What is your dream kitchen?
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| My kitchen is over 10 years old and I have no money to redo it. It is still serviceable and in decent shape. If I were going to redo it, I would have laminate (Pergo-type floor) or ceramic tile (I actually do have ceramic tile!). Countertops would also be ceramic tile or Formica. I don't like quartz or granite or marble. It all seems so cold to me. I also don't like stainless appliances, so I would replace mine with white. Cabinets would be maple in a light finish. I know light wood is totally out but I don't care. I like what I like. Sink would be porcelain or something that isn't stainless. |
| Now that we finished one bathroom, it is time to redo the kitchen. Darcy has offered to help plan it......when I get my act together. I've got the scale drawing done, it is the pictures...I really need to find the camera and read the instructions. The one think we must change is eliminate under counter cabinets and go with drawers. So much storage is lost here since the lower shelves and far upper shelves are no longer in our "reach." I'm also torn between staying with gas or going with enduction. I'm not a fan of smooth tops having had one years ago, maybe with the instant on/off with enduction I'll be less messy? ha! For sure I want a greater CPM fan over the stove. I realize oversize creates negative air in the house, but I can open a window most days. Granted I think code is now 6 inch stack not the 4 that is probably here, maybe that's enough. So of course no microwave over the stove. To put it with the wall oven will be opposite side of dining area. Not good. I want a convection oven. And self cleaning............I suspect you may not go with self cleaning again. I want a dedicated pantry. We converted the broom closet which is better than nothing.....but really not ideal. |
| My homecare client has some sort of white sink (not porcelain) and it stains horribly. I don't know what the sink material is, but I don't like it! They also have Corian countertops and they are nice. The sink undermounts and fits smoothly w/ the countertop, so maybe it is a related product? I don't like tile as countertops, because the grout is a trap for bacteria, etc. Any smooth surface product would be preferable to me! Cupboards are a personal preference thing - so many good choices out there. I have all antique (literally antiques!), so I really can't add in to the newer options personally. Part of my cabinets are built in, original to the house. Complete with wavy glass in the doors. The other section is the lower half of a Hoosier from Todd's parent's old house before they tore it down. I would look at work heights for counters, good layout and all that 1st. What did you have in the Old (2 yrs isn't old!) kitchen - did you not like it? |
The detail I most look forward to changing when we redo our kitchen is the small appliance storage. My husband loves small kitchen appliances and gadgets, and so we have a LOT of them  . I want a pantry style (tall) cupboard with widely-spaced pull-out shelves so I don't have to lift or stoop while putting away a heavy mixer etc.Also, I want the cupboards to go ALL the way up to the ceiling, so no dusty shelf up there where stuff gets forgotten  . |
Quote: Also, I want the cupboards to go ALL the way up to the ceiling, so no dusty shelf up there where stuff gets forgotten  I won't be climbing ladders to get to the upper cabinet, but I'd rather have them than as you said dusty shelf. With grease spattering around, dusty greasy is just awful. With the dogs I'd like easy to wipe off cabinets. No recesses, raised, curlyques, etc. If I could find quality cabinets in a great wipeoff, I'd go for them. The thermafoil stuff isn't for me, been there, done that, hated it. No IKEA store here so don't know about their metal cabinets. While I love red, I dont think I'm into red cabinets. |
SheepieBoss wrote: No IKEA store here so don't know about their metal cabinets. While I love red, I dont think I'm into red cabinets. I have metal cabinets in my art studio (old ones, from the 50's, that I bought from a garage sale) and I  LOVE them. One cool advantage: you can use magnets everywhere!   |
| I HATE stainless steel appliances and sink....too hard to keep looking good! I LOVE my Jenn'Aire gas stove and wouldn't change that...love the wood floors...they have a great protective coating and dogs don't do anything to them...they are just as easy as tile and don't show dirt as much. I think making the triangle is important as it makes it so much easier to cook and clean. I don't think you can have enough cabinets or countertop space. |
