Must haves in a kitchen reno?

[kadams767]

Jan 14, 2020 4:16:49 GMT -5 memenee said:

Also, anyone have thoughts on porcelain sink vs stainless?

Porcelain or enameled cast iron with a grate on the bottom is the way to go, IMO.  I hate stainless sinks, though.

[mrspez07]

Think about how you would use a sink, what you have now and if getting something different would improve the way you operate or hinder. I prefer 2 sided sink to one large one that is so popular, and I’ve heard regrets and similar sentiments from others IRL.
I also recommend the pullout drawers, even in a pantry above counter level.
Also, don’t box in the fridge so tight with cabinets or counters on both sides without a decent gap for some wiggle room or to accommodate the hinge heights of today’s fridges. We had to sand down the trim around ours when we got a new fridge, even though the fridge is “standard”, and can’t open one of the doors above it because of the fridge hinge.
Have at least one drawer for junk, pencils, etc. everyone has one ;-)

[TBM]

Jan 16, 2020 16:09:23 GMT -5 kadams767 said:

Jan 14, 2020 4:16:49 GMT -5 memenee said:

Also, anyone have thoughts on porcelain sink vs stainless?

Porcelain or enameled cast iron with a grate on the bottom is the way to go, IMO.  I hate stainless sinks, though.

This.

Jan 13, 2020 19:06:15 GMT -5 dr.girlfriend said:

Also, I think I looked into the pop-out outlets and they didn't get great reviews? It seemed like it fell in the category of "great idea, shoddy execution." That was more than 6 years ago, though, so maybe they are better now.

We put pop out outlets on our kitchen island then (we did our renos around the same time I think), and they have been great. I do wish that we had added one more though.... maybe one with USB ports, since that seems to be where our guests want to plug in. You can never have too many outlets in a kitchen.


Drawers instead of lower cabinets with doors/shelves, soft close on drawers and cabinets, and pullouts in cabinets are some things that I can't imagine living without now that we have had them. Also, we have one of those cabinets that has one door but half of the cabinet is in the corner where you can't reach.... except that we have a pull out that pretty much uses all the space and pulls all the way out so that it is easy to access everything. It is probably the thing that people gush over the most.

We use our under cabinet lighting more than any other lights in the kitchen, and we have plenty of other options. It lights the sink and the counter that we use the most, and we rarely feel the need to use the light over the sink.

I really wanted two wall ovens, but with our cooktop, there wouldn't have been enough space between the cooktop and the ovens to meet code. After disappointment and panic passed, my cabinet guy, appliance guy and I brainstormed and I wound up with a single oven installed under counter, and a narrow cabinet above it. Honestly, I think it turned out better for us. I love the oven (and it is better rated than the ones we were going to get), and the cabinet above worked out perfect for storing utensils and all of our most used appliances conveniently.

We utilized every bit of space that we could in our limited space. One of my things is a narrow cabinet for our step stool. There was a void behind/between the trash/recycling pullout on the side of the island and the cabinet for our KA mixers on the opposite side, so my cabinet guy added a hidden cabinet there, opening on the back of the island, where there is counter seating.

I spent a lot of time thinking about how what was wrong with our kitchen (everything), and what would make sense for the way that we live and cook before we went into the renovation. I didn't let contractors who didn't get why I wanted things where I wanted them or why I wanted certain features bully me into changing my well thought out ideas. I knew every inch of space, and walked it over and over making sure that it would work. I was right (lol) and it all works exactly as I expected.

I was willing to work to meet code and adjust accordingly, but I wasn't willing to give up form or function, and was surprised at how willing people, (men that we were paying, who weren't going to live here) were to discount my vision. When it was finished, it all finally made sense to everyone, but it was frustrating getting there.

[mrsukyankee]

I love my huge 700mm stainless steel sink, so I'll be the person who goes against the grain. I've had the double sinks and they don't do it for me (both practically as the bigger size means I can fit everything in there or put a bowl in it to soak smaller things, and to hide dishes if someone pops round). It's just the right look for my old and future kitchen. The cast iron sinks over here are too country for me.

