Rough kitchen designs

[TeaPleaseBob]

We are getting a kitchen diner extension this year and just starting to think about kitchen design now. Have been playing with the DIY kitchens online planner and having a disagreement about basic design. My husband favours all low units and wall cabinets above as he thinks it gives more worktop space and makes room look bigger. I favour a tall larder unit that would store all food, a fridge freezer rather than uncounted fridge (there will be a second fridge freezer in utility so husband argues under counter fridge fine) and less worktop space to become a dumping ground.

Will attach 2 rough ideas we’ve come up with so far if anyone has any suggestions. Does anyone have loads of worktop space and it’s not constantly used as a dumping ground by everyone?

My preferred design

The planner shows kitchen an odd colour for some reason. Should be white gloss Handle less units

I have a lot of worktop space and I'm in a constant battle with my family to prevent them leaving piles of stuff on it. I wish I had more full-length cupboards because that worktop height is the easiest if you have heavy things to lift in and out etc. Also, my wall cabinets are not really deep enough for great storage.

I would never want an under counter fridge. It's too easy to lose stuff at the back of it that you can't see without squatting down all the time.

I like the larder but not the wall units as well. I don't like either of your designs particularly. I would prefer the laser units on the back wall. How you have it currently is very blocky next to the door. If you don't like that some open shelves on the back wall rather than wall units could look nice.

Your husbands design is very dated.

Your OH's plan looks more streamlined to me but I do not like under counter fridges. They never seem to have enough space! But if you do have another FF in utility then could be doable. Both plans look quite tight for space at the door though. Are you determined to have a breakfast bar?

We did our last year and wanted more worktop space. So far so good at keeping worktops clear but it only works if you have enough space to put things away. Have you thought where the toaster, microwave, kettle and your other every day appliances will go?

Could you combine OHs plan with a corner pantry cupboard to give the best of both? A pantry cupboard where all the food goes is fantastic and makes putting away the shopping so much easier. We went for a 1000 tall blind corner with kidney pull outs. Not pantry porn but my OH still likes to show people it ;)

Thanks everyone

Had thought about open shelves on back wall. I agree tall units along that wall would probably be best but I’m not sure where the hob would then go.

I think we’ll look at getting a proper independent design done as it’s a lot of money to spend and get it wrong 🙈

Tranquilityofsolitude that’s exactly what I imagine if we had the extra worktop space. My family already use any flat surface as a dumping ground so this would be exactly the same!

Out the hob on the door wall or the peninsula.

We're doing a kitchen diner conversion - work starting in 4 weeks. Our final design is similar to yours. One wall of full length units which includes eye level double oven, american fridge freezer and tall larder unit. No other wall units (partners preference and we will have enough storage elsewhere inc utility) - my preference would be shelving which I am hoping I can talk him into down the line!. I would suggest shelving rather than wall units beside extractor fan would open up the space a bit. I would loose the under counter fridge and centre align the sink with the window (I have a thing about symmetry!) Apart from that it looks good!

Are you putting a new window in? If so I would start the window at work top height making the window much bigger, this creates a more streamlined look, you lose the window sill but create a bigger area around the sink. We had this done but we needed a new window so extra cost wasn't a lot more.

I prefer the first design.
A) the space works better visually
B) more work surface - that's something I would personally prioritise.