[tonoplast]

Hi everyone,

I have been browsing this site for the past couple of months trying to decide if my husband and I can manage a kitchen remodel on our own. I have learned so much already and really appreciate the community that you have here.

Here's our situation--I am 7 months pregnant and we would like to get this done by the end of June or mid-July at the latest (we're due in mid-August). We started out just wanting to change out the kitchen cabinets--all appliances will stay. However, if it was a relatively easy fix, we also want to switch positions of the dishwasher and the sink, as the dishwasher's current position in the corner blocks access to the cabinet and oven when it's open. We will probably hire a plumber for the sink, but we plan on doing the cabinet install ourselves.

You can see pictures here: IKEA Kitchen Remodel--Before - a set on Flickr

There are two other big question I have in the design that is preventing us from moving forward with ordering parts:

1) Can we extend the base and wall cabinets all the way to the window in the corner of the kitchen or would it look really strange? The window sill is 34", slightly lower than where I think the countertops will end up. Right now there's about 15" of wasted space between the end of the base cabinets and the window. Technically, that window leads to a fire escape (we're on the 2nd floor) which is why I think that space was left alone, but we also have access to the fire escape from another window in our dining room. We are not planning on changing the height of the window or relocating it.

2) Our kitchen is currently L-shaped. I have been toying with the idea of adding either 12" base cabinets on a 3rd wall (not connected with a corner cabinet) or 12" tall cabinets to serve as a pantry. I had originally wanted to convert to a U-shaped kitchen but my husband thinks that 24" deep base cabinets on that wall would make our kitchen feel too cramped. We definitely have the minimum 48" clearance suggested by the kitchen planner, but I would hate to put in those 24" deep cabinets if it really does make the kitchen feel smaller than it is currently. Right now, we have a 15" deep Ikea shelf along that wall for storage space. Should we stick with the L-shaped kitchen? Should we add 12" base or 12" tall cabinets or just leave that wall as is?

If it helps at all, I went through the mission statement exercise and this is what I came up with:

"I want my kitchen to be functional and provide enough storage and working space for two people to use comfortably. I want it to look updated but not too modern, with light colors and an uncluttered design. I want to feel excited and ready to cook for my family as soon as I walk into the kitchen."

I attached several different layouts--the original kitchen, and then a couple of different versions of the cabinets extending all the way to the window, one with the sink and dishwasher as is and one with them switched out. I didn't upload any versions with cabinets along the third wall, although I have definitely been playing with it on my kitchen planner.

Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide.

Catherine

[bgs]

Hi Catherine, I looked at your pictures of the window area and I think you could bring the base cabinet run right up to the window; since there's no molding I think you could finess the transition nicely. I don't think you'd want to bring the wall cabinets that far though. What about shallow shelves that don't extend past the window's edge or maybe a pot rack? In your plan there's not a lot of storage for pots and things so I've played around a little to give you a larger base cabinet near the stove, also a 12" pullout near the sink. If you use a 24" sink you'd have more options along that wall also. I added the shallow pantry to visualize it - it is great for storage. Good luck with the reno......Terre

[NBeth]

Welcome to Ikeafans!

I think you totally have room to do a U: our U is very similar in size and very comfortable. I AM concerned about the fire escape issue. There may be very tight regulations requiring direct egress from the kitchen (fires tend to start there, you know!). IF you can block it code-wise, I see no difficulty otherwise. We blocked a window that sits lower and have no problems or regrets.

I noticed that the range wall seems to be an interior wall so I took a shot at moving the range to the window wall where you can have true ventilation. To keep this side of the room light, there are no wall cabs, just a hood. There are also glass cabs on the former range wall. I suggest you look at the Lidi glass cabs--many of us like them better than the Stat and the color is an exact match.

In the corner there's a 36" unit meant to have the Lee Valley blind corner device installed in it. I think you have a spare inch there if you're concerned about door clearance in and out of the room. (Note you could move things around so the big drawers were on the window wall and the range was back where it started and you could still use this kind of corner and have a U shaped kitchen. That's if you can block the window, of course!)

I hope this helps you envision some of the possibilities and I wish you good kitchen fortune...

[tonoplast]

Thanks for the suggestions and ideas!

It would be nice to have a real hood that vents outside--the one over the oven just redirects to the ceiling and then we have a ceiling vent that goes outdoors, although it's pretty old and very loud. How complicated would it be to connect the hood to the existing ductwork?

Also if we move the oven to the wall with the window, can we just plug it into the existing wall outlet on that side?

I also really like the way the kitchen looks with the one wall of uninterrupted counter space with the glass-front cabinets, but we'll have to decide if adding the extra cabinets/counter top is within our budget (i.e., will have to convince hubby that it's worth it!)

If you want to add under-cabinet lighting, do you have to do the rewiring before or after you install the upper cabinets?

Lastly, is it difficult to find sinks that work with a 24" sink base? We were planning on using a 23" undermount sink--would that still fit in a 24" base?

I will play around with the kitchen planner some more and post some more designs this week.

[NBeth]

I would highly advise getting some quotes from HVAC people re. moving/reconnecting vents. There is no way to know what will work from here. You might need to upgrade electrical if you move the range--and that could be easy or difficult depending on how the rest of the place is wired. So again, consults are in order.

There are a lot of threads here about sizing regular sinks, but you might consider the farm sink from Ikea I put in there. It's a thing of beauty and very affordable. It also makes your counters easier and more affordable. Sinks usually require that you pay for a chunk of counter where the sink will sit, then pay to have most of that chunk removed! With this sink, you use straight sections on either side but nothing where the sink is.

Hope this helps!

[tonoplast]

Is this the sink you are referring to? Didn't even consider that as an option before as we had only been looking at stainless steel.

IKEA | Sinks & faucets | Sinks | DOMSJÖ | Sink bowl