5 Controversial Kitchen Trends To Watch Out For
Вставка
- Опубліковано 16 тра 2024
- Unlock your dream kitchen with a personal one-on-one consultation - mtkd.ck.page/products/design-...
These controversial kitchen trends will either make or break your kitchen. It all depends on you!
Let's get connected! Join my newsletter here - mtkd.ck.page/39795d15fb
NKBA Guidelines (USA) - amzn.to/3wrQqcJ
NKBA Guidelines (Canada) - amzn.to/3fViJdh
Music from Epidemic Sound - grab your free trial here
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Connect with me on Social Media
/ mark_tobin_kitchen_design
#kitchendesign
FTC Legal Disclaimer - Some links found in the description box of my videos may be affiliate links, meaning I will make commission on sales you make through my link. This is at no extra cost to you to use my links/codes, it's just one more way to support me and my channel! :) - Розваги
Fun fact: If you make your kitchen island wheelchair accessible, you'll be able to put your choice of dining chair there too and sit perfectly comfortably while you do all your food preparation. Just another example of how making your home accessible makes it better to live in even when you don't *yet* have anyone in your household who needs accessibility features.
I have seen islands that incorporate regular height dining and regular height chairs, those I like but you don't see many.
@@U2BearCat The solution of choice is to have the island mounted on height-adjustable legs like people use for sit/stand desks. Then you can set the island to whatever height you need for the person who's using it now, and press a button to change it for the person who wants to use it in an hour's time.
@@tealkerberus748 ah, like an adjustable standing desk.
I rented a house for friends who redid their kitchen in 1970s. They put in an island - and a lower shelf for seating. This meant it was height for wheelchair and kitchen chairs - and stovetop was higher fior function (but not accessible - it was 1970s)
Wow! Wish we’d thought of that. We have a wheelchair rugby league team and when we remodeled we did it to be accessible for the athletes but my husband and I aren’t disabled so we didn’t think about the kitchen island. We have a kitchen table that works but a telescoping island 🤯
Instead of a pot filler, we opted for a prep sink nearer to the stove in our last kitchen remodel. We're a two-person cooking team, and while one of us is on dishes at the main sink, the other still has access to wash hands, rinse veggies and fill pots at the prep sink. Hoping to do something similar in our next kitchen, as it really worked well for us.
That sounds like a perfect idea, if I was re-designing a kitchen that’s exactly what I would do.
Smart.
We have a kitchen library ladder, but we have 9’ ceiling with tall cabinets, and the ladder but it also wraps around into a library wall, and is the attic entry ladder, so it gets a lot of use. It also hangs flat against the wall for storage.
This is what I was thinking, if it lays flat, then it's not a problem.
Also, the wife and I are 5’6”, so things in the back of the second cupboard shelf are already a literal reach.
I want to see it❤
I think having a ladder that hangs flat, and can be simply pushed out of the way (not taken off the rail) for storage would be ideal. What a cool thing to have!
As a verified "shrimp", I wish ALL kitchens came will library ladders, or MUCH lower cabinets
Finally a professional kitchen designer says what most sane observers have been thinking for ages about seating at kitchen islands.
I could kiss you. We JUST finished a kitchen remodel, very small kitchen and kept the countertop with just a 3 inch overhang so no seating to give ample room to move around and the one critique we got from the remodelers is “ I would’ve done more countertop to have seating” and I’ve been kicking myself for a week…. thank you for making me feel better for having just an island without any stools. There is a table for six right next to it so indeed not necessary.
Awesome!!
Same here
Not me- my kitchen is separate. Converting lower cabs to all drawers and pull outs. Pulled uppers on left side , and installed a giant sliding window. Kept my uppers on the right side. Galley kitchen, fridge sink window, pull.out pantry on left. Cook top, lower drawers and upper cabs on
thank you !!! as a Scandinavian it make me nuts to look at all the double seating for no reason, with seating at the kitchen bar next to a dinner table, it is kind of a mess with all those legs on the chairs, and as you say it is often not a comfortable way to sit
After 30, bar stools stop being fun.
