This Jack Arnold kitchen has been a favorite of mine for a while, but now I think by moving our kitchen to the opposite side of the house, the hood and stove area design has become more relevant to our situation.
If we do our stove on the wall as it is shown, I want there to be a very wide open space for prep work on that wall. I want all meat to be handled in this location. I do not want cabinets on this wall to obstruct the workspace. If the stove is centered on the wall, I want two casement windows that open with pretty french levers. I want then to open in so that I can grow herbs just outside my window. The hood can look so big, like the photo below, and the windows will be incorporated into the space under the hood, similar to how the inset plate racks are in the photo below. I also like the idea of either a menu blackboard, or an iron fireback as a feature behind the stove.
This photo has beam details that carry into other rooms. Also, I like the custom "baker's rack" on the island for plants and other accessories.
This is a photo I found from an Atlanta custom kitchen designer's portfolio. The space is similar to our space, and incorporates all of the details we are considering too. I love how all of the elements come together to create a cozy yet interesting space.
Here is another photo from Affiniti architects of a kitchen with multiple finishes, beams, stone, etc....beautiful!
The first photo is a kitchen from a company called Bentwood. They supply a lot of the Jack Arnold homes we like with cabinetry. I just like the space, the rounded windows, the ceiling beams and wainscoting, the black accents, the iron island light. It is casual, yet elegant and interesting. I am not crazy about all the geometry, but maybe some of that detail, if it were done on the island only, would be nice.
The second photo I have had for 12 years. Any kitchen we do needs to include a custom piece that mimics the top hutch portion of this piece.
The Kitchen Wish List...
See the Latest Floor Plan here.
The list has become quite long, so I have done a few short cut notes.
- Main Kitchen
- Island/Work Triangle
- Catering Kitchen (Referred to as "Flatware Pantry" on Current Plans)
- Walk-In Food/Equipment Pantry
- Butler's Pantry
- Family Hall spaces
As you'll see over and over on this blog, I like when all aspects of a home feel unified... so please see this link too.
I thought I would start with the exterior cues because they give hints as to what the interior might look like. Also, quite a few of our furnishings have been chosen over the years with the vision that they would one day fit into the house we are about to build.
Read on and you'll find that we tried to cover all aspects of the planning for our new kitchen. If it looks like too much, feel free to just look at the pictures. :)
Views /Doors and Windows
- We would like our kitchen to accentuate and integrate with exterior views of our house, the mature trees, the pool house/pool, and the planned landscaping (stone walls, patios, shrubs, grasses, container plantings), as well as a planned special play area.
- We would like to be able to view the play area and pool from working areas in the kitchen.
- Design of doors, windows, and cabinets at the back of the house should not distract the eye from looking outward. I love this photo that shows the outside of the breakfast area turret. The lites are at the top of the window so that there is less cluttering of the view to the outside.
- Relationships of the kitchen to family room and other areas of the house should make sense. If there is a view from the foyer, it should catch a pretty display view of the kitchen, not a view of a potentially messy area. That is one reason that our current plan has most of the major appliances on a back wall. The other reason is to keep them from competing with the exterior views. For instance, in our current kitchen, the view from the foyer hallway is a shot of the door to the garage….not good.
- Right now, the window and door set up is such a mix of mismatched moldings, mullions, and window grills, that is does not draw the eye past all of the clutter to the view. The furniture arrangement is limited because we don't want to add to the blocking of the view.
This kitchen is the best example I have ever seen of the atmosphere we want to create. Multiple finishes, multiple colors come together to create space that is an inviting, colorful, and sparkling.
- I want to create atmosphere where people don't necessarily notice all of the details we thought about, but just feel like they could stay in my kitchen for a long time, like when you find a great little restaurant and everyone loses track of the time. Nothing should be too dramatic or theme oriented.
- I would like a mixture of rustic, elegant, timeless, and traditional, but maybe a little sparkle or whimsy too. Many times I have walked into a high-end kitchen and it feels cold, severe, or just not special for all of the money that went into it. The details are there, but the feeling is not. We hope to achieve that sense of contentment for ourselves and our guests that comes about when a home feels balanced and has multiple layers of interest.
