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What's your top question about designing a kitchen?

From the lens Kitchen layouts: Kitchen floor plans for real working kitchens.

  • AshleySears May 28, 2012 @ 10:42 am | delete
    How to use what you like in your kitchen, and then redecorate the rest on a budget!
  • LenoraJManzo May 23, 2012 @ 9:49 am | delete
    Simple but efficient :)
    i love it,great tips
  • ian hewitt May 22, 2012 @ 6:30 pm | delete
    how many doors do you need in a kitchen
  • sid1 Apr 18, 2012 @ 9:14 pm | delete
    Is it ok to put a gas range right next to a refrigerator?
  • marparr Apr 18, 2012 @ 7:26 pm | delete
    Thanks for all the great tips!
  • KateHon Apr 2, 2012 @ 5:18 pm | delete
    Great lens, lots of valuable info - thanks for all the hard work!
  • MelonyVaughan Apr 1, 2012 @ 6:13 pm | delete
    Lots of great ideas here. Thanks for sharing!
  • awelldressedbullet Mar 17, 2012 @ 4:30 pm | delete
    Makes me want to remodel my kitchen!
  • setfree101 Mar 8, 2012 @ 10:12 pm | delete
    Great Lens
  • BestLaminateInc Feb 27, 2012 @ 4:02 pm | delete
    Nice lens~ I like your "Contemporary Planning and Work Centers" section. Well planned kitchen is like well prepared canvas for an artist:) Thanks for sharing!
  • Helene-Malmsio Feb 16, 2012 @ 11:14 pm | delete
    FAntastic lens, wish I had seen if before my kitchen renovations a year or so ago -- arrgh!
  • MillBucks Feb 11, 2012 @ 3:17 am | delete
    Exceptional lens! You have featured some wonderful ideas on kitchen remodeling, great work putting this lens together.
  • cgb2000 Feb 8, 2012 @ 12:56 pm | delete
    This is an outstanding Lens! Wish everyone considering a Kitchen makeover would read this first. This is as well written a guide for homeowners as I have seen. Thanks.
  • Buchamar Dec 12, 2011 @ 12:58 pm | delete
    I will bookmark - need help with that!!
  • inhousefinancing Dec 8, 2011 @ 12:44 pm | delete
    Another great lens. I have bookmarked it for future reference since my brother is a contractor, we are always looking for ideas and tips.
  • seosmm Nov 27, 2011 @ 9:07 pm | delete
    Very nice lens!
  • spritequeen Nov 11, 2011 @ 3:43 pm | delete
    Very good suggestions. Thank you for sharing.
  • chrisgstory Nov 10, 2011 @ 11:09 pm | delete
    Lot's of detailed advice, great lens.
  • mikeguerro221 Oct 27, 2011 @ 7:13 am | delete
    great kitchen ideas! thanks
  • crudeoilsystems Oct 19, 2011 @ 10:09 pm | delete
    The work in triangle is really appealing to me, thanks
  • BillKx Sep 30, 2011 @ 8:49 pm | delete
    Really informative site - this is the first of its kind that I have been able to find. Thanks for the layout design and your tips/pros/cons about each one.
  • basementideas Sep 29, 2011 @ 12:43 am | delete
    The L-Shaped with Island look appealing to me. I'll be making such design 3-years from now, don't our own home, yet ;) It's yet to be build.
  • COUNTRYLUTHIER Sep 26, 2011 @ 8:55 pm | delete
    Nicely done. Great overall look at the kitchen remodeling process.
  • crudeoilsystems Sep 16, 2011 @ 4:30 am | delete
    cosy and nice kitchens, very informative and generous with your sharing. thanks!!
  • Mosoma Sep 1, 2011 @ 8:40 am | delete
    Very useful and nice lens. Thanks.
  • e-xplorations Aug 29, 2011 @ 4:10 am | delete
    A nice functional kitchen is way beyond having pretty style.It should also allow you to cook efficiently. Great lens.
  • SandyPeaks Aug 17, 2011 @ 1:14 pm | delete
    Very useful lens - always a good idea to think through how you use the space before fitting everything! Blessed by a SquidAngel.
  • DailySkin Jul 6, 2011 @ 6:23 am | delete
    nice lens! very informative!
  • portlanddrywall Jun 22, 2011 @ 8:45 pm | delete
    Excellent lens! Great info!
  • Jun 21, 2011 @ 2:33 am | delete
    cool.
  • GreenOasis Jun 9, 2011 @ 1:48 am | delete
    Fantastic and great lens. Thanks
  • sorana May 23, 2011 @ 5:24 am | delete
    I like your lens. I like to look at designs of kitchens, bathrooms, houses. I'll feature this lens on My Visitors lens.
  • SchaumburgHomeRepair Apr 27, 2011 @ 11:35 am | delete
    Great lens! Great info, although I wouldn't suggest to any homeowner to go the route of Ikea. Hope to one day be able to do the same.
