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Well, the kitchen designer came in today to do measurements and photos (and my kitchen was a disaster). She didn't run screaming from the house, so I guess that's a good start!

So for better or for worse, we're starting this process. I told her our motto is "if it doesn't function, it does not come into this house" and she laughed at that.

So for now, she has the measurements, photos (let that be the last time anyone takes a pic of that wallpaper!), and our wish lists. So now we need to talk to some contractors and get estimates and options.

So here is my wishlist:

1. Big farmhouse style (one basin) sink - and NOT in the corner! We have one of those diagonal double sinks - on a seam and 40 years old. Very shallow and low profile faucet.
2. NO Soffets! Extend the cabs to the ceiling!
3. Move the fridge to the back wall and extend the cabs all the way to the end of the long wall.
4. Removal or reconstruction of the dining room wall - you need to see it to believe it! Can't even describe it!
5. An island would be great - large or small, but it hinges on wish item #4!
6. Built in wine fridge (ok - I know - that should be #1 on any list!).


Dream items include:

1. Tap over the stove for large pots (but might be unnecessary just by adding a large sink).
2. The deep drawers w/movable pegs for dinnerware (I'm rather short and hate reaching the dishes up and down)
3. Pocket door for the laundry room (might not get that depending on wish item #4)
4. Built in gate/half door for the kitchen into main area (again, depends on wish item #4)
5. Include new cabs for the laundry to utilize the wasted space - very long and narrow and we could definitely get more out of it.

As you can see, a lot depends on Wish Item #4!

I'm really confused on the stove issue though - so this is where I need HELP! I thought I wanted a range, but having seen so many homes in our neighborhood, I think maybe we should stick with a double wall oven (or oven/micro). I'm totally 50/50 on the issue and it might come down to how much cabinetry and work surface we can fit in. Fortunately, the fridge and DW are new, so we won't need to buy anything but the cooktop/range/hood combo.

Needless to say, I anticipate asking you all A LOT of questions about finishes, colors, and function! I'll have to pop over to the kitchen board as well!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: junk collector,

Plan for hidden expenses in the 'work the cabinets to the ceiling'. This includes the price of the larger cabinets. But, also what is hidden in the existing soffits. Usually they are hiding a low roof line, wiring, or pipes, these will have to be re-routed. Then sheetrock applied and ceiling repair (sometimes no ceiling exists in the soffit area).

Also extra charges for the wall oven and wall microwave, more expensive than separate stove, when added to the cost of the cooktop.

The cabinet for the double wall oven is more money than a regular cabinet.

Congrats on planning your NEW kitchen!

Your kitchen planner should discuss and show you finishes and choices available in your area, if not at least who to talk to and where to shop.

Also, if you like the stove hood you can chose one with your kitchen in mind. OR you could chose a downdraft type if you have the extra room for it (requires a few inches of space behind the stove top).

After remodeling countless kitchens for clients, we went through our own kitchen remodel a few years ago. I now have a new perspective on what is and isn't important, at least to me. There are a couple of things that were on my wish list and I am so glad we were able to do them.

One of my favorites was to have a cupboard especially designed to house the microwave. The cupboard is narrow and deep and the lower section holds all my baking pans, cookie sheets, trays, etc. I love having the microwave out of sight but handy.

My husband came up with the idea to open up the window area over the sink, making it three feet wider and running it all the way down to the counter without a sill. The counter top material goes all the way into the frame so it's almost like having a garden window. It lets in so much light that now I can grow herbs in the summertime!

We decided not to do a pot filler and I don't miss it one bit. Keep in mind, I'm Italian and make lots of pasta for a crowd. We lived without one for years and don't have a need for it now.

We considered double wall ovens, but I didn't want to give up counter space, so we invested in a larger stove instead. The oven is plenty big enough for Thanksgiving turkey and everything else. Your kitchen might be larger than mine, so counter space may not be an issue for you.

My best advice for you is take your time, consider alternatives, and don't rush into decisions. You may have to compromise on a few things, so pick your priorities. But don't let anyone talk you into extra bells and whistles when that money could go toward the things you really want. A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive things you can do to your home, but the end result is so worth it.

Like you, I am short so I only use upper cabinets for things that I don't need very often. All of my lower cabinets have pull-out drawers. I don't have pegs for dishware, but I find I don't need them. It's easy enough to keep items in their stacks. Be sure, though, to get heavy-duty drawer glides. Dishes are heavy and regular glides can't handle the weight over the long run.

We have a lot of options. If we wanted the bare bones remodel, it would be easy. We're hoping to find middle ground of practical and a little pop. The kitchen is small, but has great wall space for expansion.

The big factor in all of this is the shared kitchen/dining room wall. That will determine so much of this plan. I'm sure it is load bearing, so we can't just knock it down (rats!).

junk collector,
You can always use columns for a load bearing wall and incorporate them into the design like at the end of a counter or island.

Also, many think they do not need tall cabinets to the ceiling because they cannot reach them, BUT space above the cabinets to 'decorate' does not store kitchen items, so wasted as far as storage (and then there is the dusting).

Tall cabinets provide extra 'climate controlled' clean storage for kitchen items you use seasonally and not that often. Also those items do not have to be stored somewhere else (taking up room in another room or garage for them which is not climate controlled). My top shelf in my kitchen was accessed by a small step ladder I kept handy and loved getting items out of everyday used storage areas.

A great place for 'pop' is your hood if your stove is centered on a wall. And the sink area with window is another great focal point. Some use an island as a focal point with a breakfast bar and cute stools. Pop in a kitchen or room does not have to cost big bucks, it can be simple materials used in a creative way, or just clean lines can impress!

Whatever you are going to do you will love the new kitchen and the attention you are NOW giving to the details insures success! I know you have given good attention to detail on your projects in the past. Enjoy this one, be true to the house's design (as if nothing else where in the house, the kitchen should integrate with house design). Bare bones is the correct way to start a design for any room! The utilitarian function must be there for the kitchen to work properly. And after the work areas are defined and storage, you can 'make pretty'.

Can't wait to see what your new design and kitchen will look like!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

If you decide to go the wall oven route, don't choose a micro/oven combo unless it's two separate appliances, stacked to look like one unit. Microwaves fail far sooner than conventional ovens. It's a fact. Been there, done that...lived to regret it.

Good luck on your exciting project...kitchens are so much fun to design and build because the rewards last a long time and the lifestyle improvement can't be measured.