| We re-did our original kitchen a couple of years ago. The one thing I forgot to purchase was my own personal chef! |
| We’ve been redoing our kitchen bit-by-bit. A few years ago we replaced our countertops with granite and added an undermount sink and travertine backsplash. We LOVE everything, although the granite does get cold in winter and my husband regrets not adding a heating mat similar to that used under bathroom floors under the countertops (the contractor had never heard of such a thing, but said it could be done). Granite is easy to maintain and is virtually indestructible, and with the undermount sink I can just sweep crumbs into the disposal. The one BIG mistake I made with the backsplash was having a local artist design a decorative tile that was inset between the top of the range and the bottom of the vent hood. The tile is centered now, but it won’t be if I replace the range (newer models are a bit higher overall). A few years later we replaced our flooring with laminate that has the look of tile. I like the floor well enough – it’s easy to keep clean -- but still wish we had gone with hardwood. At the time, a friend who knows wood warned us that Gus (the OES) would have hardwood looking distressed in no time; I wish I had known about the protective coating Linda mentioned. If we ever get around to replacing the cabinetry (I’m not holding my breath), I’d like to swap the cabinet/vent over the range for a vent/microwave and, like Laurel, have cupboards with more pull-out shelves. |
| Almost exactly a year ago, we did a complete floor to ceiling, to the studs, everything had to go kitchen renovation. Here's the link to the thread with before and after pictures from this forum: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=32584 A year later, I still love, love, love my kitchen. What would I change? Very little, really. I was very, very lucky to have been able to get pretty close to my real wish list. Compromises were mostly determined by the space we had to work with. We didn't have budget to make major changes to the structure, which left us with the only real option of having an L shaped kitchen, with an island. The island is really, really big. We considered downsizing it and I still go back and forth about whether we should have. Honestly, I like the size of the island but it is a little tight near the refrigerator. My only real complaint. Recommendations: 1. Get a really, really good contractor who is very trustworthy. Look over the contract very well, and have some expectations outlined about when portions will be started, completed. Have an explicit pay schedule. My contractor billed us on a set schedule for labor and also on a set schedule for materials and sub contractors. HE paid the plumber, electrician, etc. Yes, he got a fee for this but he also took responsibility for coming back to resolve any problems that might arise (except for the garbage disposal leak, there were none) and he was the one who had to work out the schedule so that contractors could do their jobs in the most efficient manner possible. If there were issues about someone not showing up on time, HE was the one who got upset about it, took care of it. He also was a much better judge of whether something was worth the money or not. Now, I know I drove him crazy by insisting on more expensive finishes than he would have chosen, but this is the only kitchen I will ever do. And I had waited more than 20 years to do it. It is important that you find someone you like and trust because you will be bff for the duration of the project (a few months, perhaps). 2. Know what your concept is, what kind of feel you want to create. I live in an old house and wanted a kitchen that looked like it belonged to the house, but was updated. If I lived in a modern house, I would have chosen different materials and finishes. I tried to get the look of a classic but updated kitchen. Don't want it to look dated in 10 years. Also know and understand what you like in terms of finishes. I am not a bright and shiny magazine ready kind of person. I didn't want shiny granite counter tops that always look perfect. I wanted something that would develop a patina over time: I chose soapstone and butcher block for counter tops. This is not the right choice for everyone, but it was for me. I wanted my kitchen to be warm, welcoming and a pleasant place to spend time. That means different things to different people. Pick what you like (I looked at dozens of magazines, plus a lot of stuff online plus neighbor's houses). What did you like about your old kitchen? What drove you nuts? Think about how you will use things, day to day. If you are standing at the sink, where do you want the dish washer? Where will you put the hot pan from the oven or stove? How close do you want your fridge and stove to be? How will people move in the kitchen? Will your kitchen be mostly a one cook kitchen or will more than one person work in there at the same time? A traditional triangle is best for a one cook kitchen. Multiple cook kitchens often work best with multiple cooking stations, rather than a strict triangle. 