  • LisaAuch Apr 25, 2011 @ 4:44 pm | delete
    Fantastic I have just completed my kitchen remodelling! and wow it was an experience, but we did do it on a budget, and saved heaps of money too!
  • therugmen Apr 13, 2011 @ 5:09 pm | delete
    Very Impressive lens Kevin, Informative, and being new to this myself I have picked up some tips, (Hope you don`t mind) on lay out.
  • bestdeals2010 Mar 11, 2011 @ 11:42 am | delete
    Thank for sharing
  • sugunalinus Feb 18, 2011 @ 5:22 pm | delete
    Marvelous share of some of the nice kitchen layouts.
  • Joanne LaMaina Jan 22, 2011 @ 8:51 am | delete
    my L-shaped kitchen has the dishwasher in the corner which when opened may block the corner cabinet. It will also open on the same wall as the cooktop. Do you see that as an issue
  • alexanderj Dec 19, 2010 @ 4:00 pm | delete
    I do this line of work for a living in the UK, this is really helpful, customers and handymen take note!
  • Barry Dec 8, 2010 @ 2:34 pm | delete
    If you're having a breakfast bar, extending out from one of your work surfaces, what's the normal width and length (assuming a couple of people on stools either side) before it starts to look stupid?
  • Sandy Nov 19, 2010 @ 6:03 pm | delete
    I have a long narrow galley kitchen. Which way should the flooring (wood planks) be layed to make the kitchen look wider?
  • missymama Nov 30, 2010 @ 10:27 pm | delete
    diagonal
  • phdondesign Oct 29, 2010 @ 6:47 am | delete
    What do you know about adapting computers for the kitchen? Is it gaining in popularity?
  • Jason Sumner Oct 20, 2010 @ 3:25 pm | delete
    I like how you show what's possible with a lot of different floor plans. The article on Work Centers is a refreshing change from the tons of info about work triangles. Work centers are much more useful as a guideline when designing a kitchen for today's family. Your website is a great resource that every one considering a kitchen renovation should visit. A really good resource that I've found on kitchen cabinets provides a checklist to make sure nothing's missed when renovating a kitchen.
  • WriterBuzz Oct 3, 2010 @ 1:06 am | delete
    Nice idea for a lens. Very informative. Gave you a quick thumbs up.
  • rmstouffer Sep 23, 2010 @ 6:35 am | delete
    Things to consider before you install kitchen cabinets : Design or layout, having the new flooring already installed unless it's a floating floor, and painting completed. This will make the installation much easier.
  • matthew1968 Aug 22, 2010 @ 4:09 am | delete
    Excellent lens full of good information for someone planning a new kitchen.
  • Pam Aug 16, 2010 @ 8:10 am | delete
    Need an island that is semi-u shaped that can house dishwaser and sink
  • Lindy Bartholmey Aug 15, 2010 @ 11:56 am | delete
    I have an 85 year old tiny house. My thought is to replace the traditional/existing refrig and standing stove with an "island" style in its stead. 1/2 of the top counter extending into grill style stove top. Below the island ,refrig/freezer drawers?? decorative shelving in the middle, followed by microwave and oven "stack". I have 7' x 3' area to work with. I hope I've explained my idea so that you can understand the concept and advise. Thanks in advance. Lindy
  • Mark J Daughtry Aug 1, 2010 @ 8:52 pm | delete
    Relocating the sink to its original place directly underneath the window and adding an island with a prep sink with and insinkerator
  • KitchenMaster Jul 30, 2010 @ 8:00 am | delete
    Hi I love your lense. It's so full of interesting information. Brad
  • Connie Osborne Jul 20, 2010 @ 10:25 am | delete
    I only have 3 1/2 feet for an aisle in my closed-end galley kitchen plan remodel. I seems cramped to me but will it work?
  • Donna Jul 13, 2010 @ 2:18 pm | delete
