What's the best option in a kitchen diner?

[Squirrelfruitandnutkin]

We're going to get a new kitchen. We have a kitchen diner with lots of cupboards and work top space. BUT the fridge freezer is in the dining area.

So, do we
A) keep the cupboard and worktop space we have but leave the fridge freezer in the dining area?
Or
B) move the fridge freezer into the kitchen area but lose cupboard and worktop space?

I'd really like the dining area to have more space, maybe enough for a small arm chair (not the fridge). And the worktops are often a dumping ground because they aren't all in use iyswim.

WWYD?

If you don't use all the worktop space I'd move the fridge. Do you need all the cupboard space? Would you be better off with a larder to give you more cupboard space?

If you don't use all the worktop space I'd move the fridge. Do you need all the cupboard space? Would you be better off with a larder to give you more cupboard space?

I think a larder would be lovely!
But that might be more work top space lost... 😬
We'd lose a chunk if we move the fridge, and then another chunk to put in a larder. But both of those spaces aren't used much - one is a dumping ground and the other is where the fruit bowls and radio live. - so not used much on a day to day basis.

Under counter fridge and freezer maybe? It would drive me potty having to go to the dining area everytime I wanted a drop of milk or a scrape of jam. Or even under counter ter fridge and put the freezer in the utility / garage if practical?

I don't want under counter fridge - mum and dad have always had one - I find it a PITA to crouch down to get anything out.

have you got a floor plan of the room?

get the tallest biggest fridge freezer you can. put the fruit bowl in it! or a normal size one and have a wall cupboard above for things you rarely use. If you get a really well designed kitchen you can make use of space currently not used. wall cupboards to the ceiling. pan drawers instead of cupboards that utilise kick board space. a slide out worktop for when you need extra.

Get a built in fridge and freezer with cupboards above and below. Fridge freezers in a dining area are never a good look. The space you free up could be alternative storage in a sideboard. How big is the kitchen? Could it be amalgamated with the dining area so it's one big et in kitchen? That's what I would do.

Eat in ....

Don't get under the counter F and F you'll do your back in with the constant scrabbling down below in the ackwardness that is an undercounter fridge.

Are you having a whole new kitchen? If so just make sure you maximise space everywhere with your choice of cupboards and drawers.

Also there is probably some stuff you don't use day to day in the kitchen that could be moved to a dresser or sideboard in the dining area.

I'm having my fridge freezer in the kitchen, and putting the lesser used crockery and glassware in a cabinet in the dining area. I'm spending all this money on a new kitchen, I don't want an ugly fridge looming over me while I eat dinner!

Here's my rather basic plan of the kitchen diner at present.
Those are the floor cupboard and then the wall cupboards run above them except on the wall with the sink/DW/WM

The more I look at the fridge the more it is doing my head in ATM. So much that I'm prepared to shelve my dream of a huge oven. (Which I don't really need for 360+ days a year!)

I'm thinking cupboards up to the ceiling would be a good idea, any MN wisdom on that?

Why don't you love the FF behind the door on the left hand wall then have a peninsula from the right wall to increase your cupboard and worktop space?

How about an under the counter drawer fridge (with the fruit bowl in it) so you keep your worktop and you don't have to stoop down either and a separate freezer (in the garage)? We have mostly drawers in our kitchen - much easier to see everything in them than cupboards and less bending over - wouldn't go back to cupboards now.

Just seen the plans. A peninsula would work well.

Have ur fridge opposite the hob..cupboards all around any wall space u have and worktops. It looks open plan so it would work. Trust me you can never have too many cupboards!

I think I'd end up getting annoyed with it being in the middle of the floor as it'd be so near the patio doors.

We had one in the old house and I was forever banging my side on it. this may of course say something about my spatial awareness.

Never seen a drawer fridge... must google

Ah ok, might not work for you then!

Wouldn't let me post any more... last 1..

Oooh they look interesting but would be too small for us.

The drawer fridge I mean.

Nice kitchen Mrs D :)

I had this problem. My kitchen is large but I wanted most space for dining and a sofa.
You don't need as much worktop as you think. Plan the space for tasks and reject clutter. My toaster is on a shelf. Kettle tall and narrow not wide. One pot only for wooden spoons. Look at IKEA catalogue for inspiration.
I have a dressed for less used stuff/fruit bowls etc.