3. Get the best possible quality of EVERYTHING that you can afford. Some things are easy to upgrade later: you can always get nicer light fixtures or nicer cabinet hardware, for example. But get the best cabinets you can. I also got the best appliances I could. They are not all the same manufacturer but they are all stainless except for the dishwasher we kept as it was newer. I liked the stainless look and feel it is ok enough to keep clean. Certainly not harder than the white I had before. But I am not overly fussy about finger prints, etc. I got a Wolfe gas cook top. It was expensive but it was my dream cook top. The matching hood would have cost nearly as much. I got a Vent A Hood instead, having exhaustively researched and determined that the quality was as good but the price much lower. This was confirmed when a subcontractor who was looking at our appliances mentioned to my husband that I had saved him a LOT of money and gotten a better hood than if I had picked the Wolfe. SEARS periodically has stoves and ovens half off. We got our double ovens at 50% off. Got a Jenn Air refrigerator. They all look fine together. Handles, etc. are of a similar feel. I know some people feel they must have appliances from the same manufacturer, but that isn't me. I am good with mix/match and I saved a lot of money and got the best quality I could afford this way. That said, sometimes appliance companies have deals where if you buy 3 or 4 pieces, you can get a good discount on the 'bundle.' I cannot tell you how many hours I spent researching appliances and am happy with what I have. 4. Cabinets: I got the best quality I could. Painted costs more than stained or did last year. I used stock cabinets but had one piece altered. I am short and made one part of the island shorter than usual (29 inches, table height) to accommodate my size. It cost something line $120 and my contractor thought that was outrageous, but it is a very comfortable space for me to use. I did not get a lot of specialized cabinets. This saved money and I am glad I did. I did get some lower cabinets with slide out shelves. I like them, but they eat up space more than you realize. I am glad I eliminated this feature from some of the cabinets and got more space. 5. Don't be too afraid to design things to suit YOU rather than a mass market if you plan to stay in your home long term. I am so grateful I had that counter top lowered. I use it ALL THE TIME. Contractor was very unsure that it was a good idea but I love it and reaction from other people who have seen it has been positive: they understand the practicality. Hubby is quite a bit taller and he insisted he would never use that part of the counter because it would be too low. He uses it all the time. Which isn't to say that I wish they were all that low. The part I have lowered is enough. 6. I am glad I have a second sink. Very useful. 7. Hubby and I argued terribly about whether or not to have pendant lights. He was against them. I was for them. I let him have his way and I am just as happy, to tell the truth. But if I had my way, I probably would put in pendants..... While we are on the subject, lighting is a very important element. I cannot stress enough how big a difference this makes. We have multiple pot lights, task lights and under counter lights. We splurged and got led under counter lights and are very happy we did. They were much more expensive but worth it. Energy efficient and they do not get hot like halogen ones do: you will burn yourself on a halogen light if it is low enough you might accidentally touch it. Vent has a halogen light and I test that theory out, just for kicks: it does burn quickly! Well, this has gotten to be really long. If Darcy is around, I know she designs professionally (something I had forgotten while I was doing my kitchen.) She can give great advice. Good luck and post pictures! eta (if you've survived this long) We weren't able to do under floor heating, which hubby really wanted. Contractor made sure to put a heating vent under the sink because hubby does dishes more often than I do and his feet get cold (mine never do). It was a genius idea and I am very grateful. |
| Forgot: When picking out cabinets, keep in mind that more, smaller drawers are more expensive than larger ones. I have a couple of sets of very deep, wide drawers and I LOVE them. They are incredibly useful. Self close/soft close is standard, I think, for most cabinets and it's a wonderful thing. Also love having a dedicated narrow cabinet with dividers for baking sheets. |
