I am seeking advice on the layout of my long, skinny kitchen. Attached is an architect's proposal, but I think the layout lends itself to people invading the "cook's" space. We have a baby due in two weeks and a toddler, so I was thinking a slim island in the center might work best (the kitchen is 22' by 11'. Currently, the kitchen is just a blank space waiting to be filled, but it must go in the area that the architect designed. As of now, we are working with this sketch, but we welcome any and all suggestions!

Also would love to hear thoughts on cabinet colors; can't decide on white or mid-tone browns. Thank you!

Although I really like tables in the kitchen, I agree that the current layout would undersirably channel family right past the stove.

Where will the main entry for you guys be? Is it the front door, or into the kitchen in back?

Speaking from experience, the table setup you have in that space will only be sufficient for a very few short years. Your children will grow quickly into adult-sized people and then it will be a tight fit in that space.

As I said, we also had something very similar to what you have and found it too limiting. When we remodeled we removed the kitchen table and now use our DR table for all meals. We do have a short peninsula b/w the DR & Kitchen, but it's only used for meals when there is just one of us or for a snack.

I see that your architect has a half-wall (usually called a "knee wall") b/w the Kitchen & DR...is there a reason for a wall? I'm asking b/c if you eliminate the wall altogether, you gain another 4" or so for the Kitchen...or, if you plan a seating overhang, you gain those 4" to use toward the 15" seating overhang. I doubt it's for seating, though, as the layout appears to say the wall is 48" high..

Looks like there's a lot of room in the lower right corner, maybe enough for built in seating? I know those seem to be a love or hate thing, but if it would fit, something to consider.

The main entry is in the front of the house. There is another entry through the garage (not shown) and through the two sets of doors to the right of the kitchen. This will likely be the entry I use most often with two small children.

The only bearing walls are the exterior walls and the wall between the kitchen and living room.

This is a conversion of the original kitchen; I've attached a sketch (to scale) of what existed in our home (there has been some demo already).

Buehl,
The half wall is there to block the view of dishes and other kitchen mess from the dining room. I would be fine with using the dining room for most of my meals, but I would love for the babies (my toddler and baby to arrive soon) to be able to eat in the kitchen, as they can make quite a mess!

All,
I am just wondering if there are any island ideas or other thoughts. Also, I am eliminating the cabinets on the wall between the half bath. The fridge will be on the wall by the basement stairs, and the double ovens are actually going to be under the range (1) and 1 in the peninsula.

Again, I'd love any thoughts or other ideas. We want to order cabinets asap!

I can't read your plan very well so I can't tell where you have the appliances placed. Somehow all that counter space has to be between the fridge, range and sink.

I can't tell what appliance you have in the L-shaped area but what about making that corner into a banquette with table area. That wall that separates the living room - how long is it? Is it long enough for a fridge and pantry wall? Can you move the range further to the left to give more separation between it and the sink?

Can you tell me what the various labels are? and maybe some more measurements? thanks.