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Sorry - but your current set-up looks like a pantry - not a dining room/area. And I find it cluttered and unattractive. Is there anything that is currently there that you actually use in the dining room?
My first order of business would be going through all the things that are on those shelves now - and getting rid of things that are outdated/that you don't use. Decluttering. And then coming up with storage solutions for what's left (like what's in the index card boxes and the magazine holders). Note that I wouldn't display things like dinnerware "out in the open". Unless you use it on a regular basis - it will just become a "dust magnet".
Since you're talking about a total remodel of the kitchen and the dining room - one priority for me would be to think about a storage area/pantry. Do you happen to have a floor plan of the way the general area is laid out now? Do you have an eating area in the kitchen? If you do - you might consider opening everything up - and winding up with one kitchen/dining area. Hard for me to come up with any specific ideas without seeing a floor plan.
BTW - do you really use all those different kinds of pasta on a regular basis? Pasta has a long shelf life - but it is not unlimited (have you labeled your pasta with the expiration dates that appear on the packages?). Also - many/most foodstuffs are best stored in cooler/darker places - not warmer/sunnier ones:
Thanks for all the replies! Some answers/clarifications below ...
First, remember I warned you that the green cabinets were cluttered!! They're not usually like that -- I was hurried and harried and just dumped a bunch of things on the shelves. I really was wondering most about people's impressions of the "pasta bookcase" -- I have actually gotten compliments on it (like "Oh what a good idea for storage!") and one of my friends is now doing the same thing in her dining room. I am laughing as I type this, maybe my friends and I are just WAY more informal than most people! I swear, no one has ever felt claustrophobic in my dining room -- we are too busy talking and laughing and eating and drinking.
OTOH, I looked at "country kitchen" and "country dining room" images online, and virtually none of them have food canisters in the dining room (unless it is one huge combined room -- which I would love but which is not feasible for my house). So I think your tastes are much more in line with most people's than mine are, and I can appreciate that.
Historyfan, I actually have the Kraftmaid dealer spec catalog (all 750+ pages of it) so can look at just about any type of kitchen cabinet there is. (The only thing they don't seem to have is a corner drawer unit -- I wonder if they think it is too gimmicky? It's not something I would buy anyway.)
Silibran (and others), the consensus REALLY seems to be no food out in the dining room, even if it's in "nice" containers. I was kind of going for a country-kitchen look (although with less "clutter" than country decor typically has), but I think I may need to go with the cabinets with more closed storage. RE: putting appliances into a corner cabinet with lazy susans: that is a great idea but wouldn't work for me as (1) I have a LOT of small appliances (90% of which I USE regularly) and (2) some would be too big to fit in a corner cabinet.
Emm74, it's 2 partial walls of cabinets -- not 3 walls of cabinets. Sorry, I did not make clear that the "bar wall" was one of the 2, not a 3rd. The other 2 dining room walls would be completely clear.
CSD610, I love built-in cabinets too. At my last house I added them to a bedroom (but it was good-sized to begin with, about 12' x 16' PLUS the cabinets) and the hall. Prospective renters have loved them, as did I when I lived there.
Charmed59, the kitchen WILL actually have lots of storage, but the house has 5 bedrooms, and I suspect that future owners will have kids and lots of "stuff." (Heck, *I* have lots of stuff and I live here by myself much of the time.) I have written lists of everything I could possibly want to store, and am trying to make sure to plan for space for them all (with room for more, since again, most families who live in this house will be much bigger than mine!).
Robyn55, I agree that the cabinets in that photo were cluttered -- as I wrote in the OP. And yes, we use all that pasta -- I have friends over often for informal meals, and when my SO is up we often have pasta for dinner. You can't tell from the picture, but whenever I empty pasta into a container, I tape a note to the bottom of the container with the date AND cooking instructions. (I can be organized when I want to be, LOL!)