ChSheepdogs wrote: We re-did our original kitchen a couple of years ago. The one thing I forgot to purchase was my own personal chef! So THAT'S what's wrong with my kitchen??? I KNEW there was something missing.  Kristine |
Mad Dog wrote: ChSheepdogs wrote: We re-did our original kitchen a couple of years ago. The one thing I forgot to purchase was my own personal chef! So THAT'S what's wrong with my kitchen??? I KNEW there was something missing. Kristine ........  ....I got the personal chef, but no new kitchen!! Yay for Todd!   although he was apparently on strike yesterday after baking...so he went out and got Subway sandwiches for supper.  |
| The PERSONAL CHEF! Now, that's a great suggestion! However, I LOVE to cook and would probably argue with the Chef over their fancy food over my "real"food...and my husband thinks a Chef's portions are never enough...he likes ,my Italian oriented portions...BIG!!!! My Old kitchen ( two years!) did ahve granite and I did love it. I have problems with my hands and liked the idea of being able to quickly place a hot pan down without burning. Laminate or formica would burn..So I think I am staying with the granite... I might add...the grainite counter tops saved us from more damage as the fire was in the cabients and the stone granite kept it confined...somewhat and for a while. But had the counters been anything else, the house would ahve gone down in an instant...so, granite it is... I love everyone's suggestions. And its so interesting to see everyone's preference...I am taking it all in and will figure what is best for me.. I do agreee. My kitchen will be what I like and not worry trends or when it comes time to sell. Many designers tell you not to do certain things for "resale" value...Well, I figure, let the next people who buy my house do what they want and for now, I will do what I like! Any suggestions o comments on "islands"...And, I love the idea of a dedicated pantry...If I have the room...And how about refrigerators...I have a french door style now and think its a bit small...how about a side by side? |
| I love the look of the french door fridges but I always feel like they seem small. I've never had one, though, so I don't know from experience. We have a counter depth side by side and it's nice. It could still be bigger though! I love islands. For some reason they seem like good work places. Ours actually has our stove on it, so not much extra room, or room underneath for drawers or storage, but I still like having the island. |
| I have a french door fridge and love it. You can fit whole trays or pizza boxes in it. Having the freezer on the bottom is very convenient. Side by side always seems to small and limiting to me. You can't fit wide things in the freezer or fridge with a side by side. I am a fan of islands...especially as work space. I don't like working on counters while facing cabinets...with an island I can face people or the tv. |
| If I do get around to re-doing my kitchen--the ONE thing I KNOW I want is a copper sink!! Farmhouse would be quite nice!! |
| Karen.........I remodeled my kitchen last year and started with your Copper Farmhouse sink!!! I love it!!!! |
| What is your dream Kitchen ? Well something in the future like in the cartoon the "Jetsons" or even "Lost In Space"!!! Dial up a meal or even courses, out it pops, and no dishes after. Oooh I need to live in the future  If not then win tatslotto and a fortune and have chefs and servants.  |
| Ashley, a few years ago I had the wonderful experience of redesigning my whole house and here is what I did for the kitchen, I joined two bedrooms and a hall to create the space and then went wild with the kitchen cupboards, oak with green stain, porcalian floor tile, granite counter tops and all new applaincs. Laurel, in the 2nd photo the big door just above the two big drawers is an appliance garge that slides out    |
| WOW! Even the lighting is perfect. So warm and inviting. KB |
jean wrote: Ashley, a few years ago I had the wonderful experience of redesigning my whole house and here is what I did for the kitchen, I joined two bedrooms and a hall to create the space and then went wild with the kitchen cupboards, oak with green stain, porcalian floor tile, granite counter tops and all new applaincs. Laurel, in the 2nd photo the big door just above the two big drawers is an appliance garge that slides out Beautiful! Very well done-I bet you love cooking in that wonderful Kitchen! |
