Island or Peninsula?
When thinking of a kitchen layout, it seems that the default opinion is to always build an island. I'm learning in this process, though, that an island may not always be the most practical or aesthetically pleasing option. Mitch, our project manager, had the cabinet designer make plans for both an island and a peninsula. Those sneaky GCs have a way of saving you from yourself sometimes. I think he knew right away that the peninsula was the way to go but didn't want to be too pushy with his opinion. We haven't even started demo, and already I'm realizing the value of putting the pros in charge. I may think that I know what I want, and in most cases, that's fine. However, I'm so grateful to have people in place that can show me the folly of my ways when necessary.
First, let's take a look at the original kitchen. Besides the fact that the 2007 granite is mildly offensive, there are serious issues with the layout. I won't name them all, but mostly it doesn't have any space to move about because the island takes over the whole thing.
The new plans would bring the whole island forward, into the living space, and widen it out for a breakfast bar. Also, we're re-locating just about every appliance and the sink, too.
When Mitch and I were at the house the other day, he got out his handy tape measurer and blue tape to simulate where the island would actually be. That wall with the equipment, next to the aquarium, is where the TV will be mounted. It doesn't appear to cut into that space too badly in some pictures...but from other angles you can tell that actually it really does. Also, Mitch pointed out that on one side of the island, there isn't much space to maneuver.
It was very helpful to see it like this, and the answer is pretty clear...the peninsula is the way to go. Below are the plans for the peninsula, which will jut out from that blank section of wall next to the window in the kitchen.
We just don't have much space on the perimeter of the kitchen, but we have plans for a pantry elsewhere. For now, the plan is to put the microwave in the peninsula, which does not sit well with Dylan. However, I'd prefer that over a counter microwave. Other tweaks to this 3D rendering include centering the range on the back wall, rather than on the countertop there. We'll have open shelving on either side of the hood rather than upper cabinets. We're also getting a monster dog refrigerator that will take up most of the wall on the right, further eliminating storage. (Yikes- but we have a plan in place.) I really wanted to dress the island up and make the cabinetry blue with butcher block top. But now, with the peninsula, I'm not sure if that look will work, since it's more tied into the rest of the kitchen. But...Mitch and Lori, the designer, tell me that it still might be okay. We'll ponder it.
I had originally picked out a whitewash brick-looking porcelain tile for the kitchen backsplash, but I've changed my mind on that. I was recently flipping through the issue of Phoenix Home and Garden from the summertime, which was when I originally fell in love with the modern farmhouse look. (Also, Joanna Gaines was an influence in that.) The multi-million dollar house in the article had a simple subway tile backsplash with dark grout, and they did a herringbone pattern behind the range. I'm thinking I'll copy that exactly. They also had this amazing zinc strap hood, which is crazy expensive. But I want it...BADLY. We'll see how the budget pans out once we really get to work.
In the meantime, I've made shopping for lighting my second part-time job. I've really narrowed it down, and I'll probably get most of it on order this week. My goodness, the endless options are paralyzing. It has literally kept me up at night. I also have to pick out a brick veneer for the fireplace and order in some paint samples this week. I'm planning to get vanities and mirrors on order for the powder room and the boys' bathroom soon, too. I picked up a sample of the flooring, and I've firmed up my decision on that.
Mitch has been working his tail off getting multiple bids and putting a budget in place. It's taken some time...he warned me that he's almost ready to just tear into the house, and we'll just have to improvise as things progress. I think he's a planner, so this initial period has taken longer than expected, but I'm hoping that means fewer surprises once we get to work. (I know, realistically, that we'll have plenty of surprises.) We should get the final number back this week and start with demo shortly thereafter.
We've got the Katchakid company on the books to put a net over the pool, and we've parked our trailer comfortably in it's new spot next to the casita. It is so snug and perfect right there. Add it to the list of reasons this house was meant for our family.