Thanks and reps to all -- I appreciate your helpful suggestions! I think you have all convinced me to go with more closed storage in the dining room. Note, the "bar" wall will have cabinets that look somewhat like what emm74 posted -- i.e., base and wall cabinets with space in between (except one base cabinet would be replaced by a 2-door mini-refrigerator, which I already have). I will, though, only use glass-door cabinets for storing pottery and the like.
Oh, and one clarifying note about the kitchen -- I THINK I am going to make the current TV room into the kitchen, as I simply cannot get what I need within the current kitchen's footprint (and I can't easily combine the current kitchen and dining room due to walking patterns AND the fact that there's a load-bearing wall separating the 2 rooms). So the new kitchen will be about 11'6" by 17'6", opening from the "service entrance" (2nd door on the front of the house, but set back somewhat). The dining room will be moved to where the current kitchen is (it has a GREAT view of my huge and beautiful back yard), and the current dining room will become the TV room. Unfortunately I can't combine the (new) kitchen space with the (new) dining room space, even though they're next to each other, because the new kitchen space is part of an addition from the late 1970s and for some reason they made it step-down (i.e. the floor is not level with the original part of the house) -- unless I would be OK with losing about 6" of vertical space (given that the ceilings are not high to begin with, I don't think I would like this option!).
For what it's worth, bookcases make awesome pantry storage in kitchens. I had limited space in my old house so put Ikea Billy bookcases along a wall not used for anything else. I had doors on them so people couldn't see the contents and because I could buy extra shelves there was no wasted space and they're not deep enough for anything to get lost in back but deep enough to put a box of cereal in. I've got a massive kitchen comparatively now, but my pantry sucks and I still miss those bookshelves.
For what it's worth, bookcases make awesome pantry storage in kitchens. I had limited space in my old house so put Ikea Billy bookcases along a wall not used for anything else. I had doors on them so people couldn't see the contents and because I could buy extra shelves there was no wasted space and they're not deep enough for anything to get lost in back but deep enough to put a box of cereal in. I've got a massive kitchen comparatively now, but my pantry sucks and I still miss those bookshelves.
Have you seen the IKEA porn at ikeahackers.net? Lots of good ideas there for built-in type things using IKEA guts. You'd never know.
Thanks for all the replies! Some answers/clarifications below ...
First, remember I warned you that the green cabinets were cluttered!! They're not usually like that -- I was hurried and harried and just dumped a bunch of things on the shelves. I really was wondering most about people's impressions of the "pasta bookcase" -- I have actually gotten compliments on it (like "Oh what a good idea for storage!") and one of my friends is now doing the same thing in her dining room. I am laughing as I type this, maybe my friends and I are just WAY more informal than most people! I swear, no one has ever felt claustrophobic in my dining room -- we are too busy talking and laughing and eating and drinking.
OTOH, I looked at "country kitchen" and "country dining room" images online, and virtually none of them have food canisters in the dining room (unless it is one huge combined room -- which I would love but which is not feasible for my house). So I think your tastes are much more in line with most people's than mine are, and I can appreciate that.
Historyfan, I actually have the Kraftmaid dealer spec catalog (all 750+ pages of it) so can look at just about any type of kitchen cabinet there is. (The only thing they don't seem to have is a corner drawer unit -- I wonder if they think it is too gimmicky? It's not something I would buy anyway.)
Silibran (and others), the consensus REALLY seems to be no food out in the dining room, even if it's in "nice" containers. I was kind of going for a country-kitchen look (although with less "clutter" than country decor typically has), but I think I may need to go with the cabinets with more closed storage. RE: putting appliances into a corner cabinet with lazy susans: that is a great idea but wouldn't work for me as (1) I have a LOT of small appliances (90% of which I USE regularly) and (2) some would be too big to fit in a corner cabinet.
Emm74, it's 2 partial walls of cabinets -- not 3 walls of cabinets. Sorry, I did not make clear that the "bar wall" was one of the 2, not a 3rd. The other 2 dining room walls would be completely clear.
CSD610, I love built-in cabinets too. At my last house I added them to a bedroom (but it was good-sized to begin with, about 12' x 16' PLUS the cabinets) and the hall. Prospective renters have loved them, as did I when I lived there.