[pumpkin]

Jan 16, 2020 17:44:22 GMT -5 TBM said:

We put pop out outlets on our kitchen island then (we did our renos around the same Also, we have one of those cabinets that has one door but half of the cabinet is in the corner where you can't reach.... except that we have a pull out that pretty much uses all the space and pulls all the way out so that it is easy to access everything. It is probably the thing that people gush over the most.

[/quote]

Any chance you can share pictures of this? This is one of my biggest kitchen issues and I'm looking for ideas, but am one of those people who needs to "see" it.

[TBM]

Jan 17, 2020 4:34:14 GMT -5 pumpkin said:

Jan 16, 2020 17:44:22 GMT -5 TBM said:

We put pop out outlets on our kitchen island then (we did our renos around the same Also, we have one of those cabinets that has one door but half of the cabinet is in the corner where you can't reach.... except that we have a pull out that pretty much uses all the space and pulls all the way out so that it is easy to access everything. It is probably the thing that people gush over the most.

Any chance you can share pictures of this? This is one of my biggest kitchen issues and I'm looking for ideas, but am one of those people who needs to "see" it.

[/quote]I was going to post pictures of ours, but there only ones I have don't show as much as this does. Scroll through the photos and drawings...I think they are pretty thorough.

LeMans II Arena 60 Blind Corner Set RH - Chrome/Maple 541.32.160 | CabinetParts.com
www.cabinetparts.com/p/kessebohmer-organizers-kitchen-organizers-HAF54132160-p24147?gclid=Cj0KCQiA04XxBRD5ARIsAGFygj-atOxFFBo7yX7vys4Df5igOeum7Lxb9fDN-nzlOjzIS6kwk4EjUvQaAvNPEALw_wcB

The only space that seemed wasted to me was under the lowest shelf, so we use that space to store baking sheets, a cutting board and cooling racks.

[mrsukyankee]

Jan 17, 2020 5:29:33 GMT -5 TBM said:

I was going to post pictures of ours, but there only ones I have don't show as much as this does. Scroll through the photos and drawings...I think they are pretty thorough.

LeMans II Arena 60 Blind Corner Set RH - Chrome/Maple 541.32.160 | CabinetParts.com
www.cabinetparts.com/p/kessebohmer-organizers-kitchen-organizers-HAF54132160-p24147?gclid=Cj0KCQiA04XxBRD5ARIsAGFygj-atOxFFBo7yX7vys4Df5igOeum7Lxb9fDN-nzlOjzIS6kwk4EjUvQaAvNPEALw_wcB

The only space that seemed wasted to me was under the lowest shelf, so we use that space to store baking sheets, a cutting board and cooling racks.

[/quote][/p]

This is what we're going to be getting in our new kitchen in the corner. Glad to hear that it works well and great idea about using the bottom bit for baking sheets and the like.

[aspentosh]

Our kitchen is a teeny galley kitchen, so my needs are all to increase function as much as possible. When we redo our kitchen in 3-5y this is my list:

-two tiered drawers on bottom (entire front opens but there are two levels of storage)
-vertical storage for cutting boards, muffin tins, baking sheets, etc.
-under cabinet lighting
-dedicated coffee area (cups, Keurig, sugar)
-minimal stuff on the counter, so making sure there is room in the drawers for knives, spatulas, ladles, etc.
-deep, single sink. I hate our porcelain one even though it's easy to clean with Bar Keepers. I need to look into the one dr.g suggested!
-no soap dispenser on the sink sash because it's a PITA to refill


If we had more space I'd love to build in a pantry.

[sandandsea]

I haven’t read pp but my dream would be a huge round/square/etc island table big enough for 6 to sit at for daily meals, essentially replacing a kitchen table but doubling as more counter space and added storage.

