kitchen layout - any advice appreciated

Leif

By the way, go to the Optiplan web site and look at the example kitchens, hundreds of photos of real kitchens. Yeah I know it is meant as an advert for Optiplan, but to be honest most kitchens look the same, and you'll get some ideas, or at least see what various designs look like.

MrsE_2

danemi1 wrote: »

I hadnt thought of turning it around but shall have a look at that next - thank you

its not blank space behind the stools - I wanted double units all the way along but then there wouldnt be any overhang for being able to sit at - so the lady at Ikea suggested - one side have 600 drawers/units and then the side where the chairs are - have a run of shallow units creating knee space then the washer and drier(near to the sink and drainage)

Not blank then, but disportionatly large space I should have said.

I think turning it around would suit the room better, you thought of a u or L space with it ending in your double feature (I really like your double feature BTW).

cddc

It may also be worth getting a designer from one of the sheds out to do a plan for you, they do a free consultation service and they may well come up with a better way that you have not thought of, even if you then still use Ikea. It would give you a price comparison too.

The problem you may well find with Ikea units is that unlike everyone else they have no service gap at the back of the units so when you are putting in the electrical and plumbing supplies to your peninsula these will be visible inside the units and not hidden behind them. The advantage to Ikea is deeper cupboards, but the downside is having to hack holes in them to put in your supplies.

phill99

I agree with the above - not enough worktop at all. I would loose some of those tall units in favour of more worktops, and shift the sink to the other side in the new worktops. Butler sinks are the work of the devil and designed solely for use in his personal kitchen - horrible things.

danemi1

funny someone said about craft space - I have just finished craft club - every monday 5 of us get together all ages and craft - so thats big feaure in my life but its usually in the conservatory although once the extension (other part of this overhaul) is complete - it will be a lounge with a craft area at one end. I do envisage though the odd evening or three crafting at the table in the family room. I envisage me cooking tea whilst the kids are at the table doing their homework or hama beads or anything else they do - whilst I am busy doing what Mums do but us all being together - My Mum bless her comes over - she isnt very good on her legs so she could sit on a little sofa so she is able to natter away too - hubby and I often cook together but in our current kitchen get under each others feet - the kids help me when I am baking or faffing about with stuff and I just want it to be a multi purpose getting together room - in reality, I may well escape to the bathroom to hide away from everyone - lol!!!!

danemi1

phill99 wrote: »

I agree with the above - not enough worktop at all. I would loose some of those tall units in favour of more worktops, and shift the sink to the other side in the new worktops. Butler sinks are the work of the devil and designed solely for use in his personal kitchen - horrible things.

Ok - I love butler sinks - love the style - so cmon please do share - whats wrong with them - practical facts now - please - lol x

phill99

danemi1 wrote: »

Ok - I love butler sinks - love the style - so cmon please do share - whats wrong with them - practical facts now - please - lol x

Can't identify what worktop you are having, but butler sinks are really only suitable for solid tops (granite or corian).

Laminate tops cant be edged properly around the exposed edge and they soon start absorbing water and blow. Wooden tops again have the same problem - even hard wood ones and get black mould around them.

There is also the lack of a draining board, unless you have one cut into a solid top.

From a long term maintenance point of view they are a nightmare. They alweayts look good in brochures and studios, but in reality I think thay are impractical.

danemi1

oak top Phil - its a double butler so you can wash in one and do veg in the other or wash in one and drain in the other!

phill99

Long term, even with oak, the end grain will still absorb moisture and go mouldy.

MrsE_2

danemi1 wrote: »

oak top Phil - its a double butler so you can wash in one and do veg in the other or wash in one and drain in the other!

Your style of kitchen is modern & I don't think butler sinks look right in modern kitchens. I would swap the units around putting tall ones to one end & low level with workflow under the window, siting the sink & wet appliances there.
Then your double bank with just the hob & you could site that off centre nearer the wall so you won't have to vent too far.
I guess you will use standard base units one side & tall wall units on legs the other side (as they will be shallower) & the worktop can overhang to give you knee room