Charmed59, the kitchen WILL actually have lots of storage, but the house has 5 bedrooms, and I suspect that future owners will have kids and lots of "stuff." (Heck, *I* have lots of stuff and I live here by myself much of the time.) I have written lists of everything I could possibly want to store, and am trying to make sure to plan for space for them all (with room for more, since again, most families who live in this house will be much bigger than mine!).
Robyn55, I agree that the cabinets in that photo were cluttered -- as I wrote in the OP. And yes, we use all that pasta -- I have friends over often for informal meals, and when my SO is up we often have pasta for dinner. You can't tell from the picture, but whenever I empty pasta into a container, I tape a note to the bottom of the container with the date AND cooking instructions. (I can be organized when I want to be, LOL!)
Thanks and reps to all -- I appreciate your helpful suggestions! I think you have all convinced me to go with more closed storage in the dining room. Note, the "bar" wall will have cabinets that look somewhat like what emm74 posted -- i.e., base and wall cabinets with space in between (except one base cabinet would be replaced by a 2-door mini-refrigerator, which I already have). I will, though, only use glass-door cabinets for storing pottery and the like.
Oh, and one clarifying note about the kitchen -- I THINK I am going to make the current TV room into the kitchen, as I simply cannot get what I need within the current kitchen's footprint (and I can't easily combine the current kitchen and dining room due to walking patterns AND the fact that there's a load-bearing wall separating the 2 rooms). So the new kitchen will be about 11'6" by 17'6", opening from the "service entrance" (2nd door on the front of the house, but set back somewhat). The dining room will be moved to where the current kitchen is (it has a GREAT view of my huge and beautiful back yard), and the current dining room will become the TV room. Unfortunately I can't combine the (new) kitchen space with the (new) dining room space, even though they're next to each other, because the new kitchen space is part of an addition from the late 1970s and for some reason they made it step-down (i.e. the floor is not level with the original part of the house) -- unless I would be OK with losing about 6" of vertical space (given that the ceilings are not high to begin with, I don't think I would like this option!).
I seriously suggest hiring an architect. Spend a few thousand dollars to come up with plans. I know what load bearing walls are - but they are often not totally "untouchable". And an architect might be able to come up with ideas for the vertical space issue too. It sounds like you're planning to spend a rather large amount of money - and it's good to get your options from design professionals as opposed to posters like us on CD and (often half-assed) remodeling contractors. If nothing else - a good architect will give you options that are outside your current "box". Robyn
For what it's worth, bookcases make awesome pantry storage in kitchens. I had limited space in my old house so put Ikea Billy bookcases along a wall not used for anything else. I had doors on them so people couldn't see the contents and because I could buy extra shelves there was no wasted space and they're not deep enough for anything to get lost in back but deep enough to put a box of cereal in. I've got a massive kitchen comparatively now, but my pantry sucks and I still miss those bookshelves.
Ozgal, totally agree with your love of bookcases for WHATEVER purpose! I have a zillion of them in my house -- mostly filled with books!
Quote:
Originally Posted by elhelmete
Have you seen the IKEA porn at ikeahackers.net? Lots of good ideas there for built-in type things using IKEA guts. You'd never know.
So funny, elhelmete, I was going to suggest looking at IKEA hacks too! I saw one a few days ago where the homeowner made a wall of built-in bookcases using Billy bookcases, extensions, and crown molding. It looked great.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robyn55
I seriously suggest hiring an architect. Spend a few thousand dollars to come up with plans. I know what load bearing walls are - but they are often not totally "untouchable". And an architect might be able to come up with ideas for the vertical space issue too. It sounds like you're planning to spend a rather large amount of money - and it's good to get your options from design professionals as opposed to posters like us on CD and (often half-assed) remodeling contractors. If nothing else - a good architect will give you options that are outside your current "box". Robyn
Oh, I know that load-bearing walls aren't untouchable, and I would seriously consider combining my current kitchen and current dining room into one big room -- BUT the walking path that I mentioned earlier is the bigger problem (yes, bigger than load-bearing walls). There is only 1 path to the TV room (from the addition in the late '70s) and it is through the kitchen, right along the wall shared with the dining room. (Imagine looking at a floor plan of 2 rooms, one above the other with a wall in the middle; the path to the TV room is right along that wall in the middle so even if that wall weren't there, the only path cuts the 2 rooms in two.) Believe me, I have tried coming up with lots of different scenarios, but there is no easy way to change that path without it being REALLY awkward. Hence, my desire to just move the kitchen to what is now the TV room. (The dining room can "live without" the 3-plus-foot path that is needed to get to the current TV room; but the kitchen desperately needs that space.)
