Any kitchen ideas?

[WorkerBee123]

No idea if I’m on the right thread but we’re finally finally talking about having our kitchen done. I’ve attached some photos of the existing one for ref and my question is, do you live in a Victorian terrace like mine and if so, where did you or where do you think I can lay out a new kitchen with an island. Having an island is a non negotiable, as are big glass doors of some sort. And tons of storage so there’s no crap everywhere. Stymied by a bay window. Fireplace can go. Any ideas gratefully accepted. Thought about posting on the road WhatsApp as all the houses are the same but thought that might look mental! Not yet been to any design/kitchen shops-so thought I’d turn to MN first.

Sorry my ideas won’t be much use but you did ask!

I love your bay window - it’s the perfect place for a table.

Are you sure about an island? If you want it for practical purposes, fine , but in terms of fashion I think the tide is already turning and people will be tearing them out soon.

I really like the feel of your kitchen- it has a cosy vibe!

Snoop the neighbours houses on rightmove. I agree with pp on avoiding the island. I would go for a nice big table instead

I was literally going to say 'are you sure about an island?' too! @CoffeeCantata It doesn't really make sense for a kitchen that seems to be long and narrow.

Could you have double height cabinets on the right hand wall (maybe a full height pantry and built in fridge freezer). Is that your boiler next to the window? Could that be moved to open that wall up a bit? Or (depending on how much work you're planning) could you move the back door to where the kitchen sink/window are and have L-shaped worktops? Maybe a breakfast bar?

I love your bay window but what is that table all about? Is that a window seat? Why is there also a dining chair, and why is the table at an angle? Get rid of that massive lampshade.

Your photos could be a little better, it's hard to work out what is where. Although the photobombing cat is fab.

My preferred option is freestanding units painted in either the same or toning colours. I always prefer classic styles for kitchens- they might not be cutting edge but they won’t become dated too fast either.

The room doesn't look large enough for an island - you need a min of 1.2m between the island & other units/ the wall.

Drawers and a larder unit would be my recommendations

Could you build seating into the bay window then put a round table in it which would move the table further back and possibly make room for an island at right angles across the road to section it off?

Kitchens should be about what you like and not about fashion so get an island or whatever you like BUT it should be practical as well. So if there isn’t enough space for clearance around it then don’t bother as it will annoy you and make you want to rip the whole thing out.
I suggest you use an online kitchen planner - I think IKEA and DIY kitchens have one - it will allow you to put in the room dimensions, windows etc and have a play around with layout.

An island will ruin the flow in a room this shape. You might be able to squeeze a peninsular in if you really need that look. Do you have a plan view so we can see where all the doors are?

You won’t fit an island in that kitchen maybe a short peninsula if you really wanted.

I agree ref island and about building window seat - then I would have a round table and a couple of chairs

However - apart from your house detail how many are you ? 2 adults with young children? How long do you expect to be in this house and max budget please

I think the room is too narrow for an island. If you had one run of wall units you would need width of 60+120+90+120 min which is 3.9m/13ft.
You could build out a short peninsula from one side if you need a space you can access both sides. Otherwise just design it properly to give enough worktop and storage space.

I'd do a peninsula sort of where the fridge/bin is to zone the room a bit, that might do what you need an island to do but wouldn't take up lots of space

An island won’t work. I would have low units where your sink currently is, mirrored on the opposite side with the cooker, then from the fridge onwards have floor to ceiling units incorporating the fridge (lose the fireplace, though you may need to put a supporting beam in if you knock it out entirely). Bench seating built into the bay window, with storage inside. I’d avoid wall units. And lose the return (the cabinet under the picture with the umbrella in it) and expand the back doors so they’re 1/3rd bigger than they are currently.

Oh and definitely a round table - not square!

I agree re avoiding wall units. In a narrow space the will feel claustrophobic.

A peninsular coming out from the end of the run of cabinets by the bay window could work?

There was a brilliant thread about kitchen, might give you some inspiration https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5409229-can-i-see-your-kitchen?page=1

I would go for drawers everywhere, you get so much more in them than cupboards. I would visit a few kitchen companies and get them to do a design for you, usually a free service and don't be put off by companies that would be way off your budget. New kitchens are shockingly expensive, we just did ours 6 months ago.

Thanks so much for all that-great to get some fresh perspective and I didn’t even notice the bloody cat!

Excellent ideas. Thank you. I hadn’t thought of a peninsula. Going in to look at them online now!