Also the undermount sinks are a must. I love wiping crumbs right into the sink. As are lots of drawers. We don’t have enough drawers and it’s a problem.

[bullygirl979]

Jan 14, 2020 4:16:06 GMT -5 memenee said:

Thank you all so much. I’m taking notes!

I’m in full agreement with the microwave down low but getting brushback from DH who is 6’5”. Is he right? Will it be awful for him?

(Pls don’t tell me he’s right.)

Sorry, but I think he's right. I'm 5'9 and I used a low microwave once and HATED it. It was a PITA to be hunched over to make sure your food isn't bubbling over. Our layout is a U shape with a center island, and we put our microwave about chest high on the wall. It's PERFECT.

[penguingrrl]

I seem to be the only one on the board that feels this way, but I hate my pull out lower cabinets. Stuff always falls behind the drawers and my arms are short, so I can’t reach to get it out easily. I curse those every day. Regular drawers would be far better, although for how we use some of that space I’m not sure drawers would be as functional as standard cabinets are.

I hate double sinks. I’ve lived many places and the dog or sinks were always too small to wash larger pots and pans in and I’ve never understood the functional reason for them.

I have always had stainless sinks and they’re fine, although I would love a good huge porcelain farmhouse sink in my dream kitchen.

Also, be careful about the depth of upper cabinets. Mine are deceptively shallow and it severely limits my storage space. It’s clear in every way that the people we bought from cut corners in really stupid ways when they did this kitchen, and now we have to live with their cheapness for a long time (and it wasn’t a poorly done flip situation, they did the kitchen for themselves then ended up selling the house 10 years later as part of a divorce settlement, so I assume they intended to be here a lot longer).

[penguingrrl]

Also, I wouldn’t make major decisions about a home or kitchen based on small kids. Kids grow and can reach regular microwave heights relatively quickly, but you and your H will presumably live with this for a very long time. My 6 year old has no trouble grabbing the stool I keep in the kitchen and using our over the range microwave himself and my 12 and 10 year olds are both taller than me. The period where it’s hyper convenient with kids is a short window.

[pumpkin]

Jan 17, 2020 5:29:33 GMT -5 TBM said:

Jan 17, 2020 4:34:14 GMT -5 pumpkin said:

We put pop out outlets on our kitchen island then (we did our renos around the same Also, we have one of those cabinets that has one door but half of the cabinet is in the corner where you can't reach.... except that we have a pull out that pretty much uses all the space and pulls all the way out so that it is easy to access everything. It is probably the thing that people gush over the most.

Any chance you can share pictures of this? This is one of my biggest kitchen issues and I'm looking for ideas, but am one of those people who needs to "see" it.

I was going to post pictures of ours, but there only ones I have don't show as much as this does. Scroll through the photos and drawings...I think they are pretty thorough.

LeMans II Arena 60 Blind Corner Set RH - Chrome/Maple 541.32.160 | CabinetParts.com
www.cabinetparts.com/p/kessebohmer-organizers-kitchen-organizers-HAF54132160-p24147?gclid=Cj0KCQiA04XxBRD5ARIsAGFygj-atOxFFBo7yX7vys4Df5igOeum7Lxb9fDN-nzlOjzIS6kwk4EjUvQaAvNPEALw_wcB

The only space that seemed wasted to me was under the lowest shelf, so we use that space to store baking sheets, a cutting board and cooling racks. [/quote]

Thank you!
These are now on my list to get and install because I hate that cabinet as it is now.

[tres3]

Base drawers are a must.
Stove/range size was very important to me. Our last house had a 4 burner stove and it sucked. New house I have 6 burners plus a griddle. I did a range this time so I have a full sized oven and a smaller oven so I still have 2 ovens and it is also perfect. Last house had wall ovens but I found the heights awkward and I'm fairly tall (5'8")
One thing I insisted on with this kitchen was a proper walk in pantry with adjustable shelves. It isn't huge (probably 5x5) but it holds all my appliances except the coffee pot along with food, stemware, serving trays, etc.