When I get closer to actually DOING the remodel (I will continue to save for it over the next 2-3 years as I don't want to go into debt for it), I will hire an architect to take a "first look." I'm just not "there" yet (certainly not ready to spend thousands of dollars just to come up with a possible plan that is years away).
For what it's worth, bookcases make awesome pantry storage in kitchens. I had limited space in my old house so put Ikea Billy bookcases along a wall not used for anything else. I had doors on them so people couldn't see the contents and because I could buy extra shelves there was no wasted space and they're not deep enough for anything to get lost in back but deep enough to put a box of cereal in. I've got a massive kitchen comparatively now, but my pantry sucks and I still miss those bookshelves.
Best thing I ever did when we built our current house was put in a nice walk-in pantry. Maybe 6x8 feet (maybe somewhat larger):
(Door wound up being in the middle - so we have floor to ceiling storage - 10 foot ceilings - on both sides.)
I store anything and everything there. It's nice (especially if you're a Costco shopper like I am). Robyn
Robyn, that sounds wonderful! I am planning to enclose the "service-entrance" porch to make a proper mud room -- that will lead directly into the (new) kitchen space (now you enter directly into the TV room from that porch). I am hoping that will happen late this year (probably not, given our weather) or next summer. The kitchen will be a couple of years after that. (The service porch is a LITTLE less complicated since some of the walls are already there, from the porch.)
I won't have room for a walk-in pantry, but I AM planning for 3 utility cabinets with roll-out shelves in the kitchen (one in the kitchen proper, the other two in space that is currently taken up by a laundry closet) -- I had only one at my last house (which I still own but rent out), but it was one of my favorite things about the kitchen. A TON of pantry space on adjustable roll-out shelves -- I really miss it here!!
I would love to see photos of your pantry if you are willing to share! I can always be envious and drool over them, LOL!
(Door wound up being in the middle - so we have floor to ceiling storage - 10 foot ceilings - on both sides.)
I store anything and everything there. It's nice (especially if you're a Costco shopper like I am). Robyn
I wish I had that option. My pantry is the one thing I hate most about my kitchen and a at some point in the future, I will redesign the interior but I'm limited to the footprint it has now. Before then, I'll get upper cabinetry in my laundry room for overflow bulk staples etc.!
So funny, elhelmete, I was going to suggest looking at IKEA hacks too! I saw one a few days ago where the homeowner made a wall of built-in bookcases using Billy bookcases, extensions, and crown molding. It looked great.
Hope this isn't too OT...
We are 75% done a major kitchen remodel...time AND $$$$.
We almost tried to use IKEA cabs and semi-custom doors but couldn't (long story).
Now, we've identified some side projects we want to do, not dissimilar to what you're thinking, but living room, not dining. We're almost certainly going to use IKEA hack ideas. IKEA gets a bad rap here sometimes, but it's amazing what a few extra screws and some molding can do.
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thanks!
I really was wondering most about people's impressions of the "pasta bookcase" -- I have actually gotten compliments on it (like "Oh what a good idea for storage!") and one of my friends is now doing the same thing in her dining room. I am laughing as I type this, maybe my friends and I are just WAY more informal than most people! I swear, no one has ever felt claustrophobic in my dining room -- we are too busy talking and laughing and eating and drinking. 
