Kitchen Redos

[Beth]

Anyone been through a kitchen update or remodel that can give some tips on getting started. I would like to find a kitchen planner for some tips on maximizing the use of this attractive but dysfunctional kitchen, but don't know how to find the right one.

My dishwasher is terminally ill, and this weekend, one of 2 burners on my cooktop (it also had a grill that didn't work) went down in flames while making breakfast --well, a quick poof of flame, anyway. I have been told that we may not be able to get parts to repair, even though we have a home waranty and the $35 service call would be worth being able to cook while we figure this out.

We knew when we bought this house that we would update appliances and countertops, but we weren't quite prepared for this. Everything we thought was simple has led to more decisions, and so on, and so on....I want to do this right the first, and only, time, and every dollar has to count. Any input (dos or don'ts) will be appreciated. Thanks

[peg levy]

I did a major redo two years ago. The best thing I did was locate a temporary kitchen in my laundry room. I surprised myself with the quality of meals I could make with an electric skillet, mircrowave and a crockpot. I found a great contractor through a kitchen cabinet supplier. He really saved the day more than once. I went to several appliance dealers and listened to every sales person sell me on their appliance. I then checked the appliances through Consumer Reports. The toughest decision was the style of cabinet I wanted. It was so hard to choose a style I would still like ten years from now. It cost more $ than originally planned, but not because of poor planning. It was a case of "as long as I'm doing this, I might as well." Hope this helps.

[Beth]

Did you move walls, make subtle layout changes or just replace cabinets and appliances? Doesn't sound like you used a kitchen planner, but your contractor was your idea person. I'd really love to rip the tile, cabinets and all, but I'm afraid it would get totally out of hand. Instead, I'm looking for clever ways to better use the space, and especially the lack of counterspace/work area. That's why I think a planner could help. I do have 2 or 3 good contractors to work with.

[MaryB]

My husband and I remodeled our kitchen in our first house and it was the best thing we did to the house even though it was more expensive then we bargained for. In our case we added a half bath (previously we only had an upstairs bathroom) and moved the entrance to the basement so it wasn't in the kitchen. This decreased the number of doorways from four to three. We hired a kitchen designer even though our kitchen was small. We figured we needed to make the most of our space. My best advice is to make sure you have a contractor you trust and that you get cabinets that make the most of your space.

We have since moved and we are now going to redo our 1970's era kitchen within the next two years. It's a bigger and better laid out kitchen, but has dark cabinets which are already falling apart. We have already replaced the mustard yellow range and refrigerator which helped a lot. But the next step is to rip out all those cabinets and ugly flooring and redo. I think we will again hire a kitchen designer. Good luck with your redo!

[JeanneW]

Hi Beth,

We've been considering the same thing although we haven't started yet (a little bit scared) so I don't have concrete advice for you. However, the major home centers, Home Depot, Lowe's, Menard's etc. usually have certified kitchen designers on staff. They'll work with you to design the kitchen you want. I believe there's no charge for their services if you purchase your cabinets, flooring, etc. from them.

I would definitely look for a designer with the letter CKD or CKBD behind their names. That tells you they're a certified designer and they take education courses to maintain that designation. They should also be up-to-date on the latest trends and appliances.

Hope this is helpful and keep us posted on your progress. Jeanne

[MrsReber]

I have a co-worker who remodeled her kitchen last year. She said she went to Home Depot and they helped her with everything. She even said that they had a much nicer selection of cabinets than other places she had looked. Good luck!

[Gail]

Nine years ago, we did a complete rehaul of our Vintage 1950's kitchen. Since I was actually happy with the basic layout of the kitchen, there was no need to hire a designer. I merely replaced all existing with new cabinetry, tiles, flooring and appliances-- with a few special pluses to suit my needs.

Since storage is almost always an issue, our savvy contractor suggested we utilize a formerly wasted spot immediately over the cooktop by enclosing the vent pipe completely and building enclosed shelves around it. (Great for my blender, food processor, popcorn maker and Cuisinart Pasta attachment.) What was formerly a floating countertop between dining area and kitchen now houses a a two-sided pantry beneath with loads of room for canned goods. All cabinet shelves were made utilizing easy clean surfaces and pull-out drawers were installed under the cooktop where I keep my pots and pans and under a long counter I use as my baking center. A concealed light was put over this counter.

Because I have an inordinate number of spices, the cabinetmaker custom-made a stair-stepped built-in spice shelf for me (think bleachers in a shelf and you have the general idea.) Also, because I can the world's sloppiest cook, we tiled all woodwook around the stove and baking center.