    Our designer wants to put the warming tray on the inside of our island that would be facing our stovetop. I think it would look better under the stove top(there is lots of room) and not worry about the "Heat" coming from the warming tray when one stands right in front of the island where this is located. He wanted to put it in the island so know one would see it. Actually, who cares? We have the fridge near the stovetop then on the other side of the fridge he is putting my convention /microwave and oven. We use the fridge more than the oven. I don't use the oven in the summer. We don't make cookies and cakes(only during the holidays). So, what do you think. I have a very long galley kitchen with he sink opposite from the stove and microwave. I guess I need two answers. One for my warming tray, which I would use everyday for my husbands food), he comes home late and one for the location of the oven/microwave(I use everyday). I don't have another space to put it somewhere else. Has to go with the oven, I guess! Thank you.
  • Longscab Aug 9, 2010 @ 7:58 pm | delete
    I think a warming tray in the island is a good idea because you can take the food out and place it easily on the island. If I'm visualizing this correct, I also think placing the oven on the other side of the fridge is a good idea. One thing you need is counter space next to your fridge. If you swapped places with the fridge, it sounds like it might be locked into a corner. My best recommendation would be to follow your designer's recommendation. He is she is a professional and probably knows best.
  • Fred Jun 9, 2010 @ 3:04 am | delete
    My kitchen is an L- shaped room, The sink and stove is across from one another in the bottome of the L shape, any ideas on how I can have a beautifull kitchen
  • Longscab Aug 9, 2010 @ 8:02 pm | delete
    And L-shape kitchen is definitely a challenge because generally you never want to have to walk around corners when you're working in it. You don't say how big it is, so it's hard to answer, but I would definitely suggest concentrating all the work areas together and easy accessible from one another. If you can keep the frig, the sink, the stove and a work area close together in part of the L, that's best. Maybe you can use the "bend" for your pantry, broom closet, etc.
  • angelaglancy May 2, 2010 @ 12:09 am | delete
    I still love the fridge, sink, stove triangle for a kitchen layout, and you have some really good suggestions in your lens. Thanks for all of the great info.
  • screation Apr 14, 2010 @ 11:53 am | delete
    Try a hot pink shade on one wall and then keep the cupboards plain white for balance and bring in pop floral art work.
    http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Choose-Best-Kitchen-Paint-Color
  • Denon Apr 8, 2010 @ 9:28 am | delete
    Interesting lens you have here! Keep it up!
  • Stephanie Feb 8, 2010 @ 2:49 pm | delete
    We have a kitchen that is 14'x14'. Right now, the layout is an absolute disaster with a 4'x6' "island/table" right in the middle. We are planning on renovating this space very soon and we want to do it "right" the first time. We hear so much about "prep centres and triangles, yet we are still stumped as to what to do. Worse yet, this is not our first kitchen renovation (we've done 3 others), and for some reason, we don't seem to know what will work best in this location. We've researched various books, been to various box kitchen stores and are still stumped.
  • kevinw1 Feb 9, 2010 @ 10:59 am | delete
    Stephanie, my suggestion would be that you get yourself over to the kitchens forum on Gardenweb ( http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/ ) and post your question there, preferably with a sketch of the room showing windows, doors, existing plumbing/gas/electrical locations, etc. You'll get multiple suggestions to get you unstuck in your thinking.
  • Jean C. Jan 27, 2010 @ 6:09 pm | delete
    I wanted information on a ceiling kitchen fan, ventilated or charcoal, as my stove top is on an arm of the kitchen, and not against a wall. What info do you have, and how difficult to install.
  • kevinw1 Jan 27, 2010 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    Hi Jean, what you describe is a situation where you need a range hood that extends down from the ceiling over your range. You might see it called a peninsula hood or an island hood. Another option would be a pop-up vent built into the countertop behind your range. Installation difficulty, and whether you can make it a vent hood rather than recirculating, depends entirely on your specific kitchen.