It must be my Scandinavian roots coming out.
I don't care for the redundancy. All the seats start looking like a mall food court, in my opinion.
The dinner table may be only few steps away, but if you have only few time in the morning for breakfast before you leave the house it's more practical to put everything you need from the cupboards and refrigerator on the kitchen bar/island and back instead of walking the few steps to the dinner table. And instead of messing up the kitchen bar and the table, only the kitchen bar / island gets dirty.
Another practical use is if you invite a friend for dinner and this person already is there, when you are still preparing food or do the cooking. If the friends would sit then at the dinner table while talking to you, it's mostly very uncomfortable angle, so he/she will rather stand next to the kitchen bar. That's uncomfortable too and he/she can get into your way, so better sit her/him down on a seating at the kitchen bar.
It really depends on your living situation if this seatings have a good use or if they are only useless design elements.
and there is a seperate breakfast area
I ran hotels and restaurants for years and pot fillers are an intrinsic part of commercial kitchens. They are great rather than carry a 3 or 5 gallon pot filled with hot water to make soup across slippery floors. I think they can look nice in a home. However I did not include one in my home kitchen, it is just not a big deal for me to fill a pot even a large one, 6 feet away from the stove. If you want it then go for it. But it is not a necessity in most homes. I have a large family, that often eats together (30 people) and don’t find it necessary. I do find it a necessity to have in commercial kitchens and in fact prevents spills and slips and therefore is needed for safety.
Great point. If I were Martha Stewart-level rich, I would probably include one.
It's probably being used far more than a residential pot filler, so it makes sense.
And if they're making soup, they're not carrying a big pot of hot water back to the sink to empty it when they're done like if they'd been water-bath sterilising something in it. They're turning hot water into food.
I say put the money into an instant hot water tap. Get the convenience points in time rather than lifting when it comes to.... making pasta
I would feel it’s more of a liability in a residential setting, actually. Like, how often would someone be panicked into putting out a grease fire - with their pot filler! Such a no-no to use water on a grease fire. Not to mention if it starts leaking or like he mentioned, a kid floods the house because it’s the only faucet in the house that doesn’t have a sink under it.
Don’t even get me started on water filtration.
George Carlin said it best…”We buy a bigger house for all our stuff and what do we do? Buy more stuff!”
George Carlin was a very wise philosopher!
The problem with the potfiller, IMO, is that you may misjudge whether or not you can lift it, so it's better to fill it someplace that you can easily dump out half of it. I think it's a great idea for professional kitchens, less so for home.
Do you have a pot filler, though? I do and your problem doesn’t exist in the real world.
@@jeffbiddle1956 how strong are you, Jeff? Is it possible that you're strong enough to lift your largest pot even when it's 3/4 full of water and so the problem may not exist for you, but might for others? How big is your largest pot? If it's a 4 quart pot, I see your point. However, if it is a 16 quart enameled steel pot that weighs 10 lbs empty, and I fill it on the stove, I'd better be able to lift 44 pounds of hot pot and boiling water with out wobbling or I might be going to the er with burns. If you think there are no people who cook that can't lift that, clearly you are young and healthy. Congratulations.
I have a Berkey in the corner of my kitchen I'm building right now - and that potfiller is super for that.
I love my pot filler. I use it daily for not only filling pots but for filling my watering can. It has a higher pressure and taller clearance for larger pots and buckets then my sink faucet. Also, I have a large kitchen island with seating (5'x11.5'). The chairs are swivel, upholstered chairs with backs and every family gathering they get used. It's not only a comfortable spot to eat, it's a place to gather and watch the 'chef' (usually my son and husband) create a wonderful meal.
Same here I have the same type of stools, swivel , cushion,back and arms and people love them . I think comfort determines if people want to sit in them or not!
I have the padded, with-arms, swivel chairs at the counter-- and I've stopped using my dining table! The counter chairs are sooo comfy.
Gen X here...pot fillers, one more pipe to freeze and burst during Kansas winters.
