Kitchen bench extension

8 years ago

I would like to extend my kitchen bench because I have a very long narrow kitchen which won't allow for bar stools as it is. There is an empty space at the end of the bench which would be ideal for an extension but I am unsure of the design and materials to use. I would like to allow for 4 stools and the area available is roughly 3 meters long. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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Lawson Carpentry & Joinery

8 years ago

Been a carpenter and never having enough storage why don't you use two wall units back to back to make double sided storage with say 1.5m space between the units and the existing kitchen and then run a timber worktop on top. this would give you seating at either side for 4 and also a space at the end.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Feioi
8 years ago
You could either add another material to the end of the island like this:

Or for a lower budget option, purchase a bar table to sit on the end such as one of these:
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How about adding a long dining table. It drops the height, remains a useful bench extension and provides for casual dining or a dining space for the children when you want adults at your proper dining table. Not sure of your family age group, but it can also make for an inclusive area for the kids to do their homework away from the cooking at one end, but close enough to supervise. I am a fan of multifunctional, because life changes. This option also means you can change your mind about bench space later. We added a steel framed table to the end of our benc, which has the same bench material popped in as a surface. We wanted this option for the future grandchildren, that have yet to make an appearance.
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i'm glad you're planning to reroute access to the garage: clumsy traffic pattern change a generous room into a big hallway and can't stop thinking about your kitchen..1. where you have narrow cabinets/shelves in the pantry...it's possible to have built in shelves inside the dividing wall (think about the size of what you want to store: cans, bottles, skinny packets? and put 60cm base cabinets on the other side, next to the freezer 2. i can't see the yellow highlights for stools 3. width of pantry is subject to you wanting to keep the door to the formal living room...if so, measure 150mm past the door opening and that's the minimum width of the pantry but 1500mm allows space to comfortably walk past your freezer and have full size base cabinets with pantry drawers (cleaner than open shelves) 4. space between the b'fast bar and 'fridge should be at least 90cm but if you choose a wide b'fast bar and a big 'fridge a bigger space is preferable (stand a couple of chairs 90cm in front of your current fridge for a few days and see how it feels) direction of fridge door opening is also critical, first for the cooks and then everyone else: if the size of the b'fast bar can be enlarged or reduced with overhanging counter then a change of walkway is not so difficult 5. as suggested by girlguide, the cooktop and rangehood might be better on the outside wall for ventilation 6. there seems to be a lot of small cabinets and drawers in your plan and there could be some better (and cheaper) combinations but when i tried to access IKEA kitchen planner to confirm available sizes it's not responding today 7. i've attached my suggested approximate base cabinet sizes: starting with corners and work outwards, aiming for the biggest standard carcases and then add drawers to suit purpose ..
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minnie101
8 years ago
I would either go for Feioi's first option with either the same worktop and a different coloured base (maybe picking up one of your bright colours) or a wooden, zinc, concrete etc top with the same base (if available). I think I personally though would add a round bar table set a few feet away from the island with scandi or mid century stools in different colours to break up the length of the room and bring the colour to that end of the room
PRO
MY Wood Designs Ltd
8 years ago
Great ideas from everyone above.

However, anyone sitting at the end would always be turning themselves sideways to see/chat with whoever is in the kitchen.

How about choosing one of the ideas already mentioned but the furthest point away from the kitchen, on the new additional piece, to be L-shaped so that those sat at the end are looking directly down the length towards the kitchen. This will also break the linear feel.
PRO
Stella Michael
8 years ago
What do you want to use this extra seating for? Is it just for casual chit chat while someone is cooking? Do you need the extra benchtop? Do you want to eat meals here? I think that all makes a difference.

You have room for a medium round/oval table in that space which may be more comfortable and flexible. It could be a more casual seating area where people could face the kitchen, I see your dining table at the far end means people have their back to the kitchen.

If you really want to extend the bench, I like Feioi and minnie101 ideas re using a different material and more rounded. I would go for wood or colourful laminate and you could have a more rounded/wider end so some people could sit on the end, facing whoever is in the kitchen. A colour would look great, the yellow, orange from your painting would make it zing and look fab! Same if you decide to get a table, make it fun.

Beware cold materials like marble or metal as people will be more likely to be leaning on them and those are cold on your arms. I find this even in restaurants with marble/metal tables.

Personally I don't like sitting on stools and prefer chairs where your feel can touch the ground, much more comfortable so you could consider making the extended bench a lower level.

Remember to post 'after' photos!
bjtippner
Original Author
8 years ago
This feedback is so helpful. Thank you everyone for their suggestions and advice. I think my photo is a little deceptive. The space in question in roughly 3 meters wide so whatever is added can't be too wide as it will obstruct the walkway to the lounge. I absolutely love the idea of a round bench at the end to break up the long narrow feel of the space. I'm very cautious when it comes to colour. I originally had a custom concrete bench quoted but it was VERY expensive. I think I'm now leaning towards a stone bench in either grey or black with a rough finish. The bench would be for casual chit chat and for the kids to eat dinner and do homework while I potter. I will most definitely post some after photos. Thanks again!!!
PRO
MY Wood Designs Ltd
8 years ago
Whatever option you choose, perhaps put it on suitable casters......but ones with a rubber outer. That way, you can have the best of both worlds in giving you the option to turn it around to "face" the kitchen and then turn it back to give you the flow into your lounge. It doesn't have to be too big either.
PRO
Stella Michael
8 years ago
Mmmm ... stone (& concrete) sound a little cold and rough surface not very skin friendly, good that you are looking at all different options. Can't wait to see how it ends up!

Kitchen bench extension

Lawson Carpentry & Joinery

Comments (8)

Feioi

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minnie101

MY Wood Designs Ltd

Stella Michael

bjtippner
Original Author

MY Wood Designs Ltd

Stella Michael

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Kitchen bench extension

Lawson Carpentry & Joinery

Comments (8)

Feioi

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minnie101

MY Wood Designs Ltd

Stella Michael

bjtippnerOriginal Author

MY Wood Designs Ltd

Stella Michael

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EXPLORE HOUZZ

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bjtippner
Original Author