This photo shows kitchen features we will use, but within the context of our other design goals. What I love about this kitchen is....
- the hand scraped wide plank flooring,
- the sage green painted island, as well as the barley twist legs
- the alternating cream/putty painted and darker wood tone cabinetry
- many other functional details that are not immediately visible
- the fabric, which in person, is like printed burlap with leaves and birds
Things we would add in our kitchen...
- Rustic cedar beams
- Our breakfast turret
- focus on visibility of the exterior backyard
This photo is of a designer's kitchen in Bethesda. I love the old beams and the thick stucco wall arch. I love the counter stools too. She created a great spot for her laptop, overlooking her garden and next to the coffee station,...also complete with modern day custom plug-on pockets for all the family phones and devices. She uses sconces heavily throughout the home and I think it adds such a serene feeling in the kitchen.
This kitchen is appealing because of the multiple finishes, the stove mantle and the checkerboard butcherblock. I always think the checkerboard adds a touch of whimsy and "youth" to a space without going to far overboard.
This is a Barry Dixon kitchen. I love the...
- beams
- the very architectural and old world stove mantle
- the niche next to it with shelving and pottery
- the drawer and cabinet door styles, as well as the finishes and hardware
- the plate rack
- the overall charm of the space
This kitchen is from a home in McLean. We loved the entire house but would prefer it on our lot. :) Pierre Deux staged the house for sale. Things we notice about his space...
- Rustic beams
- Windows, especially the sink window flanked by sconces,
- Colors-- reds, greens, blues deep earth tones,but the yellow is a little too strong for us
- Copper hood
- Stone work
- Iron chandelier
- Mixture of traditional and rustic trim work th
roughout the house.
This kitchen is a Bowers Builders renovation in McLean VA. I love the ceiling, the rounded windows, and the Napa feeling about the space.
The kitchen below is Jack Arnold's personal kitchen. It is a little too formal for me, but I love the texture and colors used in the space.
This is another Bentwood kitchen. I love the sage/putty color.
This is an idea for finishing the ceiling in the turret, but this one is a little small and dark.
The kitchen table will be 60"
Possible kitchen table for turret from Guy Chaddock
Another potential kitchen table
In our old kitchen, we mixed stained and distressed milk-painted cabinets, soapstone, and hardwood floors, with an island chandelier, stainless Viking appliances, and our crystal on display in a black distressed painted china cabinet in the kitchen. We mixed in soft green and gold colored fabrics with sage/cream toile wallpaper installed in the back of the glass cabinets. At night, it created an inviting and glowing atmosphere.
Décor
We have planned on using a variety of finishes in the kitchen to create more of a European furniture look. Our kitchen is the most important room to us, really a core for the feeling we are trying to create for our entire home. We will draw from the details in the kitchen to finish many other rooms on the main floor. Details we want included in the kitchen design….
Cabinetry Finishes and Style
- Both Distressed wood cabinets and cream painted and glazed.
- Love this kitchen cabinetry and the backsplash of the stove mantle.
- This link is the reprint of the entire article. http://www.stephaniesonnewbury.com/traditional-home-november-2005.pdf
- I really like cabinets that sit on countertops, more like a hutch. No cabinets that seem to float with no relationship to ceiling, trim, or counter.
- Renaissance (Manufacturer) china cabinet. This piece was done by a cabinet maker in La Jolla,CA no longer in existence.
- I want to recreate this cabinet in the kitchen, or at least the hutch part of it. It would need to be scaled with our space.
- This piece really is integral to the feeling of the design we want. It sets a tone. It was done in Pine with a raised grain process.
- Reference: Renovation Style Winter 1996 p. 56-60 Small Spaces United. Designer Judy Sobolik. I still love the whole feel of the cabinetry and multiple finishes used in this kitchen. I have the entire article, but it is a bit tattered compliments of Grant's handy work, so I called the designer and she sent me a new copy! How nice.
