Practical advice, please. I don’t really care about a wine ‘frig, but I might consider a pot filler if those of you who have those are actually using them.
We need to get this kitchen design hashed out so we can get a better idea about our plumbing and electrical and our overall budget because kitchens are ‘spensive, y’all.
This is what I am thinking. Yes, I like to draw in Microsoft Paint like a 5th grader. Sketch-Up, smetch up.
Things I know I want:
- Deep farmhouse sink
- 5 or 6 burner gas stove
- Decorative range hood.
- Built-in microwave not over the stove. (I a pet peeve about having the microwave over the stove. I steam veggies and stuff in the microwave while I’m also cooking on the stovetop. I don’t need to be standing in front of a running microwave all the time. That’s supposed to be really bad for you. but I want to save the counter space, so I like the idea of having it built-in.)
- A big, huge island with a breakfast bar that will seat at least 3.
- The dishwasher located to the right of the sink. I’ve had them on both sides, and to the right is so much easier when you are right-handed.
- Several deep drawers in lieu of bottom cabinets (my aunt Chott’s kitchen is like this and it makes a big difference)
- Some open shelving because I collect a lot of decorative stoneware
- I like having an appliance garage in the corner, but Eddie hates them. (party pooper)
So now here is where I need your advice:
Do I really want a double oven? Of course, I want one, but if you have it, how often do you use the second oven, for real? Is it really worth thousands of extra dollars?
Do you have a pot filler? Do you use it? I think I want one and it would be pretty easy to install because there will already be plumbing for the laundry area on the other side of the stove.
Do you think I’m going to regret two-tone cabinets? (different kinds for main kitchen & island) I kind of love it at the moment, but I’m still worried it’s too trendy.
How well does butcher block hold up? I’d love to do the whole kitchen in quartz or Corrianne (not a big fan of the idea of granite or marble because if I pay that much, I don’t want to also have the extra work to maintain it and I don’t like the idea of bacteria getting into the porous surfaces. Plus marble stains.) but I’m not sure that’s in the budget.
Do you have your trash can built into a cabinet? I like the idea of having it out of sight, but I don’t like the idea of giving up my cabinet space.
Any other advice or tips that you think might help us out in the future?
For example, my Uncle Sonny told us to make sure if you install recessed lights, put them above the countertop. If they are behind you, you will constantly be working in your own shadow.
UPDATE:
Less than a week after I posted this plan, Stephen Alexander posted this on their Facebook page: the EXACT kitchen that was in my head! How cool is that?
***Check out our completed IKEA kitchen and how it held up after two years! We also DIYed our range hood and installed a brick backsplash since we moved in. Plus, here’s my chemical-free method for keeping my white farmhouse sink clean.
I love my slide out shelves on my bottom cabinets. They are awesome. My mom has 2 deep drawers she uses. Her house is over 100 years old.
Our recessed lighting is above us so that works well. I love our lazy susan and we put our trash can in the pantry. I have seen people use the one under the sink but I don’t see how they get any trash in there. You would have to empty it out constantly.
In my dream kitchen I would def have sliding shelves under the sink. Room for a bigger fridge, a cool backslpash, and some cabinet space desenegated for the crap.
Amanda from work.