kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
Posts: 7,983
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Post by kittensaver on Jan 6, 2016 15:07:05 GMT -5
I think you need to fire him & hire a competent architect that will listen to your wants/needs.
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bcdfgh
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2, 2012 12:17:53 GMT -5
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Post by bcdfgh on Jan 6, 2016 15:43:19 GMT -5
I don't plan to finish the basement but still want a rough-in just in case I change my mind later. Also, if next owner wants to finish it would make easier for them to finish. Thanks everyone for the advice. It helps me make a decision easier. I'm thinking about getting a matching-cabinet pantry instead of a built-in pantry. Although it costs extra, without stud walls on both sides it gives additional space. This is what I designed earlier. A matching-cabinet pantry would be placed next to the fridge similar to this inspired picture.
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lexxy703
Senior Associate
Joined: Aug 26, 2011 13:52:17 GMT -5
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Post by lexxy703 on Jan 6, 2016 16:23:52 GMT -5
Your first design is similar to my layout. It is a good working layout IMO. I like the extra cabinet pantry in the second picture.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
Senior Associate
"How you win matters." Ender, Ender's Game
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:33:09 GMT -5
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 6, 2016 16:45:04 GMT -5
Slight tangent here but, GRG can't you just replace the glass cabinet doors with solid? Even if you have to replace the solid ones too so they all match? Seems like a quick relatively cheap fix.
And, my previous kitchen had a walk in pantry that could store everything. My new house only has a cabinet width floor to almost ceiling one. It took a long time to get used to. I'd go with the pantry & tell him you want it where you want it. I have honestly, and embarassingly, never thought about that. Oy. In my defense, the cabinets with the glass doors are across the kitchen from the main food prep area with the island in between the two areas, so not within quick reach. Also, the previous owners installed a high gloss, varnished, hardwood counter under the glass cabinets instead of the granite throughout the rest of the kitchen. It looks nice, but I am afraid to use it too much and damage the finish. So, I keep special items such as my Belleek, my trifle bowl, some beautiful pottery pitchers, wine glasses, old-fashioneds, etc. in there. It looks nice, but not the best use of space for someone who is constantly cooking. Like I said, I didn't look closely enough when we viewed the house with the realtor. I was distracted by the attractiveness of the kitchen and didn't focus as I should have on the functionality. But, I now have a contractor to finish the repairs to the house and he is doing a few other small jobs for me (expanding the bathroom linen closet, replacing two windows in the family room, etc.). I'm going to ask him if he can replace those glass doors with solid wood doors. Thanks for the FABULOUS idea!!!!!!!
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lexxy703
Senior Associate
Joined: Aug 26, 2011 13:52:17 GMT -5
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Post by lexxy703 on Jan 6, 2016 16:53:45 GMT -5
LOL, GRG you are welcome & we are all guilty of overlooking small stuff when we are dazzled by the overall beauty. I didn't realize until I moved in that my laundry room was not actually off the master bedroom like the listing said. It is down in the basement which I really don't like, but I had just viewed the fabulous master bath & walk in closet & I guess didn't even notice where I was viewing the laundry.
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Gardening Grandma
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:39:46 GMT -5
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Jan 6, 2016 17:11:05 GMT -5
I have a walk in pantry and would not be without it! I don't have to bend over or reach up to get what I want. I keep the most commonly used items at eye level. It has a frosted door with "Pantry" etched on it.
YMMV. You'll have to decide whether this is a hill to die on or not.
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gooddecisions
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 13:42:28 GMT -5
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Post by gooddecisions on Jan 6, 2016 17:47:26 GMT -5
A full-size pantry was one of the first things I looked for in all the homes we were shown. Not having one would have been a deal-breaker. Cabinet pantries are okay, but inadequate compared to a closet pantry. A kitchen is just not as functional without one in my opinion. Even still, the home we settled on I wish the pantry was either walk-in or double-wide. It's too small with an annoying by-fold door.
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whoami
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Joined: Jan 8, 2011 12:43:49 GMT -5
Posts: 1,292
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Post by whoami on Jan 6, 2016 18:52:51 GMT -5
I was wondering about frosting the glass or something so you couldn't see through it. You can purchase "contact paper" <-- showing my age -- like stuff that will cling to the glass. I think it's called "film" I got some frosted, textured 'film' to cover one of my kitchen windows (that looks out on my neighbors deck) for privacy while still getting light. There are all sorts of patterns and colors. I used some of it to change up my front door window as well.