If I have any advice for you it is to really take a good look at your own particular needs as a cook (my messiness, my extra spices, for example.) If you're a serious cook, (my contractor termed my kitchen a "high usage kitchen") don't let yourself sacrifice functionality for looks. (Do you tend to drop things? Forget tile flooring.)
And please, think about ample ventilation and lighting. What you're looking for is an idea person, someone who can listen to your needs and apply them to the space with which he or she has to work (keeping your budget in mind.)

When you get started, be prepared for several weeks of innovative cooking practices (I did everything with an electric wok, toaster oven and crockpot) and a lot of dish-washing in the garage or bathtub!

Good luck!



[This message has been edited by Gail (edited 09-19-2000).]

[Beth]

Thanks everyone. Gail, we are already having to be inovative with cooking techniques on one burner (the warranty repairman apparently fell off the end of the earth). I made what I thought was a fairly simple pasta casserole the other day so I could have something ready when we got home from my son's basketball practice. What should have taken 30 minutes, boiling water and all, took nearly an hour and a half. Ugh!

Our kitchen is very open and light, but we have very little counter space. Unfortunately, we have a island cooktop with a downdraft and nothing above it other than the 13-foot ceiling. The concrete slabs here mean things won't move around much no matter what we do. And the floor is already a white tile that breaks everything and hides nothing. It's also smaller than I'd like, but it covers 3 rooms, an entry area and a walk-in pantry. A lot to rip up.

I have been checking out Home Depot, Lowe's, Expo and some others since we moved. I can't beleive it's taken 2 years to get to the point we can start, but I also can't belive how we've come up with more questions than answers. And I haven't had any time to go look or talk for the last 2 weeks. I have one day next week that's not booked, and October is already half-booked.

I'm think I'm having a "moving might be simpler and result in a better kitchen" kind of day. I'd still have to replace the cooktop and the dishwasher. Oh well....

If it won't be a dream kitchen, is it worth doing more than appliances and countertops?

[food girl]

A few things that I would do if I could:

* move the sink faucet to a wall mount instead of the sink-mounted kind. Think of all the grime that gets caught behind that thing!

* counter tops that "hang over" the sink. I hate the grime and junk that gets caught on the lip of the sink

(wow it sounds like my OCD is showing again)


A friend of mine once told me "if you don't use it once a week, get it off of your countertop. This goes for knick-knacks and cookbooks."

words to live by

[Lchiles]

I would also like to redo my kitchen, but don't know where to start. My house is about 14 years old and has a nice kitchen, but I would like to see about changing the layout, appliances, lighting, and counters. I really think it's hard to know who to trust or where to start. I live in Florida, and don't know if we have Kitchen designer designations here, I guess I'll check the phone book. Interested in any input on this thread. LaurieC

[lindrusso]

Beth,

You spoke about a kitchen planner - have you had anyone at all come in and look at your kitchen? They can be a great help - you get used to seeing your kitchen a certain way - tunnel vision - and they may come up with things that you never even dreamed about. It's hard to do it alone - there are so many things to consider, so many choices.

If you can't get recommendations from others in your area who have redone their kitchens, you could just call 2 or 3 in your area, have them come out and tell you their ideas. That's how I found the lady who did my kitchen - she just clicked with me. There's no charge for you to sit down with them and get their ideas, so if someone doesn't work well for you, there's no loss. You can get estimates on doing a total re-do and one for doing just the countertops, etc. If doing the cabinets or other work is not even in your budget, then there's one less thing to think about.

Now, you not having the time to sit down with them is another issue altogether...

[Gail]

Beth,

I was considering your dilemma on my rounds today, remembering what my kitchen was like before we remodeled. And I got to thinking how different our needs are. Obviously, the former owners must've felt there wasn't enough counter space. They rigged an ingenious-but-tacky solution by hinging a collapsable tabletop to the side of the cabinet which housed the oven. When extended, the end of this makeshift device rested upon the old-fashioned pull-out breadboard. It was actually pretty weird, but it did provide an additional work surface.

What I never understood, though, was why they felt they needed the thing. As the room was, there was already plenty of counter space (although their wine rack and glasses took up a lot of that area.) Housing my wine rack in a different location freed up all sorts of space. So, I have to wonder-- are you so short of counter, or is it that the space is tied up housing things without homes? Might you better be served finding alternate homes for things, or considering under counter appliances, for example? Maybe I'm completely off base here and it's a dumb idea, but there are other reorganizational ideas which may conceivably free up the counter space you need.

Just a thought...

[This message has been edited by Gail (edited 09-21-2000).]

[Beth]

I don't have anything on my counters that isn't used daily or nearly every day. I am already looking at an under the cabinet knife block to clear a few inches, and I may relocate the toaster toward the breakfast table. That's as far as I can go.

