Suggestions on kitchen designs for an awkward layout

[JessMiller15]

Hi all,

Looking for any advice or suggestions for our kitchen reno. The plan is to knock out the wall between the dining and kitchen areas and make one long galley style kitchen (by filling in the wall in between the current dining space and living room). The difficulty is that the two windows marked in blue are full length windows so we can't just use both full walls for the benches without changing the windows to half height. We would really like to avoid doing that as it will lead us down a rabbit hole of then trying to fill in gaps in the brick exterior or come up with a cladding style option for the whole exterior wall, which would just blow costs way out. Our thinking was that we could do one long bench along the back wall and then a shorter bench under the half height window, finishing just before the full length window starts. My concern is that it will look really strange and be a complete waste of space in the corner. Any suggestions on how to make the best use of this space would be so appreciated!

[NickiM]

Open plan living is the key to a great home these days. Depending on your budget, maybe consider the following option.

1. Close out the back window of your dining room

2. Move your kitchen bench to the back wall which should allow for a 900mm oven, fridge, pantry and upper/lower cabinets 

3. Remove the wall between the kitchen and dining and replace with an island bench with storage and bench seating.

4. In the island bench, include the sink as the plumbing will not have to be redirected too far from the existing position 

5. If still within your budget, consider French Doors for your full length window OR replace the current kitchen window with a glass door (assuming this goes out to your backyard)

Don’t forget to consider your ceiling  lighting, flooring and electrical, as you may need to reposition these too.

Good luck and remember to have fun.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @JessMiller15. It's fantastic to have you join us and many thanks for sharing your project.

It's great to see you've received a helpful response from @NickiM.

Could we start with what you would like to achieve from the renovation as it might give us a better idea of what to suggest? Are you looking for more bench space and/or cabinet space and will you be using over-head cabinetry? Is the idea to have one large galley kitchen? If so, where do you plan to eat? If you are running cabinetry into the dining area, is there room then for a table setting?

Perhaps you might like to upload some images of the spaces. Now would also be a great time to confirm that the kitchen and dining wall is not load-bearing and can be removed.

We look forward to following along with your project and offering assistance.

Mitchell

[MitchellMc]

It's great to have you join us @NickiM and many thanks for joining the conversation.

It sounds like you have some fantastic renovation experience, and I trust our members will appreciate you sharing.

We look forward to hearing about the projects around your house and garden, and we'd encourage you to let us know if you ever need assistance or would like to share them with us. I'm sure you'll find loads of inspiration within the community as our creative members contribute their projects here all the time.

Mitchell

[JessMiller15]

Thanks Nicki! Which wall did you consider to be the back wall (just trying to orientate myself). I like the idea of an island bench but I'm just worried it would feel too closed in on either end as it's quite a narrow space. 

[JessMiller15]

Thanks Mitchell. With regards to what we are trying to achieve, it's definitely about more space and functionality. The current kitchen is so difficult to work in as there is not enough bench space and you can't have more than one person in the kitchen at once or it becomes impossibly crowded (plus I've usually got at least one, if not two dogs underfoot!).  

We are aiming to rent it out for a while after the renovation so we would like a design that improves the functionality and space, whilst still having mass appeal in a renter's market. I'm not wedded to the idea of a galley kitchen, but that just seemed to be what we would be able to manage in the space, given the awkward location of windows. The living space has room to include a dining table, which is how we have it structured now but I have always been a fan of having a nice big island bench with seating, if it is possible without sacrificing the openness of the kitchen too much. 

I've included a photo of the full house floor plan just to give an idea of where the kitchen sits in the complete house layout. Our main backyard area is along the long side of the house, inside the arm of the L shape. The two large windows along the side of the dining and lounge areas face a raised garden bed and fence so aren't really a direct route to the backyard and I am hesitant to incorporate any doors from the kitchen into the backyard as this seems like it would increase unnecessary foot traffic in the kitchen and make it a thoroughfare, which seems a bit impractical. My dad will be doing the construction work and has confirmed that the dining/kitchen wall is not load bearing. 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @JessMiller15,

When you say the living space has room for a dining table, would that be the room marked family? I think the galley kitchen will be your best option, but I'm also stumped on utilising the back section in front of the full-length windows.

Let me mention the amazing @redracer01 to see if he has any ideas.

Mitchell

[redracer01]

Hello @JessMiller15 

Running kitchen cabinetry across full length windows is not unheard of. The basics for kitchens running across full length windows is that the back of the cabinets exposed to the outside window must be dressed or finished. In this way you will not see the unfinished or raw side of the cabinet facing the window. The gap between the window and your bench top can be filled in with the bench top being cut to fit in to the window cavity which I have drawn as an example. The same principle can be applied to the end run of the kitchen on the second window. As long as it has a finishing panel on it, it will look correct from the outside. By making sure that none of the cabinets exposed or raw edges are on display, people passing by will simply think that it is a desk or a panel for a dresser that is pushed to the window. This will then alleviate you from having to spend more money for the retro fitting of the window. 

I suggest not putting the dividing wall between the dining area and the lounge. By keeping the open design of the space it will give you better flow and make the area look much bigger, it will save you from having to spend to build another false wall. As you have very little wall space I've maxed out your base cabinetry to serve as storage for all kitchen kitchen gear. Because of this I've given you a smaller pantry which allows you to have a small nook for an under bench microwave. I've maximized space use near your rangehood by putting timber shelving to the left and right of it. This will allow you to store often used spices and sauces when cooking. Because the bench top is more than 5 meters long there will be a join at some point along its length. It is suggested that this join be placed as far away from the the sink and cook top if possible.

Should you wish for this drawing to be quoted. I suggest visiting your nearest Bunnings store and ask the in store kitchen specialist to quote the cabinet layout. I hope these drawings help and gives you ideas of how you may wish to proceed. 

Cheers,

Red

[NickiM]

Hey Jess ~ This is a great floor plan. Neat straight lines and I can see what you mean about the kitchen being awkward. The window I was thinking, was the one on the left that you will see when you walk into the house and in line with the lounge window. (Not the one on the same side as the current sink).

Your plan should be all about proportion, without compromising the design, functionality or even resale value.
1. Consider a 600mm oven instead of a 900mm (although 900mm is preferable).

2. Consider an apron sink I lieu of a double sink with drip tray which will allow for more counter space.

3. Consider a wider island bench rather than a longer length, to allow for freedom to move

4. Consider how your fridge door(s) open to ensure it’s on the correct side of your kitchen 

5. Consider an under mount range hood to increase storage space (albeit minimal extra, but every little bit counts). 
6. Definitely do not need an extra door considering one is already around the corner from the family room

7. Ensure you have the minimum specifications, to help guide distance, height, etc.

[MitchellMc]

Many thanks for putting that render together for us @redracer01. I trust it will prove of great inspiration to @JessMiller15.

Mitchell