- I love the combination of stained and distressed painted pieces in a kitchen.
- Possibly painting backs of glass cabinets a green color to make white dishes stand out.
- Inset doors and drawers with beading
- Drawers!... deep, wide, whatever it takes to customize them perfectly for specific uses
- Utensil drawers with separators
- knives
- Canisters for breakfast, coffee, flour etc…
- Pots/pans
- NO NO NO double doors with pull-out trays (single door, pull out tray is OK, if a drawer would not be appropriate)
In addition, we want.....
- Multiple countertop heights and finishes.
- Black accents, possibly in the island cabinets, tile, countertop, and/or accessories
- Possible mobile baking station that uses a clever bulky table on casters (could double as extra buffet space while entertaining).
- Family room fireplace mantle.
- Stove Mantle (this is not in plan anymore due to island cooktop)
We have considered a combination of several products. We like:
- Honed granite or marble
- Butcher block (maybe even checkerboard) or Distressed walnut wood
- Copper
- Also open to other suggestions…
Need a very comprehensive trim plan. Ceiling included.
- Possibly 6" Tongue and groove.
- Rustic ceiling beams.
- Thicker walls and doorways. (Like in Bethesda designer's kitchen)
- Pocket or sliding barn doors if it fits better or adds something to the space.
- Everything very substantial, grounded, yet not looming.
- Entrance –not just a door, more of an opening alcove, arched and with details. Something like this…
- Shelving (like the Pottery Barn Tysons Corner store photos) deeper oak shelves---maybe inquire if they would give us the name of the supplier.
- I like the combination of the terracotta color and black from the Stephanie Sokolove kitchen, or something similar.
- This idea may be eliminated because of the current island cooktop design, but we could use some element of tile in the Main Sink area, or in the corner of the back wall close to the ovens, which may become a baking nook.
Lighting of wall, display areas, any other special spots, need suggestions……we know this is HUGE to create the feeling we want.
- Sconces
- Chandelier pot racks (We have two F9107 Troy Lighting Trellis Six-Light Kitchen Pot Racks that we would like to use over the island.)
- Breakfast area light will be the chandelier we have in the dining room now. (World imports 8 Lt CHANDELIER" # 61800-58
- Recessed lights should all have dimmers.
- ****Remember outlets for Christmas decorations.
- Would consider a natural limestone or similar product rather than the same wood flooring from the rest of the first floor.
- Main level will use a wide plank rustic hickory or antique oak hand scraped floor.
- Would love to incorporate a rustic hammered copper sink
- Large open sink with drain board
- Sink in Butler's pantry...Probably in Catering Kitchen too.
- Might like a pot filler faucet in the island
- Main sink should have an integrated spray faucet
- Finishes for faucets: I like stainless, oil-rubbed bronze, or a finish called weathered brass that looks like a soft gold.
This is an idea for a window above the sink. I am not sure about ornately designed windows, but I like the tulip design because it lends to the earthy garden theme we have loosely followed with our colors and furnishings.
Seating
- Breakfast area
- Fabrics and pillows in reds, golds, greens, and hydrangea blue…stay in a lighter, casual realm. Maybe something that looks like ticking mixed with textures and small prints. I love the fabric covering the pillows on the bench in the Stephanie Sokolove kitchen.
- Island
- Bar stools at the island (4 max). Seating area at island with view of cooktop and main preparation area (for entertaining)
Display
- Open shelving for White ceramic collection
- We would like to display a lot of items that might not be used every day. I have a growing collection of white/cream large platters and bowls, as well as white embossed Italian buffet plates that I love. Most of these items do not fit in wall cabinets and can be easily forgotten in base cabinets. I would use all of these items more if they were visible and easily accessible.
- I would prefer not to put these items in a closed storage location. I have several pictures of how this could be accomplished in open shelving. Reference: Traditional Home Holiday 2000 p.154 story Pure Contentment
- One idea was to put some open shelving on the wall straight back from the big opening into the pantry areas.