I have one line of cabinets on the exterior wall, with the sink in the middle. With concrete slabs, I can't move it without MAJOR problems. My counterspace on that wall is the amount over my dishwasher and about the same amount on the other side. The opposite side of the kitchen is an island. The counterspace on the left of the cooktop is only about 6 inches wide. The other side of the cooktop is about the width of a dishwasher, but it bows out a little. The bowed area is a mini breakfast bar with 2 stools. It would help if I could break certain family members from dumping mail, newspapers, homework, hats and toys in that area.

We have sat and stared at the kitchen for hours, trying to move walls, the refrigerator or ovens, and the only place it appears I could pick up an extra couple of feet of counterspace is at a right angle to the side of the refrigerator, stuck away from the work area. Not worth moving walls, rewiring, new cabinets and ripping out tile floors.

Oh well, could be worse. I could be a Olympic gymnast trying not to kill myself. Has anyone else been watching in pain? Ouch!!!

[Gail]

Originally posted by Beth:
I don't have anything on my counters that isn't used daily or nearly every day. I am already looking at an under the cabinet knife block to clear a few inches, and I may relocate the toaster toward the breakfast table. That's as far as I can go.

... It would help if I could break certain family members from dumping mail, newspapers, homework, hats and toys in that area.



That's a beginning. What about open shelving under the cabinets (and over counter) for some of the stuff you use a lot? I've seen some designs which actually utilize nifty little roll-top cubicles for appliances you MUST have readily available. Please don't misunderstand-- I'm not advocating that you rip out and redesign your entire kitchen-- maybe just upgrade interiors and doors to your cabinetry to make things more space-efficient. That's why I thought a professional might have ideas. Lord knows I'm not one.

Hey and about those Olympic athletes-- we had a guy come in and single-handedly rip a counter and cabinets out of the wall. It was painful just watching! (plus more than slightly intimidating) Don't think that big galoot would be much good on a pommel horse, though... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[lisad]

Guys--
The kitchen makeover in our October issue may give you some ideas ... also look on the site for our virtual tour of the kitchen ... it'll be up Oct. 3, and will provide you with some tips as well. Would you be interested in an area on the site that features kitchen remodeling ideas and tips? Thanks. Lisa D

[MaryB]

I really like that idea, Lisa. Of course I am planning a kitchen redo with the next couple of years. But I'd also like tips about new products and ideas for using the space I have without major remodeling.

[lorilei]

Alright, I'm jumping into this. The suggestions so far have all been good, and I'm hoping someone will have a few words of wisdom for me.

I'll be moving soon -- into a new apartment with a fairly large kitchen. The odd part about the kitchen is, that although it has ample storage space (pantry, spice cupboard etc), it really does lack counter space. There are two countertops on either side of the double sink (probably 2 ft on each side) and that's it...

Problem is, since we're renting, I can't actually "renovate" anything. I'll have to come up with creative solutions.

One idea I have is to put in a baker's station against one of the other kitchen walls, but I'm finding that units for this sort of thing are really pricey. Any ideas that won't cost a mint?

[lindrusso]

Lorilei,

From what I've seen in many kitchen magazines, the new "in" thing to do is to have an island that is actually a separate, movable table, not a built in island as has been done traditionally in the past. I have no idea on price ranges for these sorts of tables (obviously they'd have to have a top that is conducive to kitchen work), but I imagine you'd really have a lot of flexibility in what you choose. Many of the tables I have seen in the magazines also have shelves underneath for additional storage.

If you are crafty and handy with tools (not me!) you could probably transform a used table into one of these kitchen islands (like take off the top and replace with a piece of countertop - maybe an extra piece from someone elses re-do). Of course all of this depends on whether or not you have room in the middle of your kitchen for this.

[Natasha]

Hey guys,
Besides the makeover article in the Oct. issue, there was mention of another makeover contest in the future. Good stuff! I know winning is just a dream, but what s wrong with a dream or two?

[Beth]

Natasha, does it say where we sign up? They were able to "repair" my cooktop (twist in a connection to bypass the burnt wire), but could I really wait?

Like Lorilei, my kitchen is not so small, just way short on counter space. I was talking with the contractor who's painting our house right now about expanding our "island", which is really the other side of the kitchen, open to the family room and breakfast area. Think 3 rooms all in one with traffic flowing throughout and 13 foot ceilings that are completely open (no cooktop vent cabinets or anything coming down
except 2 ceiling fans). Everyone who walks in loves the look. Kind of a dysfuntional beauty queen type.

I'm playing with designing an island that will allow me to move some of my cookbooks out of the breakfast room work area and the utility room. That would open up the workspace in the breakfast room for the computer stuff (could I possibly work a flat screen monitor in the budget????). If I can figure out where I would put the micro/convection oven, I'm thinking I might be able to make a baking center out of a corner that is really part of the breakfast area. Would that work?

