What would you do here? (Kitchen counter area) (granite, flooring, panel) - Home Interior Design and Decorating - City-Data Forum

JT24hr · 03-09-2010, 10:26 AM

My focus is on the big long counter below the windows. Add more cabinets? Chop it off?

Also, looking to replace those blinds or just completely remove them. Plan on changing out the countertops and backsplash too, unsure of what yet. Want to do something other than Granite (Vetrazzo looks nice but I need to get lower quotes than The Great Indoors). Flooring will be distressed wood.

Thanks!

GoHokiesGo · 03-09-2010, 10:54 AM

Put a built-in wine rack below, maybe a trash compactor or something like that?

VegasGrace · 03-09-2010, 10:58 AM

Is that long counter about 4-5 feet? How about a bistro set? Windows should be enjoyed, not covered. Would be a great place for a drink, reading a book while cooking, etc.

Unless the open end is a dining room where there is already a table...but maximize your window...remove the blinds if there is nothing on the other side of the window- neighbors/road.

desertsun41 · 03-09-2010, 11:09 AM

That is a lot of precious counter top space and from day one some one should have put cabinets there. Now it may be too late. Before you say just put cabinets there you need to know what brand and how old the existing ones are. Most cabinet manufacturers change door styles and color offerings every couple years just like auto manufacturers do. This means chances of matching what you have could be slim.

Find out your brand first and I can probably steer you from there. Your cabs look decent which tells me the manufacturer might be proud enough to print or place a label some where showing the brand. Look inside your drawer sides for a label. Look inside or behind the sink base doors. They are the obvious. From there if no luck it just takes experience knowing what manufacturer uses what color interiors. I think I can identify most all of them.

I will wait to see what you say from here before offering anything further.

Ohiogirl81 · 03-09-2010, 11:17 AM

Those windows are beautiful. That's a nice spot for a kitchen table, if you don't have one already.

JT24hr · 03-09-2010, 11:37 AM

Here is the adjacent room:

I would love to make it a French door but have no idea the costs and am trying to be budget conscious since we have a lot of other work we plan on doing (flooring, repaint). Going to remove that top heavy trim/frame area around the door and windows also as it doesn't really fit our style.

The counter by my estimate is 5-6 feet.

Desertsun - Looking to get our keys within the next week or so, I will definitely check the cabinets. Do you have any pictures that where there are cabinets "off to the side" like that?

Thx for the suggestions so far.

Note: This is not our furniture as we are closing escrow next week.

campmom123 · 03-09-2010, 01:37 PM

is it supposed to be like a "desk area"? My MIL has something like that in her kitchen. I would either use it as a place for stools, maybe when you replace the counter you could make that part jut out a bit more and make it like a bar area like some kitchen islands have, or I would take it out and put in the french doors like you're saying or put something else in front of the windows.... unless you would need more cabinet space-- then definately do that as extra counter and cabinets are always nice. It's a nice kitchen, congrats!

MMichelle · 03-09-2010, 01:41 PM

I would not remove the counter top. I would add storage below the open counter top - maybe more "serving" and entertaining type. The space would act as a side board. As someone suggested, a wine cooler below would be great - maybe add deep drawers to store serving platters and other serving dishes.

K'ledgeBldr · 03-09-2010, 03:34 PM

"What would you do here? (Kitchen counter area) "

It would depend on being able to get more of the same cabinet- If you can't get an exact match- leave it as is.
If you can get your hands on the same-

First, I'd move the dishwasher- that a bad design. When open it's behind you when you're at the sink. Should be on the right-hand side of sink.
Do you have a pantry closet? If not, I'd use that space for pantry cabinets. And yes, that would mean losing the window. Which to me is no great loss- you have one over the sink.
If you do have a pantry closet- I'd still lose the window for some more wall cabinets. And some combination of base, wine cooler, ice maker, compactor, etc.

What do you think-D.S.?

I'd also lose the pilaster/pediment over the backdoor. It totally overwelms the space- and makes the "crown" detail on the cabinets look miniscule-no, down right tacky!

desertsun41 · 03-09-2010, 03:46 PM

JT2 I'm glad you posted another view. Now I am able to identify your brand. I do believe you have Legacy Cabinets in maple wood species and toast stain. The door style is Camden. The good news is yes it is still available to match perfectly.

Now for the hard part. You need to lose the end which is a dishwasher panel. Then you measure your length from your last cabinet to where the DW panel now sits. I can only guess it to be about 45". If it is less then 48" you are in luck and only have to buy one box.

When you get to that part I can tell you how to put a base cabinet in with the counter top still in place without disturbing it or breaking it. As you can figure, the new cab will not just slide in. The existing cabs were in before flooring so the flooring has taken up perhaps a half inch. The counter top overhangs the cabinet face. You can see the trouble I am getting at. No problem at all though. Routine stuff.