- Renaissance cabinet custom piece (refer to photo)Custom Furniture piece, or possibly built-in from the Renaissance Cabinetry photo. This piece really is integral to the feeling of the design we want. It sets a tone.
- Reference: Renovation Style Winter 1996 p. 56-60 Small Spaces United. Designer Judy Sobolik. I still love the whole feel of the cabinetry and multiple finishes used in this kitchen. I have the entire article, but it is a bit tattered compliments of Grant's handy work, so I called the designer and she sent me a new copy! How nice.
- Blue and White Staffordshire pieces
- Blue and White Staffordshire collection, not extensive, but I always notice this detail in kitchens I seem to gravitate towards. (Also present in the Stephanie Sokolove kitchen)
- Family photos
- Accessories
- Fabrics bring in color (Colors: red, gold, greens, hydrangea blue) crystal, china, silver, pewter, floral, iron, oil rubbed bronze hardware, other rustic items
- Red and gold accents to tie into our other fabrics and furniture.
- For instance, I have Pierre Deux chandelier shades on the chandelier I would like to use in the breakfast area.
- Maybe the red and gold is done in accessory pieces, pillows, or fabrics rather than major kitchen components, but I like to bring it in somehow. I also think it looks great during the holidays.
- I love the more casual rustic look of pewter. I might do a small collection of frames and pewter pitchers filled with greenery. Maybe some of the cabinet hardware could compliment this idea.
- Our china pattern is Lenox Jefferson (discontinued)
- Silver is Kirk Stieff Worthington Gold
- Crystal is Araglin from Waterford
- Shelf brackets/countertop supportI like the shape.
- Functionality / Other Considerations
Appliances
Cooktop
- Induction
- We are leaning toward the Viking 36" induction cooktop.
- We used this type of cooking for the first time about a year ago at the Viking-sponsored Ritz Carlton Cooking School in Cancun and loved it. We also recently used it at the Hadco facility and were just as impressed.
- I liked the ideas making the cooktop more industrial looking. Like incorporating warming drawers in this area, or maybe doing some rustic wire basket drawers for pots and pans, flanked with big farmhouse table legs.
- Needs to be quiet. Our current fan sounds like a Cessna aircraft.
- May be leaning toward an island ceiling hood over the simple downdraft. This discussion has come up again since our meeting with Wayne Gurley, our appliance consultant. We had fears about the downdraft, and he tend to agree. We thought it might turn out fine if we found an island hood we like. I have photos of a few below. We had wanted to use our island potrack chandeliers, so I would worry that it might get too cluttered. I guess we'll see how things lay out.
- Rangecraft ceiling mounted hood
I love the shape of this hood. I also like the little bit of brass to bring in some sparkle. We're using a lot of oil rubber bronze and irong finishes, it might be nice to add something else.
These two hoods are both appealing. The green, I love, but I don't know if I would have the courage to commit to it long term. My thought would be to do the island hood in this enamel, and then add an enamel detail to the front of the cooktop to mimic the range look. I can post a drawing of what I mean soon...
Refrigerator
- Large capacity 36" all frig, possibly glass door
- 2nd refrigerator drawers in convenient location, such as kids/breakfast area.
- Leaning toward 36" all freezer
- Possibly separate "wet" ice maker in Butler's pantry
Microwave
- We looked at the new speed convection oven at Hadco. I like the idea of this for health reasons over the microwave. We might do this instead of the microwave.
- I am not a fan of the microwave in the island because I need to bend over to look at things and the kids are always playing with it. I would want it at counter height or a little above, but not too high so that it is out of my range of view into a bowl while standing.
Wine storage
- Looking at full height wine fridge for the Butler's Pantry Area
- I really want that 1500 degree infrared broiler from Viking. We had that in our last kitchen and miss it terribly. The Bray and Scarff rep told us that there is still nothing on the market that compares to that broiler.
- We've never had one, and have heard mixed reviews.
- One at each sink in the kitchen.