😂 🙌🏼
GenXers. We are always practical
You’re soooo right!
Moved my plumbing to interior walls.
to me it's something you see in restaurant kitchens, because you can't be running over to the other side of restaurant, past an army of people, to fill a pot. at home it seems like an unnecessary expense for something you can already do 5 feet away.
Boomer here, agreed. Thinking practically!
I have a flip down stepstool that is attached to the inside of the cabinet door. I don’t know where I bought it, but it makes so much sense. I’m surprised it’s not common.
When not in use, the collapsed stepstool takes up maybe 2 inches in depth.
My mother had one in the 1950s! She was only 5' tall.
@@karenk2409 that tracks 😃, my house was built in 1958.
I have seen a kitchen library ladder once in real life. It was in a New York City loft apartment. The ceilings were extremely high and this allowed them to have storage all the way up to the ceiling. The ladder itself was minimalistic and straight up and down (more like a bunk bed ladder), so it didn’t intrude into the space. In these small apartments you need to utilize every possible inch, so in this case it made a lot of sense. As for pot fillers, I keep thinking about access if there is a leak behind the wall, especially if combined with the trend of a slab backsplash. Sounds like an expensive repair that could force you to completely redo at least your backsplash, if not both the backsplash and the counters.
I was thinking the same thing. I don't think that's something that would be for me, but I can see why others might like it.
I think the biggest problem with island seating is that people buy “bar” stools, which are higher instead of the proper “counter” stool height. Most people don’t know there’s a difference. The bar height stools worked and were popular in the 70’s when many homes were designed with a peninsula that backed up to a step down family room. This was a very popular layout in the US. Because of the step down, bar height is correct. But they were still difficult to get into if they didn’t have a swivel top (at least for short people like me). I have no problem getting into a counter height chair, and most counter height “stools” are actually chairs with a back so are more comfortable.
Just redesigned my kitchen with fewer upper cabinets. Before I made the leap, I rearranged the location of our items to their new homes as practice to see if we could live with less storage. We had some empty cabinets for several months and it made me so much more confident in my decision when I made it official.
Great idea.
Yessss, this is me! I need to reduce cabinets to get a spacier looking kitchen, but am afraid to lose the space it offers.
I had a large island for years, the older I’ve gotten I realized I never used it, and it took up too much space. I had it removed to my craft room. I now have a 6 seat kitchen table in the center of the room. This is used daily, not just for meals, but I set at it to prep work. This is much nicer than standing.
I would love to have a small prep sink in the kitchen for vegetables, something that has nothing to do with dishes. I hate having to remove any dirty dishes and scrub the sink before I can work with cleaning the fruit or vegetables.
Agree totally!
I think that the ladder would be much cooler/more functional in a long and tall walk-in pantry.
Agreed!
FINALLY! Someone who is realistic about kitchen islands. I've owned 5 homes...and only one had a kitchen island. I did NOT like it. Lined up like pigs at a trough. We got custom seats that had padded seats and backs on them and they weren't the really tall ones. But you are sitting side by side. You can not have a nice intimate meal and proper discussion sitting belly up to the bar. And I am LEFT HANDED. A table has 4 sides to chose from. An eating island has me on the far outside corner whether I want to be there or not. My current home I totally renovated when I bought it and I have a table and chairs.....no island.
We must be 'outliers' :)
We use both our kitchen table AND the adjacent island for seating every day. As we homeschool, the island becomes a second workstation, allowing each student a dedicated space to spread out and create noise without disturbing the others too much. We also have a big family, and whenever we have guests, the older kids eat together at the island bench (there are often protests from the younger ones, who of course want to sit up at the counter as well).
When we cook or bake, the children love to help - they typically do this from the counter stools, which we find reduces spills and messes, stops the mess from ending up on the floor, and allows several helpers the best possible vantage point and access to the work area.
Additionally, while holding babies and eating, the island bench stools are very convenient: it's far easier to perch one's rear on a bar stool to eat, drink, or temporarily rest, as opposed to getting up and down from a dining chair.