| Very, very nice Jean! I like colored cabs but ............yeah, I can always find excuses. Spent the day on web appliance hunting. Comes down to kitchen OR kitchen, redo 2nd bathroom, roof and driveway. So have to downsize all my dreams......sigh. Champagne taste on soda pop budget. Good thing my grand cooking days are behind me. |
VERY nice, Jean!!! WOW!!!!!  We we redid our kitchen while adding the family room, Dino, our PERSONAL chef was in charge. I would suggest that there are things that are must haves::: An extra deep sink, and extra high faucet with detatchable spray. (for sheepie puppie bathing!)  A door on a sliding trash can..(so sheepies are not tempted to add extra meals of used paper towels, chicken bones, etc) Granit or Silestone counters, (sheepies cannot scratch the surface when counter surfing!) Extra wide fridge, with ice and water dispenser (for quick, cold sheepie treats) Table (on wheels) between two towers (pull out for cookie making, when in place, to keep all special treats far, far back so there is NO sheepie counter surfing!! )And DINO just HAD to have a 6 burner Vulcan professional stove...(I couldn't get why??? OUR SHeepies don't cook...YET!!!! |
| I just read Jack your suggestions for a sheepie proof kitchen and he's miffed and incredulous. Imagine making a kitchen sheepdog proof! He considers the pantry his domain, lots of good sniffs, if no food. He fears a bottom mount freezer on the next refrig ending his current cleaning the lower shelves. There isn't a sink big enough to bathe him. Mom has decided against the water and ice mount front due to high minerals in well water, thus stopping before starting his do it yourself ice cube dispenser. All he really cares about is placement of the cookie can......it can't move from present location where he can see it perfectly. No worry, there isn't a sink big enough to wash Jack.......he's happy about that. |
sheepieshake wrote: VERY nice, Jean!!! WOW!!!!! We we redid our kitchen while adding the family room, Dino, our PERSONAL chef was in charge. I would suggest that there are things that are must haves::: An extra deep sink, and extra high faucet with detatchable spray. (for sheepie puppie bathing!) A door on a sliding trash can..(so sheepies are not tempted to add extra meals of used paper towels, chicken bones, etc) Granit or Silestone counters, (sheepies cannot scratch the surface when counter surfing!) Extra wide fridge, with ice and water dispenser (for quick, cold sheepie treats) Table (on wheels) between two towers (pull out for cookie making, when in place, to keep all special treats far, far back so there is NO sheepie counter surfing!! )And DINO just HAD to have a 6 burner Vulcan professional stove...(I couldn't get why??? OUR SHeepies don't cook...YET!!!!  Priorities--Priorities--Priorities!! Love how you think! |
| Jean, your kitchen looks very similiar to what WAS my kitchen before the fire! Love it! Love it! What is on the floor? Is that wood? Bamboo? Laminate? I am having a healluva time figuring what floor to put down. We had antique heart pine...burned to a crisp. Not sure I want that again... |
| In a fire, you will almost certainly lose whatever floor you have. Tile or stone might be fire resistant but if you have a wood subfloor, that will burn. I would not let fire resistance be my first criteria, although I can understand why you would be concerned. I am confused re: bamboo. I keep hearing/reading that not only is it a green material but also that it is harder than most other woods. BUT people I know who have had bamboo in bedrooms (lower traffic areas) felt it was badly worn after a short time. I think there is definitely a huge difference in quality and durability in bamboo products....... |
| Ashley, the floor is porcelain tile it does not wear like ceramic tile does , pull out garbage bin, and deep sink with tall water faucet (great for getting those big spaghetti pots into and on the floor tucked under the edge of a cupboard is the best thing of all ... a foot operated opening that when opened the central vacc started so was able to just sweep the crumbs or whatever in and away without having to drag the hose out for just a quick pick up Our other house ( the one I'm in right now) has wood floor throughout, love the look of them but the porcelain is so much easier to look after |
Quote: ... a foot operated opening that when opened the central vacc started so was able to just sweep the crumbs or whatever in and away without having to drag the hose out for just a quick pick up The way my guys clean under the toe area, I can see them activating the vacuum and barking at the noise or getting their nose stuck Several are extremely curious: Rombas and 100+lbs dogs don't mix.....carnival ride it wasn't. |
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