I have decided that this year is the YEAR OF THE KITCHEN. (Imagine that being read in a movie announcer voice.) We have been dealing with this kitchen and its wacky layout for almost four years. And over those years I have constructed a plan on how to turn this space into my dream kitchen.
Things I like about the kitchen:
1. White cabinets. They aren't my dream white cabinets, but they will do. White kitchens make my heart pitter patter.
2. I love the turquoise paint. It is such a bright, happy color.
3. The bin pulls.
4. Cafe curtains.
5. That it is an eat-in kitchen.
6. I really do love my Moorman's sign with a burning, endless love.
Our kitchen isn't tiny, especially by old house standards. It is about 200 square feet, which would seem like enough space. However, the room is 20 x 10 ft., very long and narrow. To complicate things further, there are four doorways which break up the flow or limit storage options.
Here is my super professional rendering of the kitchen layout.
The breakfast nook area that leads to our deck:
My dream kitchen would have a lovely subway tile that extends all the way up to the cabinets. I also want built-in banquette seating in the breakfast nook to provide extra storage and the ability to seat more people.
The table shown in these pictures could only seat 6, but there are 7 of us now. I purchased a new table off craigslist a few days ago. I will post pictures of it in a day or two.
I am also toying with the idea of breaking through the wall above the fantasy banquette into the family room. I would really like a more open feeling between the two spaces, but we probably will not be able to knock down the wall like I originally intended.
And of course, we want to replace the flooring. Dream kitchen-best case scenario flooring would be the original hardwood floors that we hope are underneath, but if that doesn't work I love the look of cork floors laid out in a checkerboard pattern. So dreamy.
Also, we need to change up this goofy peninsula that offers counter space while sacrificing any sort of flow. I want to get rid of the counter and turn the cabinet 90 degrees so the back is against the wall. Then figure out a new counter top and hang some open shelves above it.
Right now the peninsula counter juts out into the kitchen from the right, the fridge bumps out further on the left and if anyone is sitting at the bar while I am cooking at the stove we have successfully bottlenecked all kitchen flow. With two little girls playing at my feet and the big kids constantly bumping and jostling me to get past, I lose my mind a little more each day.
(This picture is almost a year old, look how little my girls were!)
One of the biggest trends in kitchens right now is the built-in look. Electrolux offers a collection of counter-depth refrigerators designed to achieve that look.
I would love to replace our current fridge with a counter depth fridge to improve our kitchen's flow. And Electrolux Dishwashers feature adjustable, customizable racks that can fit more than 180 items in a single load. With a family this size, we generate a plethora of dirty dishes so 180 items per load sounds pretty sweet to me!
(Honestly, my super dream kitchen would have two dishwashers. Or at least one and a half. There never seems to be enough space!)
So, this is the year... We are planning on getting rid of the peninsula, adding open shelves, a banquette and will hopefully come up with a good flooring solution in the next few months. I am giddy!!! I hope the end result will be functional and beautiful, while still retaining some 1930's charm.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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