We're looking at an 8-week timeline once work begins on the house, which means we'll be shacking up with my parents for at least a few weeks. Stay tuned for details of demo day...which will be soon, I hope. Dylan wants to be like the people on Fixer Upper- he plans to know as little as possible about my design choices so that we can make it a big reveal for him at the end. We have no way of actually keeping him out of the house over the next few months, but it's fun to to pretend. Have a merry, merry Christmas!
First, let's take a look at the original kitchen. Besides the fact that the 2007 granite is mildly offensive, there are serious issues with the layout. I won't name them all, but mostly it doesn't have any space to move about because the island takes over the whole thing.
The new plans would bring the whole island forward, into the living space, and widen it out for a breakfast bar. Also, we're re-locating just about every appliance and the sink, too.
When Mitch and I were at the house the other day, he got out his handy tape measurer and blue tape to simulate where the island would actually be. That wall with the equipment, next to the aquarium, is where the TV will be mounted. It doesn't appear to cut into that space too badly in some pictures...but from other angles you can tell that actually it really does. Also, Mitch pointed out that on one side of the island, there isn't much space to maneuver.
It was very helpful to see it like this, and the answer is pretty clear...the peninsula is the way to go. Below are the plans for the peninsula, which will jut out from that blank section of wall next to the window in the kitchen.
We just don't have much space on the perimeter of the kitchen, but we have plans for a pantry elsewhere. For now, the plan is to put the microwave in the peninsula, which does not sit well with Dylan. However, I'd prefer that over a counter microwave. Other tweaks to this 3D rendering include centering the range on the back wall, rather than on the countertop there. We'll have open shelving on either side of the hood rather than upper cabinets. We're also getting a monster dog refrigerator that will take up most of the wall on the right, further eliminating storage. (Yikes- but we have a plan in place.) I really wanted to dress the island up and make the cabinetry blue with butcher block top. But now, with the peninsula, I'm not sure if that look will work, since it's more tied into the rest of the kitchen. But...Mitch and Lori, the designer, tell me that it still might be okay. We'll ponder it.
I had originally picked out a whitewash brick-looking porcelain tile for the kitchen backsplash, but I've changed my mind on that. I was recently flipping through the issue of Phoenix Home and Garden from the summertime, which was when I originally fell in love with the modern farmhouse look. (Also, Joanna Gaines was an influence in that.) The multi-million dollar house in the article had a simple subway tile backsplash with dark grout, and they did a herringbone pattern behind the range. I'm thinking I'll copy that exactly. They also had this amazing zinc strap hood, which is crazy expensive. But I want it...BADLY. We'll see how the budget pans out once we really get to work.
In the meantime, I've made shopping for lighting my second part-time job. I've really narrowed it down, and I'll probably get most of it on order this week. My goodness, the endless options are paralyzing. It has literally kept me up at night. I also have to pick out a brick veneer for the fireplace and order in some paint samples this week. I'm planning to get vanities and mirrors on order for the powder room and the boys' bathroom soon, too. I picked up a sample of the flooring, and I've firmed up my decision on that.
Mitch has been working his tail off getting multiple bids and putting a budget in place. It's taken some time...he warned me that he's almost ready to just tear into the house, and we'll just have to improvise as things progress. I think he's a planner, so this initial period has taken longer than expected, but I'm hoping that means fewer surprises once we get to work. (I know, realistically, that we'll have plenty of surprises.) We should get the final number back this week and start with demo shortly thereafter.
We've got the Katchakid company on the books to put a net over the pool, and we've parked our trailer comfortably in it's new spot next to the casita. It is so snug and perfect right there. Add it to the list of reasons this house was meant for our family.
We're looking at an 8-week timeline once work begins on the house, which means we'll be shacking up with my parents for at least a few weeks. Stay tuned for details of demo day...which will be soon, I hope. Dylan wants to be like the people on Fixer Upper- he plans to know as little as possible about my design choices so that we can make it a big reveal for him at the end. We have no way of actually keeping him out of the house over the next few months, but it's fun to to pretend. Have a merry, merry Christmas!
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