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Original poster

Kitchen Ideas - help please

63 replies

CarGirl · 06/02/2011 16:31

I'm looking for unusual / different / not often seen ideas to overcome our kitchen issues!

We don't have a huge budget so clever solutions would be great or links to websites with lots of pictures etc etc

We have a smallish kitchen with 2 doorways which effectively makes is even smaller.

We will need to have space for:
Double oven
hob (going to go for only 2 burners to save on worktop space)
frige
freezer
dishwasher
radiator/heating (have heard about under cupboard radiators/heather which sound a great solution)

We are currently suffering with complete lack of worktop and cupboard space.

Can't have anything "open" as the dust/pollution levels are really high unfortunately so shelving needs to have doors on it etc

The huge gas meter and water stopcock are in the only internal corner to make things worse and I've looked at moving them and it isn't really an option Sad

We can have a run 5 units long with one and a bit at right angles to create L shape

Then we can have some stuff on the other wall but only 2 units wide Sad

Any takers?

OP posts:
lalalonglegs · 06/02/2011 18:08

Can you post a floorplan.

I would suggest under floor heating rather than under cupboard. I think a two-ring hob is a bit of a false economy unless you really don't cook at all.

noddyholder · 06/02/2011 18:15

Have all built in appliances and get a carpenter to build in the meters etc in a cupboard to match for continuity.This way you get a fairly good worktop run.then fir all wall units above but get them close to the ceiling and run a shelf below them about 20cm down all the way along and use that for oild and spices etc and everyday things.

Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 18:19

Is there a floor plan thing I could do on line so that I could link to it?

2 ring hob will be fine - we cook lots but use a stacker steamer and we can't remember if we have ever used more than 2 rings at a time?????

Can't have the open shelf believe me it would need to be vaacumed and wiped every week, the air pollution is that foul Sad

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pinkcushion · 06/02/2011 18:22

I'd suggest an induction hob - it's flat so you can use it as a work surface, same goes for the sink - get one with a chopping board lid. Improve storage by using drawers rather than cupboards. Build units right up to the ceiling.

Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 18:26

I want to keep a gas hob because we seem to have regular power cuts - it's nice to be able to still cook something and have heating via gas fire.

Sorry!

Please keep them coming though.

Is there such a thing as a double depth under counter cupboard?

OP posts:
Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 18:43

This is the best I can do!!!

The doors at the bottom are actually wider as they are double internal doors

www.wrenkitchens.com/kitchen-designer/?range=Aalto&noResume=false#

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Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 18:43

Forgot the brackets

www.wrenkitchens.com/kitchen-designer/?range=Aalto&noResume=false#

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Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 19:36

5 attempts later I think I've got this one to work
kitchenplanner.ikea.com/gb/UI/Pages/VPUI.htm?undefined

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SaggyHairyArse · 06/02/2011 19:43

Can you get a company like Moben, Magnet or Tesco to come and do a free plan for you and then steal the best suggestion?

I would have floor to ceiling cupboards where possible and also maybe a freestanding workstation on wheels that you can move/use when required.

Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 19:45

Hmmmm freestanding on wheels is one thing I hadn't thought of!!!

Can't really see anywhere to have floor to ceiling because there is such a lack of work top space - the equivalent of 4-5 units worth - it's a struggle to to dish up onto 6 plates for every meal Confused

OP posts:
Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 19:46

I will def try and have a few people do suggestions.

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greenlotus · 06/02/2011 19:51

How long is the long-run wall?

could you have tall units on the other side (where you said you could have 2 units worth) or your fridge over there?

Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 19:54

The long run wall is 3m15 but has the gas meter in the corner (so no corner cupboard option) and the gas supply for the hob and then at the window end all the plumbing etc where the sink currently is looking over the garden.

If I have tall units on the short wall I would have a max of 2 units worth of worktop!!!

yes fridge and freezer currently there.

OP posts:
SaggyHairyArse · 06/02/2011 20:00

I couldn't get the floor plan to work.

Can you have floor to ceiling (with the fridge and freezer taking up the bottom cupboards) on the run with two cupboard widths, or would that just be wrong?

On the small end of the L shape can you have counter and then just after the bend on the long end have either the sink or the oven with the dishwasher inbetween and then either the sink or the cooker/hob with your washing machine at either end or more cupboard space if no need for washing machine?

toddlerama · 06/02/2011 20:01

Get a gas hob with a glass "lid" that flips down over it. Bit '80s maybe, but you get the surface.

SaggyHairyArse · 06/02/2011 20:01

Just saw your post re counter space, LOL!

Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 20:06

Pah pants about the floor plan.

I effectively end up will a galley kitchen.

So that is 2 units at one side and then 4 the other with 2 at the end - so truly 5 plus 1 stuck on.

it's just rubbish isn't it Sad

Washing machine is going into outbuildings. My only option seems to be to lose my built in double oven to have and under cupboard one to gain an extra block of worktop.

The unit on wheels could be an idea though as it could go in front of a little used cupboard and be moved as and when necessary.

I really don't like my house Sad

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Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 20:08

toddlerama I can't find one - looked hard so that's when I thought about the 2 burner hob and dh agrees that 2 is plenty - plus you can't put the lid down whilst the burners are still hot. I need the space when I'm dishing up so when the hob is actually in use anyway.

I will get the posh German designers to come around Grin

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Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 20:13

I think I've found a way for you to see it

kitchenplanner.ikea.com/GB/UI/Pages/VPUI.htm?undefined&LoadDesign=f93f20c4e19245a9b63f307a63bfeb45&UIContext=Kitchen&IsSharedDesign=1

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Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 20:14

Click the square icon on the far left under the 3d image to get to floor plan

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SaggyHairyArse · 06/02/2011 20:18

Can you have fridge/freezer in hall/room adjoining kitchen? Bit of a PITA but I had to do that in last kitchen and is workable if it helps with cupboard space.

Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 20:21

Nope as we wouldn't have room for the dining table if we did that Grin

The double doors open up into the dining "area"

We don't want to take out the wall as the house is completely open plan - including open stairs so all the cooking smells etc just go straight upstairs etc.

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SaggyHairyArse · 06/02/2011 20:22

I get 'res not found/general internal server error'????

bounty007 · 06/02/2011 20:23

Get lots of different companies to come round to give you a quote and plan the layout.. they are all desperate for business. They will come up with the best ideas and space solutions.
(we worked out our kitchen layout with a scale lego model)

Original poster
CarGirl · 06/02/2011 20:29

It takes aggggggggggggggges to load up after you get that message and appears in 3D just to confuse you

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