Kitchen & Breakfast Area

The kitchen is where we spend the most time. In designing it, we wanted a large enough area for our kitchen table, which expands to eight feet, as well as a computer desk, lots of light, and efficient workspaces. We used the classic kitchen work triangle (sink—refrigerator—stove) as a basis for the layout, as well as proximity to a large pantry.

We selected linoleum (instead of tile or even hardwood) because we’ve had children fall on tile. Once was enough to say that if we had our choice, we will not choose tile. The style of the kitchen floor needed to be bright, compliment the maple cabinetry, but most important easy to clean and “forgiving” when dirt and other marks made there tracks by way of kids’ feet. We ended up selecting a high grade of Armstrong linoleum.

When it came to cabinets, functionality and attractiveness were key attributes. The lower cabinets feature pull-out drawers so you don’t have to strain to get things in the back. The lower corner unit has a built-in Lazy Susan. We also wanted the food processor readily-available (so we’d have a better chance of using it), so we added a corner appliance garage next to the sink.

Of course, lighting is everything in a kitchen, so recessed lights on dimmers were used along with an extra ceiling spot above the sink. Under-cabinet lights provide great counter help as well as nice accent lighting at night. The breakfast area has a ceiling fan light with dimmer to provide just the right amount of light for any occasion. The pantry has its own overhead fluorescent which provides bright light when you’re trying to find those cans of tomato paste in the back.

The kitchen island was an oft-changed item in the plans because it’s such a central part of the kitchen. Our goal was to make it as large as possible, never concerned about having too much counter space. The trick was to permit enough reasonable working space around it, adhering to the standard protocol of at least three feet on all sides.  We added convenient slide-out shelves and trash and recycling bins.

Choosing countertops was another fun decision, looking through swatches of formica to match the already-chosen cabinet styles. We shunned the granite, marble, and Corian options mostly for cost reasons. What was very important was rounded edges and back-splashes for the sake of kids’ safety.

When it came to built-in appliances, we looked for energy-efficient, full-featured brand-named items. The GE microwave oven was rated #1 by Consumer Reports and we added the optional range fan. The Kenmore range and stove is gas-based, something Liz really likes, and features a bottom tray warmer which keeps hot foods at the right temperature while you finish your meal preparation. Great for entertaining!  There's also a "power burner" on the stove with extra flame for boiling things quickly.

The Kenmore dishwasher is high on the efficiency scale and has great options, including cycles for china and pots and pans. A key option is the built-in food disposal which allows you to take dishes basically from the table and put them right in the dishwasher—very little rinsing is necessary except for the obvious. We also made sure we got the super Quite Pack, which allows you to run the dishwasher and not be bothered if you sit down to watch a movie. Be sure to read the owner’s manual (which we include) to take advantage of all the features.

An Insinkerator hot-water tap is installed on the sink which gives you instant boiling water, which we use extensively for hot chocolate, tea, oatmeal, and a great way to quickly wash/sterilize baby bottles.

The kitchen opens up to a wide hallway which connects to the family room, which is a key reason the first floor feels so spacious. The kids take advantage of this, using the open to floor plan as a bit of a race track as they circle through the kitchen, family room, and hallways.

Don't overlook the hideaway broom closet built into the wall.  This was designed as an HVAC chase, but was actually not needed because we used two different central air units.  It became a wiring chase with much of the multimedia cables running through it, but there's extra space for brooms, folding chairs, and spare dining room table leafs.
 

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