhead. Think about where you put any full height cabinets so they don't block any natural light in the room, or feel too imposing when you walk in. It's about balancing that practical layout that works for your kitchen needs/habits with an aesthetic design. I'm a bit fan of symmetry (or A-symmetry) to help with that. I hope this helps!
@@kitchinsider thank you, it helps a lot. The room is tricky because the windows are not symmetrical on the main wall and we could have several corners. I am a big fan of your idea of "zones" but am concerned how a U-shape + island design (which seems like the only option for a kitchen this size) avoids constantly having to walk around the island to things.
Pleased it helped. I see. I'm not a big fan of corners but they're often unavoidable. It's a case of optimising them as best you can.
Similarly with your working zones. Make sure you take into account and plan for the main ones that you use (whatever they may be, everyone is different). As you say, a U-Shape and Island by its very nature will always have a certain amount of walking around. I find the fridge/freezer is often the appliance that goes on that 'third side' as it's also used a lot by people that aren't necessarily 'in' the main kitchen section.
This is a great video. I am currently planning 2 kitchen renovations-one for my primary home and one for a vacation home that is used by many families. Each has different requirements. Your focus on the idea that “form follows function,” helps me view each space differently because each kitchen is used differently. One is a kitchen that is home to a large vegetable garden, so processing food is important. The other is a kitchen for large family gatherings, so prep space and efficiency is very important. You’ve given me lots to think about.
Great videos, I've nearly watched them all. keep them coming
Thank you so much! Hope you're finding them helpful! 👍
great tips thank you
Excellent videos, great ideas!!
Thanks so much!
Dear Michael,
It's been said that a kitchen island should be one tenth or one fifteenth of the whole kitchen area to look proportioned.
My kitchen is 17'x9'5" (161.5 sqft) so, in order to look proportioned, my island should be 16 sqft to 25 sqft. We are a family of 4 and considering 24" per seat, that gives me an 8' wide and I currently have it at 4' depth. (32 sq ft area)
I still have my clearance around the island at 36". Would this size look proportioned? (8'x4') or should I consider make it a 6'x4' island instead and only keep 3 seats? (I really want 4) Please help! Contractor needs an answer and I am having a hard time making the final decision. Thank you!
love your videos
What’s your thoughts on pop up socket towers rather than have the wall cluttered with sockets?
Hi Barb! I think pop up sockets on a run of cabinets up against a wall aren't as practical as they will take up cabinet space underneath when not in use. Personally I'd prefer an extra socket on the wall. They are a good option for islands when you can position them in the void between the backs of cabinets so they don't use up storage space. 😊