New kitchen and bathroom

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Loofah, Oct 29, 2019.

  1. Logan

    Logan Total Gardener

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    We have chipboard work tops in the kitchen, they're very well made, it has a seal on it so it's hard wareing. Still use table mats for hot dishes and a chopping board.
    20200124_081105.jpg
     
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    • Loofah

      Loofah Admin Staff Member

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      I think it's the inclination to use the surface as a chopping block (because really that's what it would be, one very big chopping board) and over time digging out a pit that's also darker or 'well seasoned'!
      I'll have to keep asking around for people that have them and see if they rate them as good or not...
       
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      • Loofah

        Loofah Admin Staff Member

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        Question for those better at kitchen design than me - the architect put in an arbitrary layout for the kitchen and I think it looks 'fine' but wondered if the layout can be improved and how / why?
        upload_2020-1-26_15-42-12.png

        So the sink is by a window which will look over the side garden and veg patch. The sofa area is self explanatory and looks over the main garden through bi-fold doors so it's just the unit configuration that I'm interested in and the use of 'island' which will presumably have a breakfast bar thingy. I think the two squares with crosses through are for a fridge/freezer but I don't really know!
         
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          Last edited: Jan 26, 2020
        • BellaBlue

          BellaBlue Gardener

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          It would be more expensive but they do say that the fridge, cooker and sink should be in a triangle so a sink in the island?

          Better view for the person washing any dishes too.
           

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        • Loofah

          Loofah Admin Staff Member

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          They do and we toyed with the idea but in reality we tend to stack some dishes and other odds n ends near the sink so that would become a central focus - not the ambience we were looking for! that said, I'm still undecided on it...
           
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          • redstar

            redstar Total Gardener

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            I ruled it out as you do have to be careful, and use cutting board always, and hot pads etc.
             
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            • Sheal

              Sheal Total Gardener

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              Is there space for a dishwasher? There only seems to be a hob there, is the cooker free standing or are you having an eye level oven too?
               
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              • CanadianLori

                CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                The sink under the window is perfect. Always place your dishwasher under the counter area below the cupboards where you plan to store your plates and glassware. Easier to unload.

                I have my cooktop in my peninsula on the cupboard side of the area so that whilst cooking I can talk to guests/family sitting at the other side of the unit. Under the cooktop are drawers holding stove top cookery.- pots pans etc. Drawers to the side of the cooktop hold utensils for cooking and spices. Running wiring for the cooktop to the island would be less expensive than trying to put water there.

                Wall ovens and microwave would be efficient if placed in the corner. I wish I had done that! Then under the ovens more drawers or a cupboard for oven cookery.

                Now you have your triangle.

                Dimensions would be nice to see :) I've only designed a couple dozen kitchens but know that you need to keep things functional as to how you live, not some designers' concept.
                 
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                • CanadianLori

                  CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                  Oops, ignore what I said. You don't have cellars there so a cooktop with downdraft, is out of the question!

                  And just noticed the numbers, I assume those are centimeters :doh:
                   
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                  • lolimac

                    lolimac Total Gardener

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                    I can recommend solid wood worktops:blue thumb: Ours are 40mm solid Oak,been in for 15 years or so,oil them once a year and look as good as new when done,only takes 10 mins to do.I always use chopping boards and still would if they were Granite or any other worktops.

                    I also recommend slide out draws in base cupboards,saves you crawling around on your hands and knees to see whats at the back of them.:blue thumb:
                    I can't say I'm 'big' on 'Islands' it would just give me more surface to pile stuff on..:rolleyespink:
                     
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                    • Loofah

                      Loofah Admin Staff Member

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                      Good question and yes we'll have to make sure there is! Cooker is now going to be a range and either roughly where marked or maybe moved into the corner
                       
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                      • Loofah

                        Loofah Admin Staff Member

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                        Good tip on those drawers, hadn't thought of that!
                        I've never had an island before but the thinking is, apparently, it's good for breakfast bars and working with the kids so the theory for us is ideal. We shall see!
                         
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                        • CanadianLori

                          CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                          Islands are absolutely fabulous when entertaining. It becomes an area to lay out a spread of hors d'oeuvres and place wine glasses etc.

                          Then during the week, yes, a breakfast area and place for the family to chat whenever food is involved. Keeps the edibles in the kitchen and out of the family room.
                           
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                          • redstar

                            redstar Total Gardener

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                            make sure you put an electric outlet on the side of your island, or two if you can. it really is awesome to sit there with a computer, or mixer to have a plug right on the side.
                             
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                            • Loofah

                              Loofah Admin Staff Member

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                              I've been to Magnet, Benchmarx and an independent and got basically the same design but differing costs; still not sure where to go to be honest!

                              I did find this quite useful review of kitchens on YouTube -
                              Anyone thinking of kitchens should have a peruse.

                              We have also had a small change in the kitchen and where the door to the utility goes (it's now at the other end) as it meant we could double the size of the bathroom.

                              Howdens and DIY Kitchens next!
                               
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