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Calls with Paul: The Kitchen Design Podcast. Episode 55 A corner sink.

Episode 55 A corner sink.

Paul McAlary discusses a kitchen design with Jay, emphasizing the benefits of removing the island to gain more cabinetry and countertop space. The new design includes recessing the refrigerator into a corner, adding 12-inch deep pantry cabinets, and floating shelves. The counter depth refrigerator is recommended to avoid space issues. The total cost is estimated at $10,500, a 25-30% increase from the previous design. Paul advises against a corner sink and suggests a free-standing range instead of wall ovens to save costs. The design also includes a Lazy Susan, a 24-inch sink cabinet, and options for a microwave drawer or speed oven.

Jay’s present design

Kitchen Design with corner Sink

Paul’s version of the kitchen

Kitchen Design without corner sink

Outline

Design Adjustments and Cabinetry Considerations (no corner sink)

  • Paul McAlary discusses the benefits of moving the island to solve design problems, emphasizing the increased cabinetry and reduced space for the island.
  • The design includes recessing the refrigerator into a corner, adding 12-inch pantries, and floating shelves in front of the window.
  • Paul advises against using a corner sink due to space inefficiency and suggests floating shelves instead.
  • The new design is more expensive due to increased cabinetry and countertop space, but Paul estimates it would still be under $10,000 for an inexpensive cabinet brand.

Cost and Storage Solutions

  • Paul explains the cost implications of the new design, estimating it to be around $10,500, which is about 25-30% more expensive than the previous design.
  • He suggests using 24-inch wall cabinets stacked to create 12-inch deep pantry cabinets to save costs.
  • The new design offers more storage and better room division, making the space seem larger and more functional.
  • Paul recommends a counter depth refrigerator to avoid the refrigerator jutting out too far and suggests a free-standing range instead of wall ovens to save costs.

Countertop and Appliance Recommendations

  • Paul advises using a counter depth refrigerator to avoid space issues and suggests a free-standing range to save costs.
  • He discusses the options for second ovens, including a microwave drawer or a microwave speed oven, which combines a microwave and convection oven.
  • The design includes a countertop overhang for stool seating and additional cabinets for storage.
  • Paul explains the benefits of having a 49-inch deep countertop for better workspace and seating comfort.

Cabinetry Layout and Storage Solutions

  • Paul suggests using a Lazy Susan in the corner for better accessibility and a 24-inch sink cabinet for a standard single bowl sink instead of a corner sink.
  • The design includes a 30-inch wall cabinet and a 30-inch drawer base on either side of the microwave.
  • Paul recommends using a microwave hood over the stove to save costs and suggests dividing the remaining cabinetry space evenly.
  • The design includes options for a hood over the stove or a microwave speed oven over the refrigerator.

Living Room Integration and Space Planning

  • Paul discusses the importance of integrating the kitchen with the living room, suggesting a counter depth refrigerator to avoid it jutting out.
  • He advises against using wall ovens due to their high cost and suggests a free-standing range instead.
  • The design includes options for a microwave drawer or a microwave speed oven for additional cooking flexibility.
  • Paul emphasizes the importance of having a functional and efficient kitchen design that integrates well with the living space.

Trash Can and Storage Solutions

  • Paul suggests placing the trash can cabinet either to the right of the Lazy Susan or over by the refrigerator.
  • He advises using a Lazy Susan in the corner for better accessibility and a 24-inch sink cabinet for a standard single bowl sink.
  • The design includes options for a hood over the stove or a microwave speed oven over the refrigerator.
  • Paul emphasizes the importance of having a functional and efficient kitchen design that integrates well with the living space.

Countertop and Seating Solutions

  • Paul discusses the benefits of having a 49-inch deep countertop for better workspace and seating comfort.
  • He suggests using a counter depth refrigerator to avoid it jutting out and a free-standing range instead of wall ovens to save costs.
  • The design includes options for a microwave drawer or a microwave speed oven for additional cooking flexibility.
  • Paul emphasizes the importance of having a functional and efficient kitchen design that integrates well with the living space.

Living Room Layout and TV Placement

  • Paul discusses the importance of integrating the kitchen with the living room, suggesting a counter depth refrigerator to avoid it jutting out.
  • He advises against using wall ovens due to their high cost and suggests a free-standing range instead.
  • The design includes options for a microwave drawer or a microwave speed oven for additional cooking flexibility.
  • Paul emphasizes the importance of having a functional and efficient kitchen design that integrates well with the living space.

Travel Space and Design Considerations

  • Paul discusses the importance of travel space in a home design, emphasizing the need to create dedicated travel space for better functionality.
  • He advises against combining travel space to create more open space, as it can lead to wasted space and inefficient design.
  • The design includes options for a microwave drawer or a microwave speed oven for additional cooking flexibility.
  • Paul emphasizes the importance of having a functional and efficient kitchen design that integrates well with the living space.

Island vs. Peninsula Design

  • Paul discusses the benefits of a peninsula design over an island, emphasizing the increased space and functionality of a peninsula.
  • He advises against using an island due to the tight space it creates and the need to sacrifice countertop and cabinetry space.
  • The design includes options for a microwave drawer or a microwave speed oven for additional cooking flexibility.
  • Paul emphasizes the importance of having a functional and efficient kitchen design that integrates well with the living space.

Call into our Friday helpline and podcast most Fridays between 2 and 4 pm Eastern Standard Time. We review designs and give design help. Call 61O-5OO-4O71 then leave a message and we will call you when a line opens. Be ready to email designs or measurements you want Paul to consider.

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Podcaster Paul McAlary from Calls with Paul

Paul

Paul’s bio from the magazine Kitchen and Bath Design News:

Paul McAlary possesses a voice that resonates far beyond the boundaries of Philadelphia’s western suburbs and the city’s prestigious Main Line – the location of his well-established Delaware Valley design firm.

McAlary, president and senior designer of Bala Cynwyd, PA-based Main Line Kitchen Design, is an internationally recognized kitchen design authority who has won more than a dozen local and national design awards, including being named a 2017 Viking Appliances Designer of Distinction.

Beyond his achievements as a designer, McAlary has also forged a burgeoning reputation as the creative force behind the “Main Line Kitchen Design Blog,” a unique online forum and social media resource that is read by more than 40,000 people each month and has been honored as one of the top kitchen design blogs in the world. Main Line Kitchen Design’s videos and blogs address a wide range of kitchen/bath-related topics aimed at sparking a constructive exchange of ideas among both consumers and design professionals.

McAlary, whose kitchens and comments often appear in trade magazines and on social media sites, is sometimes at odds with the kitchen design establishment, but he maintains a distinct sense of humor and is known as a fierce advocate for design standards, ethics and transparency in the kitchen design trade.

Subscribe to Main Line Kitchen Design’s Blogs and podcasts here.

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