    You could try getting a contractor who works on kitchens to come visit you and take a look.- he or she would be able to work out what the ceiling structure will allow you to do, and will know about building codes etc in your area.
  • Sean_Lin Mar 23, 2010 @ 12:58 am | delete
    What a great lens. Wish I could exchange links with you. My website is all about kitchen layouts.
  • Dec 14, 2009 @ 2:29 am | delete
    What a great lens. Wish I could exchange links with you. My website is all about kitchen layouts. Great job.
  • RedWiner Dec 4, 2009 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    Awesome lens Kevin! Excellent stuff. You are on my favorites now.
  • GonnaFly Nov 27, 2009 @ 1:08 am | delete
    Great lens. We're happy with our kitchen at the moment unless you have any hints about making it bigger without using up any more floor space!!
  • kevinw1 Nov 27, 2009 @ 1:18 pm | delete
    LOL Jeanette. I'm imagining a kitchen built inside the Tardis, so it's bigger on the inside than the outside!

    Still, you might be able to make it *work* bigger - there are a lot of cabinet fittings available nowadays, like pull-out shelves, that can be retro-fitted to old cabinets and make the interior space much more accessible.
  • MyChristmasGifts Nov 22, 2009 @ 9:01 am | delete
    One day when I have a kitchen bigger than a postage stamp I'll come back here for more ideas. Still you have a few that I'll be looking into. It is real important to have your spices etc. close to your cooking area. My son had his kitchen remodeled and they placed the spices far from the stove, very impractical!
  • kevinw1 Oct 27, 2009 @ 2:12 pm | in reply to cebuana | delete
    The main issue is safety - if the window is openable, will you have to lean across hot burners to open it? If it has a window covering, could drapes catch fire if there was a fire on the cooktop? I've seen kitchens with glass block over the range which can solve both problems while still letting in light: another option might be a high window which needs neither opening nor covering.