And while I'm at it, anyone ever found a way to keep Tupperware and such under control when there's more than one person getting it out and putting it away? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

Lorilei, I'm not sure if you're looking for a baker's "rack" or something different. You can sometimes find those at something like Pier One. If you have wall space, you could also look into a multi-function armoire that could be used in other rooms down the road. But if you're talking about a baking workspace, I think the island idea might work, even if it's against a wall, possibly with something hung on the wall above. Again, that would give future flexibility for things you will take with you.

[Natasha]

Originally posted by Beth:
Natasha, does it say where we sign up?

Hi Beth,

Unfortunately not. It just says that there will be another contest, and to stay tuned for the announcement, with full details, in an upcoming issue. Oh, well...

Good luck with your kitchen renos!

[Beth]

Originally posted by lisad:
Guys--
The kitchen makeover in our October issue may give you some ideas ... also look on the site for our virtual tour of the kitchen ... it'll be up Oct. 3, and will provide you with some tips as well. Would you be interested in an area on the site that features kitchen remodeling ideas and tips? Thanks. Lisa D

Sounds like a great idea. I think it would be especially helpful for ideas on how to overcome particular challenges without gutting or adding on as well as simply updating a kitchen. It might be that we could also look at ideas on how to better use the space we have by changing orgaization or function.

[Lchiles]

Beth, Did you ever do anything with your kitchen in the way of a Makeover??? Still interested in doing mine. Went to a kitchen remodel seminar at a cooking store Saturday. Learned quite a bit, but can't say I still know where to start. There aren't a lot of CKD or CKBD designations in any of the ads in the Yellow Pages. The CKD that was at the seminar is in a different county, but I'm going to call and see if she will work in my County. LaurieC

[luv2cook]

I was just skimming msgs and I saw this posting again. My hub and I just came up with an idea how to mess with our kitch. FINALLY he has seen the light and realizes we must do something. I need more usuable cabinet space and a little more counter and storage. We're going to find out how much it will be to knock out a wall. That will give me a much bigger kitchen with just the sacrifice of a hall closet.

Our DW stinks and our refrigerator keep giving us grief altho it's only 2.5 years old. Don't buy Maytag. That's all I can say. They're not like they used to be. Don't know what to do about the floor, tho. I am clumsy (tonight broke Pyrex with the coveted red onions in them) and messy. Don't know what the answer is other than replaceable flooring! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I am going to search for a kitchen designer pretty soon to help fit in the double ovens and warming drawer that I want and figure out what kind of cabinets, etc.

[Lynn B]

A kitchen remodel -- how well I remember!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif We totally re-did our kitchen a few years back, and I still love it! My main suggestions would be to get the very best cabinets that you can afford. Really LOVE them! Countertops, sinks, faucets, appliances, etc., may come and go... but you will probably be living w/ those cabinets for a LOOOOOONG time!

I think a kitchen planner is a great idea! They should be able to give you several workable options and then you can make a choice. I LOVE the idea of the "moveable" islands! I also love the "mix and match" look (ie, some cabinets in stained wood, some painted; or cabinets stained, island painted -- mmmm!) I got so many great ideas from kitchen books and magazines... well worth the time & money to really pour through those!

It IS a major hassle to remodel a kitchen (we washed dishes in the bathtub upstairs for WEEKS!!!!) - but it is oh-so-worth-it!!! Most of all, just keep thinking of what you will have when it's done!!!

[Beth]

Luv2cook, We've been playing with ideas so far. Somehow, there's always something else that has to get done first. I've been going to go look and check out kitchen designers since August. Right now, we pour a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and stare at the cabinets for inspiration every so often, then one us grabs a measuring tape or a pad and pencil, we walk around, talk and figure and find out we're an inch short this way and two inches short that way.

Our layout and our lot really give us much in the way of expanding the current space, so it's more a matter of making what we have function better. We already have custom cabinets and a lot of coordinated woodwork throughout the downstairs, so changing cabinets is not a realistic option....nor is a movable island since a concrete slab dictates the cooktop goes there.

I think we're coming down on the side of replacing sink, appliances (DW died and has been replaced), countertops. We are hoping to update existing cabinets with trays and pullouts, enlarge the island and put in drawers for cookware and some bookshelves, and modify a built-in desk in our breakfast room to better house the computer and a file drawer. Our pantry needs a facelift too for better storage use and to accomodate a wine cooler. That's the price I pay for bringing DH from his native California (needless to say, a walk-in pantry meant different things to each of us).

[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 01-22-2001).]

[Kathy]

I am getting a chuckle here reading some of your posts about DWs. Makes me think of the other post a reader entered asking what DH stands for. Think about it.."My DW stinks...My DW died..." I guess I am easily amused! (Note, I am assuming you ARE talking about your dishwashers! I will feel awful if you are actually talking about your dear/darling wives!)

[This message has been edited by Kathy (edited 01-22-2001).]