Refrigerators

What style of refrigerators have you owned? My first two were the old standard with the freezer on top. A few years after the side-by-side became popular, I jumped on the bandwagon and bought one. Honestly, I have never been happy with that ‘frig. Belatedly, I discovered the freezer and cooler shelves were too narrow for wide items and I was still stooping to reach fresh fruits and vegetables. As I consider a new ‘frig, I am being more cautious. Styles have changed again and the new models feature top double or French doors with a bottom freezer. 

Buy new appliances?

Since the stovetop and hood are original to the 70’s, that is a no-brainer (and did I remind you that it is Harvest Gold?). Yes, I do have a hang up there! The double oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher came with the townhouse and it does not make sense to keep appliances that are at least 10 years old and not as energy efficient as current models. 

Last week when I was considering the layout, I realized that the appliances I choose will dictate the space allotted for cabinetry. If I choose a different style sink and a smaller 24-inch dishwasher, I can install a cabinet with a turntable to access the previously wasted corner space. Join me this week as I consider appliances. I appreciate your shared experiences, comments, and suggestions!

Kitchen Design Planners

This week I have been researching kitchen design alternatives. IKEA offers an online 3D kitchen planner that allows you to input measurements, receptacles, plumbing, and other layout features. You can choose types of cabinets and a full range of appliances with tips on space issues and accommodations your choices will require. You can save, print, and edit your project. Did you know that IKEA has a fan site? I need to explore this more since I am a firm believer in first hand recommendations. And, although I am leaning towards IKEA products, I am keeping an open mind . . . 

Lowe’s provides a comprehensive PDF kitchen planner that removes the intimidation factor by allowing you to complete preliminary information and consider your choices before you consult their free design service. Providing the planner saved me time and a trip to the store during this hectic spring. Lowe’s online websites offer comprehensive services, including a guide for Universal Kitchen Design  . . . a consideration to accommodate potential needs.

There are many kitchen design planners online and I am amassing the knowledge I need to make informed decisions with each site I visit. It seems as though I sometimes research a project to death, and, although I would like to make speedier choices and decisions(LOL), my cautious nature usually wins out  

IKEA

Like the IKEA lighted cabinets and finish

 

 

 

Pull out drawers . . .

For those of you who commented on pull out drawers for heavy items like pots and pans, how much weight do they bear or were you told that? What company made your cabinets? Did you self install or have them installed? Have you had any difficulty with weight or the glide mechanism? Thanks for all the advise . . . it helps to hear from people who actually use a product and their first-hand experiences.

The Challenge

Here is the challenge. The kitchen is a small (10’ x 10’) U-shaped workspace. The photos show some of my challenges (Hint: the counters are usually a lot more cluttered!). My wish list:

• efficient use of cabinet space (entire under counter area lost between the dishwasher and stove top),
• microwave/hood combo over the stovetop, pull out drawers for pots/pans,
• possibly back-to-back cabinets on long counter side with glass-fronted doors for china storage facing dining room,
• floor-to-ceiling cabinet on dining room side at wall by phone with drop down desk (get rid of that clutter!),
• new flooring, and last of all . . .
• replace the Harvest Gold sink, stovetop, and hood.

What do you think? Any suggestions?

Universal Kitchen Design

I found this video helpful in clarifying the elements of design I need for a functional workspace.

a chronicle . . .

As I near the end of my Lesley Master's program, I am anticipating beginning projects that have been on hold for the last eighteen months. Remodeling my kitchen will be the first task I undertake. A relic of the '70's, a popular color of the period, Harvest Gold, is highlighted on the the stovetop and hood. Removing all the cabinets and appliances will provide a clean canvas for designing a contemporary workspace. Since I am known to be  design-challenged, I will enlist the designing and remodeling skills of a talented friend and the brute strength of her husband and son. The Kitchen Quest blog will chronicle the research and planning for the project, which I will begin in June.