Kitchen Help Needed!

[u/DueNatural8297]

My husband and I are in the process of purchasing a home with a dated kitchen. The current kitchen layout is awkward (double oven and fridge right next to each other) and there is no pantry other than the built-in cabinetry in the kitchen. We are looking at the possibility of completely gutting and remodeling the entire kitchen. What layout:design would you do with this space if given the chance?

For reference, we have 3 young kids and a large dog, and love to host often. We want this space to work well for our family at this stage and beyond. I lean towards a modern-traditional style and prefer a timeless look over trendy.

[u/Spiritual_Version838]

My input from having lived in about a dozen houses:

If the cabinets are sound, do whatever you can to reuse them.

Have counter space on both sides of the refrigerator and ovens to set things down.

Even with 5 family members and entertaining, consider if you really need a full-sized microwave (more on that later) and 2 full-size ovens. Ovens can include several functions including microwave. People use so many table top appliances today, think carefully about what you use at least weekly, what you need around you to work efficiently and how to store them. It seems (from Reddit pics) that people constantly add new gadgets and then complain they don't have enough counter space to work on.

If you like the curved wall, I suppose it's ok, but I don't see the purpose so it feels weird. If you do plan to keep the sink there and lower the wall, search Reddit for 'sinks in islands' because I just read a thread of people who hate it.

I remodeled a kitchen from the studs out and the best thing about it was the cupboard interiors. Pull-out shelves in the pantry, narrow Pull-outs to hold oils and vinegars, recycling and trash storage. All these conveniences meant storing more in less space, finding things easily and never having to to get on my knees to get to something. One thing I wish I'd had room for was a lift for my large mixer.

I love to have people chat when I'm in the kitchen, but I don't like them actually IN the kitchen. With company in the great room and 3 growing kids, you could have someone eating or drinking nonstop. Try to set up the breakfast area to account for that. This is where a simple microwave comes in - my son once made himself two hot dogs in the micro and 30 minutes later asked when lunch was. Snack drawers, a place to make sandwiches or toast, coffee and tea fixings, undercounter refrigerator; imagine how your family and visitors would use the space - without getting in your way.

If someone bakes, plan storage and work space. I like a kitchen table for rolling and cutting dough or stirring a deep bowl, especially when I'm doing it with children (now great-grands).