Kitchen Remodeling Ideas - See the Space
So, we've done more talking about our kitchen remodel in our NYC apartment. We don't necessarily make fast decisions, or if we do make a fast decision, which seems right, that's great, but we still like to let some time pass to revisit those decisions to make sure we were not just being impulsive. We decide, then ponder, confirm the decision, then act. That's our style!
Take a look at the pictures, so you can see the context of what we're going to do and why. Since those pictures were taken a few months back, some artwork changes have taken place, i.e., that huge black/white print is gone, among other changes, and the coffee table replaced. Eventually, we will get a flat screen tv and remove the large (but beautiful) bamboo cabinet.
The first image tells the story!
See that black loveseat? The way we have the furniture arranged, we are able to have two sofas in this small space quite easily. We NEED two sofas, so that we can each have one! We are unable to sit at a sofa without stretching out (mostly!) Invite me to your home and you'll see what I mean...
That one lifestyle detail drives the entire kitchen plan.
We need the new sofa to remain in the same position as the black one is now. That means that, by default, the wall will come down only to a height of approximately 42", about 6" above the countertop. This way, two goals are met:
- Open up the apartment
- Maintain two sofas
Take a look toward the front door. The only wall that will remain in the foyer area is that little piece of wall, which extends from the front door to the doorway of the kitchen. Everything else will go down to 42" in height or thereabouts.
There will essentially be an "L" shape at 42" high, an entry to the kitchen that goes to the ceiling, and the 26" section of wall at the front door. And, the wide, shallow pantry with shelves? Right now, it has hooks for coats, but I'll put shelving in there for needed kitchen storage. It's about 12" deep, making opening up the kitchen a non issue for storage purposes.
Here is what it looks like now, so you can get the flow of the space. Questions, thoughts, comments, let me have them!
Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 07:36AM
Reader Comments (5)
Fun!
I assume this is in a high-rise with similar apartments above and below.
What are you going to do with the plumbing lines, drains and vents that are surely in that wall?
Any way to switch the BR door to swing the other way, or a pocket door?
There is a vent that is not being used now above the cooktop, I'm hoping I can hook into that. As far as the plumbing lines, the sink and refrigerator are staying in the same spot as before, as is the cooktop. I see no need to change things around, although I did consider it.
Yes, that door kills me. Probably the best solution is a pocket door, but that would be a huge deal to put that in, so maybe down the road. For the moment, every other swing direction has its own set of problems. If I could find a good quality bifold, maybe...
I notice you have a side-by-side fridge that is up against the wall. Do you have difficulty accessing the freezer that way?
Anne, you know that's the old kitchen. It looks pretty good, so I don't want to confuse anyone!
We only go in right now on the occasional weekend and rarely use the freezer, as we mostly take in or eat out. There are a few inches before the wall starts. Our son has been living there for a few years and he hasn't complained (nor should he!!) but yes, the refrigerator is huge for the kitchen, it's crazy, and I look forward to replacing it.