Need help for my kitchen

Marta Williams

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hi there,

We are in the process of designing our new
kitchen and would appreciate some feedback on our concept design. Our kitchen
is a small galley kitchen and we are looking to open it up by either completely
removing the existing wall or cutting a relatively large opening. The opposite
wall has a window and will house most of our appliances. Unfortunately the
position of the range hood, fridge and window is fixed, which doesn’t leave us
with much choice or flexibility. As you will see this elevation from the main
leaving space, so it’s quite important to achieve something not only functional
but also visually pleasing. The lack of symmetry is giving me a big headache.
My personal preference steers towards a clean, uncluttered look (white handless
cabinetry, carrara marble bench tops and white subway tiles). Ideas and
comments welcome!!!

Many thanks,

Marta

Chambers St · More Info

Featured Answer

PRO

Driftwood Joinery

9 years ago

If you can afford to remove the wall I would definitely take as much as you can. Perhaps leave RH side of window area (looking into living area) and flip fridge to there leaving the rest of the wall open with a bar coming off it. Hard to know if this is totally feasible without knowing the layout of adjacent rooms and property type though. Placing the micro under the bench will also tidy up the appearance. Drawers instead of cabinets where possible if budget will allow it.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Brandi Nash Hicks
9 years ago
Take the wall down to counter height ,that way the placement of the refrigerator ,window and all doesn't look framed by the opening,use the other side as an island for seating
0
Marta Williams thanked Brandi Nash Hicks
Related Discussions
Need help for my kitchen
Q
Comments (2)
Vastu is ancient indian Feng Shui I am a Vastu practitioner and it does not change for the Southern Hemisphere.more info on what Vastu is here Vastu http://www.anthonyashworth.com/Vastu.html
...See More
Need help with my kitchen/family
Q
Comments (11)
Thank you kooky_karen. Now I am thinking about putting together your idea of removing angled bench, putting L one after building a new wall as jbantick idea. Angled wall is internal and separates lounge room from family. I forgot about vinyls. Thank you for this reminder. We are older couple and it will make a lot easier to keep it clean. I will try to find ( any suggestions here?) best and beautiful vinyl with warm wood feel and look.
...See More
Need help for my kitchen
Q
Comments (13)
keep the original doors, try painting the counter and add new d handles (sized to match the holes of the original handles) ...fresh new kitchen for about $120! Will the microwave fit inside the pantry? (hole drilled in side wall of cabinet for the cord to plug in with the fridge? Save new counters for when your ready to rethink the layout and/or you need a new stove or whole new kitchen...In good condition the old cabinets can be separated and re arranged with new counter (we recycled ours into the garage for the mancave)
...See More
NEED HELP FOR MY KITCHEN
Q
Comments (21)
I've had glass. Won't be having it again. I found it hard to clean from the perspective of the streaking. I can't imagine what mirror would be like. I'll be going back to tile but with a dark grout. I will also seal the grout. Having done this before in new bathrooms, it works a treat to reduce the 'grab-iness' of grout. I'm using tile to also add texture if that makes sense. If you look at Frosty Carrina close up it has that classic caesarstone 'grit'. If you don't mind that, it would be ok. But it's a dead give away that it isn't natural stone IMO.
...See More
isellev
9 years ago
You could also leave two pillars of the wall in, with a benchtop inbetween, allowing for seating. That way the pillars become part of your storage space, bookending the bench. You could add shelves on either d=side, or both, or have a cupboard. It would create depth around the area and extra storage is always a boon. That way, if the wall is load bearing, it is less expensive to deal with. Idea on Houzz here: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/21-creative-ways-with-load-bearing-columns-stsetivw-vs~26902635
Marta Williams thanked isellev
Giselle Topper
9 years ago
I can understand that you like symmetry - as it is one of my likes as well. Have you thought about moving the fridge cavity over to the other wall and positioning the stove in that cavity and moving the rangehood underneath the cupboard there. That would allow you to open up the window and centre it moreso. I myself have a galley kitchen with little cupboard space and my husband and I are discussing the same issue about cutting the wall down to bench height. This is going to limit both my rooms - so I am hesitant to recommend you lose all the valuable cupboard space. Consider a redesign of that wall before you lose it altogether.
Marta Williams thanked Giselle Topper
Marta Williams
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks guys!!! I think we will have to remove as much of the internal wall as structurally feasible to make the opening wider and get rid of the 'poky window feel'. The overhead bulkhead is not ideal, but will give us storage space we need. The microwave can go under the bench. Giselle - unfortunately the fridge has to stay in its current location (too deep to be moved to the other wall). I was hoping to maybe add some cabinetry or open shelving on the left hand to balance the look? The cabinet over the fridge is not a must. Or maybe a feature pendant light in LHS the corner? I think I will have to learn how to embrace the lack of symmetry.... :(
Marta Williams
Original Author
9 years ago
https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/7902927/scoop-lighting-contemporary-pendant-lighting
0
Connie
9 years ago
i would fill in the space above the dishwasher with cabinets, to balance the look. i would even consider swapping out that rangehood for a slide out built in one, and make that entire wall cabinetry around the window. As you would lose all your top cupboards if you remove the wall in between, you will most likely need additional storage. also, i think that building it all in, will actually streamline the look, as the rangehood does look a bit squashed in between the fridge and the window. i like isellev's idea of taking out the wall, but bookending with storage pillars. Very functional, and would look great i believe. you could even plan them so they can have some storage on both sides, so then they look nice from the living side, as well as being functional. good luck.
Marta Williams thanked Connie
Karen McLeod
9 years ago
I second Connies idea of hiding/replacing the range hood. I personally hate the look of them & don't understand why people make a feature of them. You can then add another cupboard on the other side of the window to balance the look.
Marta Williams thanked Karen McLeod
Marta Williams
Original Author
9 years ago
Connie and Karen. Thanks for your advise. I don't like the range hood either (my husband does). I was trying to cut down the cost and where possible use our existing appliances but you confirmed what I have already known - the range hood has to go!