Dishwasher(s)
- We need two. We have an integrated door stainless Bosch that is less than a year old. I also like the idea of the Fisher & Paykel drawers. I would like to be able to clean up from Holiday and special dinners quickly, without my whole kitchen ending up a mess. I even thought about an industrial washer in a butler's pantry area, but that might be a little too much.
Water dispenser Cold and Hot
- We are wrestling with the idea of a water service.
Functionality in our Kitchen.....
- Work Triangle/Island Discussion:
- I like how discussions have moved the island into more of a "U" shape. I think that adds visual interest and it defines my work area better. I want this set up to rival the efficiency of an streamlined outdoor kitchen.
- I have attached to the concept of creating an island working "well" that would be lined with stainless steel and positioned about 3 inches below the other countertop, hence the term "well". I envision my center cooktop next to my sink with a faucet that might double as a pot filler, then there will be a nice prep and trash disposal, with my refrigerator, freezer and oven behind me.
- I would love to figure out how to mimic one of the big baked enamel ranges, like this La Cornue with the "working well" portion of this island.
- The whole set up could end up looking very integrated and industrial, even though the actual cooking surface is just the 36" induction cooktop. I might want a color, like the green photo, or maybe black with brushed stainless and brushed brass accents.
- Concept of Island Drawings below.
- I specifically want that back wall to contain a bunch of appliances because it creates a more industrial looking workspace, and keeps my other areas looking softer and more finished.
- See above...
- We need multiple functional locations (this is starting to work out)
- Work areas
- U shape for prep, sink, cooking, and trash.
- Dishwasher
- Seating/staging.
- Our favorite idea is the large (~48) Lazy Susan table. The concept came about when we discovered that it would be a great way to serve from the work triangle. It would also be a great way to clear dishes after entertaining so that people could leave the dishes on the Lazy Susan and someone else could load. It keeps people from crossing paths during these activities. I might envision this being some in the distressed walnut finish from craft art.
- Since we talked about this concept, I found this Barry Dixon kitchen that used a similar idea for the lazy susan, although I am not sure if the entire table turns, or if it is just the center portion. Photo below. I would want ours to be set just above the countertop.
- Seating will most likely be Bausman counter stools
- Storage of a variety of items in deep, wide drawers.
- Towel bars done in brushed brass going the length of the work area.
- We also want to use our two lighted pot rack chandeliers.
- Ideally, I would like a big sink in the island, maybe the main sink, and garbage can/compacter, disposal and maybe even a dishwasher.
- We would most likely want the rest of the island cabinetry and countertop to contrast our choices for the main kitchen cabinets.
- The area on the left of the island will be a butcher block top, most likely checkerboard.
It might function as a baking area, depending on what we do underneath with the shelving or if it is cabinetry. If it is shelving, it might store my stockpots, but if it is cabinetry, it might be a good spot to store baking supplies. Two different drawings are below.
- We want this area to be a destination, not something to walk around on the way to the family room or out the back door.
- We like the idea of a big round table (up to 60") in a turret with half bench, half regular seating, but we are open to other ideas. We always sit in one of these booths with the kids at Cheesecake Factory and it works great for our family. Photo below.
- This table is 60" and I think travertine. I would consider using this material, but I would want the edge to appear thicker and more decorative. I also would consider bolting the table to the floor for extra stability and safety.
- This spot would be nice to have for the morning. There would be a few appliances that would need to sit on the counter all the time (as opposed to being stored in my equipment pantry. I would like to hide them as much as possible from a main view of the kitchen.
- Supplement/vitamin drawer
- Breakfast area possibly close to coffee, but maybe separated visually somehow, so that the coffee area still looks like a perfect spot for entertaining.
- Drawer for bread
- Toaster
- Kids' snack food storage area accessible to kids
- Blender
- Sink and garbage close by.
