Making House Episode 2: Making it Fit

As I mentioned Monday, we are installing a lot of appliances into a small space. Beyond the basics, we're also planning to install a combination washer/dryer and a wine cooler.

The room has one 12 foot run against the outer wall, with the other side occupied by a pantry closet and a doorway, leaving approximately 6 or 7 additional feet for cabinets and appliances. I say approximately because, while it is marked on the floor plan, one can't be sure until one measures for oneself.

One principal that I use when planning where appliances will go is the ideal of fitting appliances near their current hookups if at all possible. By placing sinks near pipes and oven hoods near outer walls (where they can vent), one can save a lot of time, effort, and cash making plumbing and venting changes. In this house it wouldn't be too difficult to re-route things because the basement is below the floor, however there would still be additional cost and effort. Therefore, I take note of where appliances are currently located and how that layout can be maintained or improved without underlying infrastructure changes.

So our new kitchen has one 12 foot run on one side and two 30-inch (plus?) openings on the other side, separated by a doorway. I know the openings are at least 30 inches because they are currently filled with a stove and a refrigerator, both of which measure at least 30 inches.

So, how will we fit everything in there? It's pretty simple, actually. First let's look at the 12 foot run. Start with the sink, which will be about 24 inches (2 feet) and approximately centered under the window, where the current pipes are. That leaves 10 feet, 5 on either side. On the right will be a dishwasher, and they are always 2 feet wide (they fit in a 24" opening). The remaining 36 inches will fit a cooktop or stove. On the other side we'll have the 33 or 36 inch refrigerator and a 24 inch wine cooler. That leaves 6-9 inches to spare, which is a decent amount of slack. To use that space, it may make sense to use a larger sink or go for an oversized refrigerator.

Now, that's a busy run with no undercounter cabinetry except for the sink cabinet. A possible change will be to replace the wine cooler with an 24 inch drawer cabinet, relocating the wine cooler. The refrigerator is deeper than the cabinetry and other appliances, however it will be next to a wall that is about 3 feet deep, so it should be OK.

That gives a 12 foot run with the appliances, from left to right: refrigerator, wine cooler, sink, dishwasher, and oven. Note that there will be a 3/4 inch barrier between the dishwasher and oven, if an oven is used there. If we elect to use a cooktop and install a wall oven elsewhere, we will gain a 30 inch cabinet under the cooktop for pots, pans and other cooking implements, and a barrier will not be necessary.

Those who've watched kitchen design programs or read books will notice that I have flattened the traditional work triangle. That may be a problem, but I think it will be OK given the short distance that separates the appliances. One good thing about having an empty kitchen is that I can arrange the appliances and then, if I am not satisfied, rearrange them. Once I'm happy then I'll worry about cabinet placement and installation of countertops.

The other side of the room has a couple possibilities. On the right side, across from the refrigerator, there is already a laundry hookup (water, big drain). So that's a good spot for the combination washer/dryer. This is good because it is the least visible part of the kitchen, and the washer/dryer is white and therefore will not really match the rest of the appliances. Next to that will be a small cabinet of some sort, probably 12 inches - something to hold baking sheets and trays, most likely. The countertop will most likely be used for small appliances such as our mixer, waffle-maker, blender, and cappuccino maker.

The other side, which is closer to 30" exactly, would be a good oven area if we have a separate wall oven (the subject of a future episode). It could also house a large wine cooler, and it is possible to stack the oven above a wine cooler provided we build cabinetry to support the weight (the oven can not rest on the cooler, of course). Aesthetically this may be a good place for a cooler and/or wall oven because this is a very visible spot, and those are both attractive appliances. Practically they both work as this is the only spot in the kitchen without either water or easy venting, and both appliances require only electricity.

Woops, almost forgot the microwave. It will go above the cooktop or stove, acting as a hood and venting through the outer wall.

So, even though the plan will likely change a bit, it is clear that everything will physically fit into the space. It will be tight, but it is possible. Small kitchens that need to work hard are more jigsaw puzzle than anything else, requiring careful consideration but yielding to patience and largely solving themselves.