It's temporary (in that it doesn't harm the glass or use special adhesives - used water and a bit of soap to get it to cling) and was fairly easy to install (took a bit of measuring and patience) It's been 'clinging' for more than 2 years now, without problem.
We used this on our game room french doors that we converted to DSs bedroom. It provides privacy while letting light through and avoids dust magnet curtains. Its been there for probably 10 years and looks like new.
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CCL
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Joined: Jan 4, 2011 19:34:47 GMT -5
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Post by CCL on Jan 6, 2016 21:16:49 GMT -5
You can purchase "contact paper" <-- showing my age -- like stuff that will cling to the glass. I think it's called "film" I got some frosted, textured 'film' to cover one of my kitchen windows (that looks out on my neighbors deck) for privacy while still getting light. There are all sorts of patterns and colors. I used some of it to change up my front door window as well.
It's temporary (in that it doesn't harm the glass or use special adhesives - used water and a bit of soap to get it to cling) and was fairly easy to install (took a bit of measuring and patience) It's been 'clinging' for more than 2 years now, without problem.
We used this on our game room french doors that we converted to DSs bedroom. It provides privacy while letting light through and avoids dust magnet curtains. Its been there for probably 10 years and looks like new. Home Depot has some of these that look pretty nice.
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cronewitch
Junior Associate
I identify as a post-menopausal childless cat lady and I vote.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:44:20 GMT -5
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Post by cronewitch on Jan 6, 2016 23:00:36 GMT -5
Slight tangent here but, GRG can't you just replace the glass cabinet doors with solid? Even if you have to replace the solid ones too so they all match? Seems like a quick relatively cheap fix. And, my previous kitchen had a walk in pantry that could store everything. My new house only has a cabinet width floor to almost ceiling one. It took a long time to get used to. I'd go with the pantry & tell him you want it where you want it. Can you put something behind the glass like some clingy decals so you can't see the stuff. I have a small floor to ceiling pantry that is about 20 inches square to keep cans and boxes. I am short so only use the bottom shelf of the cabinets and old so only the front edge of bottom cabinets but I don't cook much. ISO has what I want a huge walk in pantry with wire shelves. He stores cat food, cat litter, cases of soda and stuff on the floor. He has the perfect island I use it to cook in his large electric fry pan so he leaves it out for me. The island has plenty of space for pots and pans even the cold pack canner. he uses all the cupboards but stacks boxes of appliances on top. He doesn't use most of them but if he wants one he has to get a stool. I am company so if I want something I can't reach I ask him to get it for me, if it was my house I would keep the stool open in the pantry.
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Abby Normal
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Post by Abby Normal on Jan 6, 2016 23:10:17 GMT -5
I'd kill for a walk in pantry.
That's all I have to say about that.
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bcdfgh
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Post by bcdfgh on Jan 7, 2016 8:13:23 GMT -5
Their existing plans with similar size have a 2-story foyer, u-shape stairs or l-shape stairs and narrow width which are all in my unwanted list. I'd say this house is a semi custom home. I haven't selected a builder yet.
It's hard to fit a walk in pantry, large kitchen and large dining room in a small house. I would rather have a large kitchen.
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whoami
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 8, 2011 12:43:49 GMT -5
Posts: 1,292
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Post by whoami on Jan 7, 2016 10:31:45 GMT -5
We used this on our game room french doors that we converted to DSs bedroom. It provides privacy while letting light through and avoids dust magnet curtains. Its been there for probably 10 years and looks like new. Home Depot has some of these that look pretty nice. That is where we got ours. It looks like Amber colored stained glass. The windows are small enough that the pattern doesn't overwhelm and the framing of the door breaks it up too. I like it well enough to leave it alone and its neutral enough that I don't have to worry about changing it when I change paint colors.
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CCL
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Joined: Jan 4, 2011 19:34:47 GMT -5
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Post by CCL on Jan 8, 2016 21:01:34 GMT -5
I'd kill for a walk in pantry. That's all I have to say about that. Me too. I really miss mine. I have a pretty nice pantry here, about 6 ft wide with French doors, but it's just not the same as a walk-in.
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