- Coffee Area
- (storage for coffee, teas, sweeteners, filters, etc, near coffee maker in a drawer) - This is an important spot Our old house had the coffee set up in the butler's pantry area and we put all of the coffee and tea supplies in a custom drawer. It was also nice when we entertained because we hung coffee cups in a window shelf in this area and we always got compliments on how inviting it made this spot.
Butler's pantry
- Most likely will service the Family room, Dining Room and Phase 2 Great Room beyond the Dining Room (other side of Veranda)
- It will be a beverage center too, with a full height wine cabinet, beverage refrigerator, wet ice maker, and sink. We may store china here...not sure.
- The bottom will probably be cabinets and the top level will probably be more of a "bistro style" open shelving with wainscoting behind and maybe some lighting.
- It should be intuitive for gusts to use this station, and it should be inviting. It will be open and visible from the Family Room
Dog Area
- Dogs might have some special spot to relax out of the way. I have some photos of built-in dog beds, dog bowl drawers, and special dog entrance/exit built into an inconspicuous wall.
Walk-in Pantries
- This is a concept I am very excited about. We originally wanted two separate walk-in pantries, but have combined the food and equipment pantry into one large closet. By doing this, it opened up the other side for a more open "2nd, or Catering Kitchen".
- I tend to be very visual. I like to know what I have, and to know where things are, or what I need to buy, by looking quickly in one place. Not only will my daily life will improve by having enough space to have all of these items at my disposal, rather than scattered in a number of storage locations, but it will also lend to the "old" feeling I want to create by having these surprise little rooms. I want to feel as if I am going shopping and everything I need is immediately visible-- Truly a "central supply" area.
- I would like the shelving to be like this photo. Not the standard white.
- Equipment pantry
- Items to be stored
- Small and medium appliances not used everyday
- Chafing dishes
- Entertaining dinnerware and flatware
- Holiday themed items
- Linens
- Candles/Batteries/Emergency/Fire Extinguisher
- Light bulbs
- Food Pantry
- All household bulk items in here (paper towels, water, drinks, etc.)
- All cleaning items in separate locked cabinet? Might make sense to put utility sink here, or move these items close to where we end up putting the utility sink.
- Locked "goodie" cabinet
- Most non-perishable food
- ? Some refrigerator or freezer components in here might make sense.
- We are always losing track of the cordless. Might be nice to have one phone in the house we could always answer if we need to.
- Not as important as the plan evolves, but this was the concept.....
- Like Mary Jo's kitchen, more of a working station in the middle of all of the kitchen/family room activities. True office is in a more private location.
- Cell phone/ipod charging station with concealed cords
- Stationary Phone in kitchen somewhere (we are always losing the cordless)
Most of these issues have been addressed by the current floor plan, but it is some reference material for where we started.
- Safety and maintenance are concerns. We need smart access to utility areas such as the pantry, mudroom, garage, as well as exits to the grill and pool area.
- I have a lot of people (therapists, nanny, relatives, etc) in and out of my house and I want it to be intuitive where things go and where certain functions should be performed.
- Right now, my nanny might make meals for the kids and work with the food items in 4-5 different locations, depending on the situation. It drives me crazy that there might be bacteria strewn about my kitchen. I hope we could cut it down to one or two prep areas.
- The well-planned pantry areas will help to keep things organized and available, yet away from people (kids and adults) sifting through our things.
- Set up for daily meals. I was thinking that if I arranged my location for everyday dishes and flatware, I could easily ask other people or kids to set the table without running into them constantly in my work triangle.
- I do not want a view of my grill, but I would like it just outside so that we could keep an eye on it when we are working in the kitchen, or when the weather is not great. I know the grill is more of a landscape issue, but the door location will be important.
- We do not want drafts from doors to ruin the feel of a cozy spot, such as the breakfast area. If door could be placed away from this area, it might work out better.
Mommy office
- Mail sorting, school paper sorting/filing area
- Mail dropped into wall pockets
- Area for bulletin/whiteboard/ or chalkboard (can be concealed?)
- Key storage cool idea!
Mudroom or family hall
- Contains Large family coat closet
- Lockers or cubbies for kids
