Kitchen cabinets

KITCHEN CABINETS

Layout

This are my favorite layout pictures. I like the tall, tall cabinets and the peekaboo row of windowed cabinets next to the sink. I would like to copy both the height and the peekaboo cabinets. In addition, as we discussed, I would like to have my top cabinet layer to be open or windowed.

I like this one because of the different levels above the sink. I know we have a window over the sink, but perhaps we could emulate this by bringing the corner cabinet down into a appliance garage?

Like this:

This next picture also shows a good kitchen layout, similar to what I want. Mostly closed cabinets with some peekaboo showing through.

Style

Moving on, the next pictures reflect the style of the cabinetry that I am attracted to. Like I said, simple but traditional, with more furniture-like details on the island.

Utility Details

Finally, these next pictures show some of the utility details that I would like, if at all possible.

Appliance garage. A must. I like the fact that it is in the corner, taking advantage of otherwise unused space.

Plate storage racks. Not absolutely essential, but would be nice. So pretty.

Corner drawers instead of a lazy susan. We talked about this.

Pullout trash center (in a place where we can have a recessed hole on top to push the trash through, as in picture). There should be space for at least two cans, to accommodate recyclables.

Here is one with four cans.

Similar solution, but for organic waste. Maybe we could put the organic trash drawer next to the trash center, and have the cutting board cover both? If we can't I would prefer to have the above trash hole.

Spice storage.

Miscellaneous. Good storage options all. The one at the top right shows another excellent spice storage solution.

I especially like the following, because they make use of the generally hard-to-take-advantage-of lower cabinets.

Also, the rails should be as strong as possible (especially considering my little ones, which like to hang onto drawers). I read somewhere that drawers should be able to support 75-100 pounds when fully extended; is that right?

Of course, I realize that I can't put all of the above storage options in, but I am showing them to you so that you can include any that are possible.

GREAT ROOM BUILT-INS

Here is the mock-up that I made. It is simple but should give the general idea. Ignore the extra shelf above the TV cabinet on the column. The pale texture is meant to represent the wall and the darkest texture represents the wood of the built-in. So it goes: closed cabinet, windowed cabinet, then two shelves.

Again, this is only the general idea; feel free to elaborate on it. You are the expert!

Thanks Terry!

These are some images we've been looking at. Nothing too definite, just general style and ideas. We like a lot of styles but don't want it to look messy, disparate, all over the place.

So here goes ...

LIVING/GREAT ROOM

This is the original house, the one whose plans we started from. We like the wood detailing in the cathedral ceiling and on the balcony, as well as the wrought-iron detail, but other than that feel like there is too much wood; the overall look is too dark to suit us.

This house, though Spanish-style, has a better wood-white balance, in my opinion.

Here is an example of wood-stain window frames that we actually like.

But the following pictures are probably closer to what we will want in the end; white window frames with dark (or cherry-stained) and reclaimed wood detailing that provides a nice "ranchy" feeling. We love the first one especially...

And this is my work-up of the great room built-ins. It is rough, but gives the general idea. We want to avoid breaking up the diagonal too much (hence the vertical fireplace detail) but would also like to try to hide the television in a cabinet. The texture on the fireplace vertical is meant to be stone, but we could also go for brick. The actual built-ins would be dark or cherry stained wood, but would leave the wall exposed in places, thereby minimizing the horizontal cut across the top. What do you think?

Here are some other ways to handle our two concerns.

KITCHEN

We are much clearer on what we want in the kitchen. Mostly white (or very pale) cabinets and counters with a darker island and see-through bar (to provide transition into the great room). We would like the cabinets to go all the way up, as in the following pictures. This actually comes very close. I even like the hardware!

These two kitchens are similar, but a little less modern. I will probably end up picking something between the previous style and the following ones.

I also like the blue island. Have seen some beautiful red ones too, but that is a decision I am not ready to make. Either way, the island will match the see-through bar.

And this image is to show some window wood-detailing on the kitchen.

MISCELLANEOUS

Gorgeous wood-stain window-frames that we love. Wish I could decide!

And more wood detailing (with white window frames)

As to the cement floors, we are leaning towards this color/style.

We are also considering a carpet runner for the stairs.

And here is a window-seat detail (for the girls' rooms upstairs). Could we do this?