Any tips on this kitchen design - microcement floor, bamboo units, shape?

[augustusbloom]

Hi everyone

We are in the process of designing our dream kitchen as part of an extensive renovation project and looking for some advice/recommendations/things to consider/avoid etc.

Shape - we initially had a u-shape kitchen design up and running but once we did a VR headset walk-through we realised how much of a void it leaves and so are going with an island instead. This means however that one side of the island (the hob side) will be 950cm from the sink and the other side will leave 850cm between the island and the wall. We don't have any option to make the island smaller, but do you have any design advice on dealing with smaller than recommended walkways (e.g. what to store where etc?)

Floor - we currently have bare concrete underneath lino (horrid) and are hoping to go with a microcement/polished concrete effect floor. Any experiences of microcement in the kitchen and things we need to consider if going down this path? Does the whole floor need to be done before units are put in?

Units / Doors - we have really struggled with cabinetry. What we would love is a bespoke version of Custom Frons warm bamboo - customfronts.co.uk/pages/bamboo-fronts - but we have not been able to find a kitchen company that does this style (which doesn't involve doors being placed onto ikea/howdens carcasses). Any recommendations or suggestions most welcome!

Lighting - thinking of pendants over the island (classic) - any particular advice on placement, style, any brands that you all love?

We think we've got the layout (i.e. storage, placement of bin, hob, ovens etc) sorted and appliances (Bora X Pure hob, Miele ovens and dishwasher, Fisher and Paykel French style fridgefreezer, Quooker) but do you have any other suggestions (particularly if cheaper)?

What have I inevitably forgotten / failed to consider?

THANK YOU hive mind in advance.

x

Be very careful with microcement. Unless your installer is excellent and very experienced it can be endlessly problematic.

Those gaps are small! I'd go for the U shape and the void tbh

We’ve got similar gaps. It makes the kitchen a one person working kitchen really. Or yo7 have to get on well. There is enough room to pass but definitely not if the dishwasher door is open.

we put newspaper down on the floor for the layout to see if it worked.

Thanks @SharpLily , yes we are being very particular with who we are looking at. This seems like an area where cheaper is definitely NOT better. @TomTraubertsBlues That's what we thought, until we did the VR and it really cuts the space in two in a way and leave us with far less storage than we need (which would then clutter the utility/other areas. It's a tough decision but I think the island will ultimately be better despite the size issues. @Notsympatheticenough That's good to hear - yes definitely not if the dishwasher is open, but to be honest that's how it is now as we have a square table in the middle of the room, so I feel like we are used to working in that way.

Really appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Ask og Eng do similar cabinets but ship from Scandinavia: www.askogeng.no/e-collection#/

Our kitchen has very similar dimensions in terms of space around the island. It's a listed house and we weren't allowed to take down walls/remove a chimney/take out doors, so didn't have much choice, but it's actually turned out to be surprisingly fine, and unlike a PP, we don't have any problem with more than one person cooking, although it's true that we've gotten much more in the habit of closing the dishwasher than in our old kitchen. Let me know if you want me to pm you a couple of photos.

We looked at polished concrete (for the basement, not the kitchen) and ended up going with resin instead as or architect felt it's more durable, doesn't crack and is greener. It's also cheaper, which is a bonus. We used this company
www.sensofloors.co.uk and have been very happy so far.

Have you tried talking to any local cabinetmakers? I don't think something like that would be a particularly difficult bespoke job, although, @mobear Those cabinets are stunning!

I guess my one other piece of advice is that in a narrow space I'd try to avoid too many competing materials and surfaces so it doesn't feel cluttered. We used Tadelakt on the entire wall behind the range, for example, to avoid introducing another element

These might not be your style, but I just came across them and think they're amazing!
www.tamasineosher.com/grain

You’d probably be fine with bathroom/ kitchen paint behind the range. That’s all we have and it is easy to clean. I suspect any local cabinetmaker happy to use bamboo could produce what you’re looking for but the style of the cabinets you’ve referenced is one of the more expensive styles to produce.