I did't do a lot of upper shelving. I did some open shelving (mostly holding cook books and tea pots and some plants) My kitchen is small (10x13 so I wanted it to feel light and open with a good work triangle.

We really didn't change the foot print of our kitchen when remodeled but we did take space out of a bedroom we converted into the master bath for the pantry and we moved a door and took down the wall from the kitchen to dining room.

I know this is personal preference. I didn't want a farm sink because it didn't really go with the clean lines vibe I wanted. I had a farm sink in my first kitchen remodel and loved how big and deep it was.  My 2nd house came with a double sink that I HATED. My pans couldn't soak in the sink.  I went with a super deep stainless undermount sink that I love. It so deep you can't see the dirty dishes at the bottom  unless you are right over it and I can finally soak my pans again. It also saved me about $1k since it was a lot cheaper than a farm sink. 

[bullygirl979]

Forgot to add in my recommendations.

I just did my kitchen in October and by far, my favorite feature is the in cabinet garbage, but motorized. It’s awesome if you have a handful of scraps, you just nudge it with your knee and it opens on its own. And, if the motor dies in 15 years, you can still pull it open like a regular cabinet. Totally recommend. 

Other things I love:

1) Dividers for the cabinet with the cutting boards and cookie sheets. Helps keep them organized.
2) Drawers, instead of cabinets. If you go this route, definitely get one that has extra deep drawers. I have three sets of these, one extra deep and two “normal” configuration. I found that some of my pots are too tall for the normal sized.
3) I have a wooden divider for the drawer with all my cooks tools. Total godsend. My sister doesn’t have one and you have to search through a ton of crap to find what you are looking for. I love that mine is super organized so it takes a second to find what you are looking for.
4) I hate stuff on my counters so I asked for a cookbook cupboard and an appliance garage. Love both.
5) I personally really like my lazy susan.
6) Not sure what your layout is but mine is a U shape with an island. My walkways are extra wide for a 2 cook kitchen. Again, godsend. I hosted Christmas and even with people standing around the island, they weren’t in my way.
7) My island is T shaped and the top of the T is completely uninterrupted counter. I love it for prepping and also for entertaining, as it’s easy to make a buffet. 
8) I used to have a 2 bowl sink and hated it as cookie sheets and other large items would never fit. I got the Blanco Super Single sink and it fits EVERYTHING. With their floating sink grid, you can still drain pasta, etc and keep your food away from the dirty dishes. Also, under mount sink is key. 

 

[mrsukyankee]

bullygirl979, your kitchen sounds HUGE and fabulous.

[bullygirl979]

Jan 19, 2020 17:22:31 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

bullygirl979, your kitchen sounds HUGE and fabulous.

One day I’ll figure out how to post pictures and do some before and afters!

[hbomdiggity]

2 Ovens. We have a range and then wall oven plus Micro/convection above it which I really like.

I wish I had a pot filler. Always thought they were a waste, but now realize I would use this a often.

Second sink. Used to be a dual sink or bust, but I do like my large farmhouse with a small bar sink.

Walk in pantry

Beverage fridge. With a counter depth fridge it’s so nice to have a separate/addition space for drinks (beer/wine/la croix).

[TBM]

Jan 20, 2020 0:25:21 GMT -5 hbomdiggity said:

I wish I had a pot filler. Always thought they were a waste, but now realize I would use this a often.

It wasn't a priority for me, and I was trying to keep cost down, but DH thought we should put one in. Since the wall was open and there was a water source there, it made sense to install it then.

I use it a lot more than I thought that I would, and now it is one of those things that I wouldn't want to give up. The only thing that would make it better would be if it was filtered water. That would make things like filling the tea kettle really convenient...especially since our kitchen is small and needing to use the sink at the same time is the only time we seem to be in each others way.

