Andrea's Kitchen

2005-07-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well, Ida Know, I took 3" where I could get 'em & I added 2' where I could, but my 8'9"x9 kitchen turning into 9x11 (on one wall only) isn't what you'd call tremendous.We chose not to blow out the exterior wall or move the kitchen into the garage, but that's pretty much the extent of "being sensible" for us. We like its efficient size, but we had to get the workspaces arranged so that we could get two people in there working. Our house was built in 1949, but it only had 3 lower cabinets besides the sink base - a 15" 4-drawer, a 12" 2 shelf / door & a 9" no-shelf door. They're sturdy, that's for sure, I hate tearing them out, but they are going to go. Worse, they're backless, so I can't send 'em to a "greater good."No, we did a remodel about 12 years ago, added a large butcher block cabinet with drawers & pull-outs in an attempt to make the space work, but the layout is just not working with us. We're climbing over each other. I didn't tear down the last wall standing b/c there was electrical in it, but now I will be. All to replace the drawers the 5' butcher block gives us.I'm still staying small though. I like being able to turn around & throw something into the sink. It's great to be able to reach the frig in a step. I can pull stuff out & put it back without running around a track. However, in the future, I'll be giddy to be able to reach the trash without tripping over the dog's bowl. I'm glad to see the refrigerator move away from the stove and the entrace it blocks. We focused on contiguous counterspace. I'm going to have nearly four feet to call my own. No sharing! He's got the back end now. It's all in the layout, I swear. It's all in the layout. Our decisions are nearly through & we're about ready to sign checks.Rules we've broken: deep, dramatic colors in cabinetry; contrasting colors between the cabinets & the granite; darker walls (works with the rest of the house). Rules we've followed, uh, I didn't move the sink or the gas for the stove and I chose materials over space. I think the step from the sink to the stove is in there. The frig is a bit further, but at least it won't be blocking the hallway to the laundryroom any more. Oh that used to grate on my nerves.

Layout is everything. -a