When we have visitors, they congregate at the island bench to sit and chat and drink while we prepare food or beverages in the kitchen.
For the sake of simplicity and maximum storage, I'd prefer an island without seating...however, the seating has admittedly been ultra practical for us.
I love how this is practical for you. I am designing as well and I'd like a comfortable island seating for quick snacks as well as a breakfast nook seating for longer sitting for my folks as well as homework area 😊
In 1960s we had an older kitchen with sink that had two full sinks and a narrow sink in between. It was the best designed sink I've ever used. Second was 1920s enamel double sink - one abot 10-12 inches deep and one about 24-24 inches deep. This was great because deep sink fit big pots- and in 1990s I used a wringer washer and discharged into deep sink!
I remember those sinks with the small on in the middle for all your peels etc ! Agree totally great design!
We have a stainless steel sink as described above in our circa 1979 home. The smaller one in the middle has a garburator intalled in it. After all these years, I still love it and enjoy the fact that all those corners are rounded and not difficult to clean.
I know they are "here to stay," but I'm still not a fan of open concept floorplans/ kitchens. I get It's cute for entertaining It's too loud for everyday use.
My sentiments too, love my seperate kitchen❤
I can understand both. I think I'd love to have a closed kitchen, but my home is tiny, and there's no way to do that.
I do love that my family and I aren't cut off from each other, though, just because I'm cooking or cleaning. My husband and I can chat while we're doing our respective tasks in separate rooms.
@@jolenenevins3761 So- while you're cooking and cleaning and he's watching TV? 😀
@@dahut3614you just described my situation to a T.
And I agree with the original poster, open concept kitchens are too loud; however, it’s how we live now and we’ve adjusted to it. If I could only convince my husband to place utensils in the SS sink rather than tossing, hurling and chucking them in, I would be a happier wife.
@@teresev1435 I'm usually the one doing the cooking while my wife is watching TV, but she doesn't like me talking to her. My main work surface is on the peninsula facing the TV and I like to be able to see the football game or Nascar while she is watching!
I have a kitchen ladder as I have cabinets all the way to the ceiling and we have 12 foot ceilings so the ladder is definitely needed! We have a copper rod that runs all the way along the cabinets that the top of the ladder hooks onto so it's super easy to use. I also don't have glass fronts on the upper cabinets (so they don't require frequent cleaning) and nor do I store items in them that I can't easily get down from the ladder. And when not in use, the ladder hangs on the kitchen wall for easy access. It's very functional, very necessary for us and we love it.
I have 8' ceilings and cabinets to the top, and keep a kik-step stool in the kitchen (classic rolling library stool). I love it and it works perfectly for me at 5'4".
12:10 Remember the old Flanders and Swann song "Design for Living" commenting on the oen concept:
"Our _boudoir_ on the open plan has been a huge success,
Though everywhere's so open, there's nowhere safe to dress."
We're ever so contemporary at Number Seven A! Love Flanders and Swann!
So one design feature I love seeing in a kitchen is a fire place. They are beautiful and add great ambience.
Wow! Great comment!👍
I love the pot filler we installed over the dog water bowl. I didn't put one over the stove.
GenXer here. I plan to have a peninsula with drawers on both sides. No seating.
Can’t be bothered with a pot filler - still have to carry the full pot and just more plumbing to maintain.
The only useful thing for a workstation sink is a dish drainer. Can’t see why you’d have a board with little dishes built in. I have dishes to use for that.
I’m tall. Wall cabinets work for me and what else would I use the kitchen walls for. Not decorative items that need constant cleaning.
Library ladder adds clutter, looks like a trip hazard. My dad was blind so trip hazards were a key consideration. And imagine it with kids…
Sitting at my kitchen island, watching this video. I designed our Kitchen to provide for comfort - plenty of leg space, comfortable bar stools. I love sitting in our kitchen.