[lolalolalola]

Similar to others:

- pull-out garbage and recycling
-lower cabinet drawers
-under cabinet lighting
- agree with the corner cabinet pull out - it’s a great use of space. I never thought about using the space below the lower shelf- that’s an awesome idea
- floor to ceiling pantry cupboards. If you can spare the counter space, it’s a great use of space.
- sinks are such personal preference. We lived having a double basin so we have one side for washing and the other for rinsing, etc. we chose a 70/30 blanco silgranite and loved it. I do not like the big single basin sinks that so many recommend.
- wide walkways. The space between our island and counter is much wider now and I love the extra space for multiple people in the kitchen
- big one-level island

[bhnumbers]

Jan 19, 2020 11:25:23 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

 I got the Blanco Super Single sink and it fits EVERYTHING. With their floating sink grid, you can still drain pasta, etc and keep your food away from the dirty dishes. 
 

Just googled this and I'm obsessed. What a fantastic idea! We're going to have to get a new sink when we redo our counters and this is going on my must have list. Thank you!!

[bullygirl979]

Jan 22, 2020 9:35:12 GMT -5 bhnumbers said:

Jan 19, 2020 11:25:23 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

 I got the Blanco Super Single sink and it fits EVERYTHING. With their floating sink grid, you can still drain pasta, etc and keep your food away from the dirty dishes. 
 

Just googled this and I'm obsessed. What a fantastic idea! We're going to have to get a new sink when we redo our counters and this is going on my must have list. Thank you!!

Of course. I hesitated at first, because of the cost. In my opinion, it is pretty expensive for what it is. However, I love it and I'm so glad we bought it. It's one of my favorite things.

[randp1]

we had a broom closet put next to the fridge. I had an outlet added inside so that I could put my dyson stick vac in there.

[jinkies]

I'm a little late, but I'm taking notes! We are re-starting our kitchen reno process. We attempted it last winter, but had to put it on hold.

H and I currently disagree on the microwave over the stove, or a full range hood and cabinet microwave. I think I should win since I use it more often!

My non-negotiables are definitely the "blind corner" cabinet, because we have an impossible to use cabinet there now. We are also removing soffits for higher cabinetry, and I LOVE the picture above of the tall cabinet for cookie sheets and muffin tins. I wish we had room for an appliance garage, but I don't think it will work in our space.

We currently hang our broom and mop at the top of our basement stairs, but could definitely build in a broom closet next to the fridge. Thanks for that idea randp1.

[blissann]

We have recently finished our kitchen reno, and it completely change the way we live in our house. Some suggestions from me are as follows:



-if you have the room, go with an oversized island with room for at least four stools. When you want to entertain or if your family wants to hang out, it’s a great place. Ours is 8 feet long.
We all love it!


-have your builder find a spot to put your microwave other than the countertop. I presume you’re doing your kitchen over because it wasn’t big enough, or too crowded? The last thing you want is more junk on your countertops. 


—This goes without saying, but lots of electrical outlets above the countertops



-Pay the extra $$$ now to add a second oven. I can’t stress how important this is, especially if you’re hosting holidays (which now you will because you have the best kitchen in the family!)



—Have a designated spot, usually as you enter in the side door from the outside, where you can store your keys, wallet, purses, and it acts as a charging station for your devices.



—Wine fridges are overrated! It’s basically a college dorm fridge with a see- through door, that uses an enormous amount of electricity versus how much you actually use it.



- trendy cabinets According this article www.flemingconstructionllc.com/5-popular-trends-in-west-des-moines-kitchen-remodels/ dark cabinetary is trendy



-built in wine rack


- read about latest trends online


Good luck!

[Roc A Bee]

My island sits 3 all in a line. I wish that one side had room for another stool, so it would fit 4 in a wrap around. I wish we could sit more facing each other instead of a straight line.

[bullygirl979]

Just my 2 cents but a wine rack in your kitchen is really bad for your wine, unless you drink it quickly. Wine should stay at a low, constant temp (50-59 degrees) for longer term storage. With your appliances, your kitchen will be much warmer than that, and the temps will fluctuate.