    A window might also need cleaning more frequently over the range, if food splashes up onto it.
  • cebuana Oct 25, 2009 @ 12:01 am | delete
    can i place my stove by the window instead of the sink? what are the disadvantages to doing this?
  • houstondavid26 Sep 23, 2009 @ 9:58 am | delete
    Good LENS. 5**. i like your lens it is very descriptive and interesting with nice layouts. Read Flagstone information.
  • anukul Aug 31, 2009 @ 5:00 am | delete
    large kitchen layout
  • Golfmatic Jul 5, 2009 @ 4:54 pm | delete
    Great work 5*
  • shaynee May 26, 2009 @ 7:14 am | delete
    To continue of my dream kitchen would be cast iron sinks, the ones with the high backs and deep bottoms, for washing pots and pans. The rest of the dishes are in the dishwasher to clean. Due to the open concept plan, either in a L-shaped kitchen or U-shaped kitchen with the double islands.It over looks the dining room and living room. One side is mostly windows.
    Also my dream kitchen is built with an handicapped person, and non-handicapped people in mind.. Book shelves built in for the many cookbooks I have. To one side is a walkin pantry, with doorways that are 56-60 inches wide. Top of doorways are round with french doors-glass & wood doors,knotty pine. The ceiling is a faux copper ceiling painted a dark blue color. Alone with upper part of the murals wall so it looks like sky,clouds,& a sunny day, with the pixies playing in the wildflowers,around the toadstools,& wildlife. Bear figurines,utencil jar, canisters, etc. on countertops. Appliance garages for small appliances.
  • StyleEstate May 15, 2009 @ 1:56 am | delete
    Very good info. 5-star. I also lensrolled you into my top lens home decorating trends and interior design trends 2009
  • financialadvisers4U May 8, 2009 @ 10:18 pm | delete
    Wow. I learned a great deal about planning for my future kitchen. Thank you.
  • Wysiwigs May 8, 2009 @ 1:23 pm | delete
    Excellent lens ~ we remodeled several years ago (we have an L-shaped kitchen) and one of the smartest things we did was put the oven at one end with a prep area and a cooktop at the other end with a separate prep area. Living in the South and baking a lot, it gets far too hot to have the oven and the stove together. Great job ~ 5*
  • ramcharger Feb 18, 2009 @ 1:12 am | delete
    Your site is very informative and thorough. Most people have ideas and do not know how to follow through. You have given them many options. Great work
  • Shanna Feb 15, 2009 @ 11:17 pm | delete
    we are build a new house and the kitchen????? it is a square!! one wall then a u shaped wall 2 doors on the one straight wall i want my kitchen sink becuz it is the outside wall and a window above my sink but where does the rest need to go and should i leave the island out??
  • Donna Malcolm Feb 14, 2009 @ 2:50 am | delete
    I'm having problems corresponding our colors bc after we painted the living room a light tan and a chocolate under the chair rail and now we are doing a much more open floor plan so the colors are that much more important to blend.....it's not always about the color by the shade of the color wheel
  • greenstarbuilders Feb 13, 2009 @ 4:08 pm | delete
    Excellent work! I've seen a lot of small, unusable kitchen workspace areas, it's very important.
  • Feb 1, 2009 @ 5:49 pm | delete
    This is an excellent lens. We have already redone our kitchen. For kitchens and gardens, design is everything!
  • joelo4387 Jan 7, 2009 @ 10:40 am | delete
    I wish I had the Island kitchen type, That way I can have more room to cook, and it can give me more storage space. Great lense 5 Stars! Check out my lense on Appliance Parts. I hope you find it useful!
  • Chris70 Jan 1, 2009 @ 8:47 am | delete
    This is a great source of information. As a cabinetmaker, I really enjoy visiting your lens. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house.
  • bbug Dec 23, 2008 @ 11:39 am | delete
    I have a terrible kitchen, there is no counter space at all. I would love a complete redo.
  • beachbum_gabby Dec 15, 2008 @ 11:31 pm | delete
    We have a L-shaped kitchen but I like much better the Island.
  • baBycuTE Nov 21, 2008 @ 6:44 am | delete
    I like to dine a kitchen that is a very good and realistics design.

    actually my teacher tells that try to having some researches that related to our leddon

    and finally i search a kitchen layouts that im enjoying to watch the diff.kind of kitchen

    layouts.i like to have this some layouts at home.
  • Nov 18, 2008 @ 7:53 pm | delete
    Island kitchen is my type because it spacious and great for interior design.
  • Oct 27, 2008 @ 8:53 pm | delete
    The kitchen is the best place in the house for me!
    I love it!
    The stuffs and everything else!
    Hey, why won't you consider good lighting to compliment to that : )
  • tim1969 Oct 22, 2008 @ 4:44 pm | delete
    Good advice. I've seen so many poorly designed kitchens, and very few well designed ones. 5*
  • SemperFidelis Sep 7, 2008 @ 12:08 am | delete
    Very useful lens for any kitchen remodeler!
    Blessed, 5-starred, and favorited by a Squid Angel today! :)
    Colleen ~ www.squidoo.com/squid-angel
  • kevinw1 Jun 17, 2008 @ 4:23 pm | delete
    Lizzy, my kitchen is too narrow for an island so I can't have one either - BUT, the kitchen does work well without one. And that's the main point :-)

    My daughter Elizabeth calls herself Lizzie like you - and she's a cat person too!
  • ElizabethJeanAllen Jun 17, 2008 @ 3:34 pm | delete
    I would love to have an island but my kitchen is too small. I think I need a new house.
    Great lens!
    5*
    Lizzy
  • leslie stephens May 29, 2008 @ 12:35 am | delete
    my kitchen has one solid straight wall on the south side of the kitchen. then i have a half wall on the west side. i have a little cove like area to the north and nothing on the east
  • beachbum_gabby May 15, 2008 @ 10:33 pm | delete
    I like the island kitchen, but my mom choose a U-shape kitchen for our house. :(

    great lens!

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kevinw1

I grow a big organic garden, save seeds, and promote gardening and local food, provide custom LEGO building instructions and models, and I'm a remodeler,... more »

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