Decisions, Decisions

A few posts ago I wrote about the tiny size of our kitchen, which is presenting more than one designing challenge.

We got some initial drawings back from a highly recommended cabinet maker. We were really excited to see them, but they just seem too chaotic - we're afraid the kitchen will look cramped.

So, these are a little confusing, and since I can't figure out how to rotate them, you have to rotate your head to see them properly. Probably the one that is the easiest to understand is the aerial view.

The stove is at the back of the kitchen, where we currently have counter. The sink is under the window, facing west, where our stove currently is.

The fridge will be where the microwave currently is (btw, we are 90% sure we are not including a microwave into our design. Life change!).

This is a rough drawing, and there are many things that will be tweaked before/if we go ahead with this builder.

The reason for this post, mostly, is this has forced the issue of appliances. I don't think either of us expected that we would have to decide about that so soon - it seems sort of ludicrous and backwards to do it this way, but when every inch is extremely valuable, you don't really have a choice.

My number one dislike of this plan is how much space the fridge (and the pull-out pantry next to it - boo! I REALLY WANT one of those!) is taking up. It seems to dominate the very small space, and make the counter next to it miniscule. It's kind of ridiculous, but right now we seem to have more work space than this new kitchen would have.

SO! FRIDGE! Now, stay with me here people, because this is where it gets cyclical again. We need to determine which (at least which size) fridge we are going to get so the cabinets can be planned out properly and ALSO because when you are looking at stainless steel appliances, matching handles make all the difference. Or so I'm told. Especially in a small space. So now the question becomes - do we choose the fridge for size and just get a matching stove without worrying too much about the performance of said stove? OR do we find the stove we want, and then look around a little harder for a frige that would match it? See? Confusing!

Here are some pics of the current kitchen for comparisons' sake.

First of all - if you love this kitchen are about to leave the comment 'Why are you changing it! So cute!', then you have to know that behind all those cupboard doors is absolutely NO insulation and that pulling plates out of there in the winter is like pulling them out of the fridge. No joke. We heat them up in the oven before eating.

Picture 1: the back of the kitchen. The doorway to the basement and window will be gone, freeing up another corner for storage and uppers.

PS, yes, that oven is awesome and we would keep it except it is WAY TOO BIG for our tiny space. Plus we want gas.




Picture 2 is of the wall where the fridge will be (microwave) and most of the uppers. Yes, that sink is also beautiful and gorgeous and everyone wants one like that, but let me tell you, it is also shallow and things break in it and again, TAKES UP TOO MUCH SPACE.

 

Picture 3 is the wall that will no longer exist, being replaced by a hefty header beam and island below. This fridge will be for sale. Want it? (it's a good fridge)











I just re-read this post and it seems a little boring, probably. However, writing always helps me figure things out, so I guess you just have to suffer along with me :)