#31 Kitchen After Photos

The location is great. It’s proximity to the garage makes carrying in the grocery bags a short trip. It’s right off of the foyer and serves as a welcoming place for guests to gather. Last but not least, it’s close to the patio for grilling out.

We really are enjoying the semi-openess to the dining area. It is nice not being able to see the mess involved in food prep while we’re sitting down to a meal.

The arch top window is a nice balance to all of the straight lines. This area with the dishwasher on the right and the garbage on the left is highly used and we’re happy to report it is very efficient. The spacing between the perimeter and the island is perfect. We love the farmhouse style sink too! The maintenance is less than we expected based on reading reviews. Whew!

We really like having all of the appliances and the sink on the perimeter. It leaves a nice open countertop at the island for eating, working, and gathering. We really like having the microwave in the pantry too. Now if we could just install an automadically closing pantry door…that would be perfection!

The countertop was a difficult decision. One of the last, in fact. We both love it. We love the minimal pattern and the brightness of it. It doesn’t need constant wiping to look nice either. Crumbs don’t stick out like a sore thumb.

We went with brass finishes and we really like the warmth of it with all of the white. A mix of traditional and modern lines keeps things balanced.

Below is a look back at the process and how it all started with some sketches, renderings, and product selection. Many choices changed through the process but take a look at the SHOP OUR HOUSE page to see the final selections.

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Sketch

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Renderings

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Products

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Progress

#7 Kitchen Layout

With so much happening in this integral space, we began the kitchen design process by analyzing what we like about our current kitchen - and, of course, what we would prefer to change. 

We came up with the following "must haves":

1.   A countertop free of small appliances
2.   A semi-open concept
3.   An island with seating
4.   A "right-size" kitchen - not too big, not too small...just right

In order to declutter the countertops, we decided on a closet or pantry with its own surface area and plenty of electrical outlets. We found inspiration on both Houzz and Pinterest - particularly from the following images:

houzz source: Marie Newton, Closets Redefined | Pintrest source: article from Town and Country Living

The actual location of this pantry was not as easily decided. It was the focus of the floorplan for many weeks until we came upon this images from Houzz:

houzz source: Whitten Architects

The kitchen layout accomplished all four of our goals. Of course, there is always some customization for personal preferences, so you will note there are a few differences. The most notable change being we only need one sink and prefer it on the perimeter wall instead of in the island. 

While the specifics of the kitchen are still being worked out, along with the detailed cabinet plan, this is the ideal layout that includes our "must haves" outlined above.

1.   A countertop free of small appliances - The pantry offers a place for them.

2.   A semi-open concept - The combination of the pantry and the refrigerator allow for some separation between the dining room, and it is around the corner from the family room.

3.   An island with seating - There is an island with seating for three.

4.  A "right-size" kitchen - It is all in a relatively efficient space.

While we cannot wait to get in there and start cooking, there is still much to be determined before it can even be built.  More to come!  In the meantime, below are some construction updates.  Enjoy the holiday season close to your loved ones.

Here's to a great 2018 to you and yours.  Cheers!

The garage is filled in.

Insulation and waterproofing on the foundation walls.

A view of the back.

Enjoying construction site visits.