Comments on kitchen design below

[TheFlakyPoet]

We have received our kitchen design - photos attached below. I'd appreciate comments on how to improve before I approve the design. It doesn't look very symmetrical to me and I'm not sure about the 3 drawers on the right hand side of the hob. Would it be better to have 2 drawers either side of the hob with cupboards underneath? Also, we need to have a wine rack on the left hand side (or shelving for cookery books) as we can't fit in a cupboard here due to odd shape wall. Thanks so much

Is symmetry important to you? The trouble is you've got more width above than you do below so either the bottom needs to be symmetrical or the top does, at the moment the extractor hood is centred, but that makes the bottom cabinets on that wall look slightly off.

I'd change the wine rack for a bookcase from surface to ceiling and turn it. Fill that little nook completely. Then I'd make the cabinets either side of the extractor match, shrinking the left side slightly, this will create a bit of space before the bookcase so it's useable and should look a bit better. I'd also take the cabinets up to the ceiling, or as close to it as possible.

If symmetry is important then pop a slim cupboard either side of the oven and shrink the drawers a bit. Or do matching drawers either side of the oven. Don't forget this space needs to function for you so think of what you need first. In reality is lack of symmetry likely to bother you?

I do wonder if that awkward corner is actually perfect for a corner pantry unit, floor to ceiling with shelving inside. Except it might overpower the space a bit.

Amazing suggestions, thank you. I love the idea about the starting the shelving from the counter top using the odd corner, and also making the wall units either side of the extractor symmetrical.

I think the drawers are probably fine where they are as not everything has to be symmetrical! We were thinking of adding a small 2seater island off the wall opposite the hob but DH thinks it would be too crowded - I quite like having the island and extra storage space under it

Agree with @OttersAreMySpiritAnimal - turn that left nook into counter to ceiling pantry or shelves for a bookcase and fill it with cook books, spices - or any utensils to need at hand when you are cooking and baking. I would make sure you have power in the corner for a lamp or for Christmas lights if you are so inclined. I also agree with taking your wall cabinets up to the ceiling - it would make the kitchen look finished and it will save the inevitable dust and grease trap.

Yes I totally agree, I think turning the bookcase is a really nice idea, and will also aks about having a pantry cupboard from surface to ceiling. We always seem to need more storage 😂I've put down for sockets either side of the hob and also on the wall to the left of the sink. The plinth is the basic one with leg stubs not the full classic one, as that might look bulky in a small kitchen. Thanks for the suggestions - the design seems to be coming together finally

You could use reduced depth cabinets on the wall opposite the oven which would provide a bit more storage and more counter space. I had thought you were keeping it free for a small table and chairs.

You can always add high wall cabinets above head height on that wall if you need more storage, then a little table and chairs below.

Or just get a nice bit of freestanding furniture for that wall, cheaper and easier to repurpose elsewhere if you find it too cramped. A sideboard perhaps.

We were keeping the area opposite the hob for a small dining table and chairs, which we could move into the hallway/living area if needed. More flexible than having a small island that might feel tight

Are you a keen cook? If so, a double oven is pretty key IMO and I would swap that out. I think it looks nice, with a few tweaks.

Here is a birds eye view of kitchen with island, if we went with this design instead, we could add the microwave in here, but I think 2 people wouldn't be able to access the sink then?

I quite like the peninsula, it's s fairly sensible use of the space. I wouldn't put a microwave on it though, it'd be in the way. Though you could put a couple of shelves above and pop it there. I think I'd put it in the nook where I suggested the bookshelves go.

If going for the peninsula make sure you've enough room to bend and get stuff out of the oven. Looks like you should have about 800mm between oven and peninsula and the peninsula is about a meter square? I'm guessing sizes. It's bare minimum if so but totally workable.

Thank you 🤗I think putting the microwave in the nook and starting the book case above it could work nicely. The peninsula would be 1m sq, but i need to check the space between that and the oven to allow for easy access.