I always viewed pot fillers as a financial flex. It costs over $1k to just avoid walking 3 feet with a pot of water. Its utility seems trivial. The big thing people likely want to avoid is walking with the hot pot of water after cooking. I think it just screams "I can afford silly things like a pot filler!". I'd rather spend those $ on something more useful.
I'm curious about people's feedback on workstation sinks.... in particular, the built-in colander and drying racks.
A microwave cart 15" or larger travels short distances very nicely. Good, locking casters are a must.
I feel like (potfillers) these first appeared as kitchens moved to “industrial” appliances in the ‘90s and everyone started putting in stainless steel. They really took off in the Tuscan kitchen era because everyone was making all pasta, all the time. (And so was I, honestly, because pasta was cheap and I was poor- too poor to remodel my kitchen, much less add a pot filler.). I think if the nature of what you cook involves a lot of filling pots with water (and I mean lots), not a lot of frying/grease, etc., this might work out for you over the stove. If, instead, you need to frequently fill large things with water for some other reason (and a hose is not good for this purpose), maybe it makes sense to install one elsewhere just for that. If this is not your situation, it probably doesn’t make a lot of sense to install, because the installation is expensive and you will spend more time on maintenance than you save using it.
Yes! Lower stools!🎉
I am 4'10" and eating in my friend's beautiful Open Concept home is not just uncomfortable; it's actually DANGEROUS. I fell the first .... LAST time.
Children can fall off stools too, but they rarely have osteoporosis, like me.
We are all just temporarily ABLED. I had a couple 2-6 mo. confinements to a wheelchair, so we are in the process of making our
10.5 X 18' kitchen more wheelchair
accessible.
The biggest problems are making it possible for a 6 footer and a tiny person in a wheelchair to use the same kitchen sink and electric cooktop.
I'd feel more secure if our new kitchen could still work for us both if I am chair bound again.
I just remodeled a tiny kitchen and installed a small workstation sink. I’m so happy that I found one small enough because I love it.
As an older person, I would not feel confident on a kitchen ladder. I’ve used a fold up step stool which fits in a side closet. I can see a pot filler for those who do a lot of canning. I’ve never cared for island seating because you are looking at the kitchen appliances or the back of a sink while eating. I feel like I’m eating at the diner. I understand kids might like this. Do you put utility closets in your kitchens for mops/cleaners or are they located in a laundry room? Good video🌺
I’m in the middle of kitchen Reno and had cabinet maker put in a long cabinet in the design to serve this very purpose, looks very well made and will be functional in my everyday life.👍😊
We built our house 35 years ago, and had the builder add a closet in the kitchen specifically for our trash bin, and brooms. A broom closet! We don't like having the trash bin under the sink or on display in the kitchen.
Brilliant video! Pot fillers are RIDICULOUS! They only save one trip, and the one they save is the SAFE one, where the water is cold; it is much more dangerous to carry the boiling-hot water back to the sink to drain it! Here's a better solution: design kitchens so that the sink and stove are on the same elevation, or at least in a configuration that has continuous countertop between the two (in, e.g., an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen). That way, you won't trip over a child or a dog while transferring a hot pot. An older person who is losing hand or arm strength can also sit the pot down if it suddenly gets too heavy. Problem solved! (Also, in an area with hard water or sediment - we have both - you are dead right about buildup.)
I have found draining hot water into a large bowl next to the stove is much easier. Then you can dump the water after it cools.
@kw7966 Agree. My small kitchen restricts placements a lot, but one thing that works is the range and the sink being on opposite sides of a corner, along with a high-rise faucet that swivels 180 degrees. If I set a large pot on the edge of the undermounted sink, I can swivel the spout to fill the pot, then lift the pot across the corner and onto the range, without taking a single step. If my grip slips or I just want to set the pot down for a second, the countertop is just an inch below.
Excellent suggestions!
I find all of your videos insightful, thoughtful, and educational . I must admit I have found this video to be one of your best. Thank you.
Ladders are compelling. Always remember, a lot of home cooks are closer to being short than tall. As someone who has a stool that gets in the way sometimes but is the ONLY reason I can reach the top third of the kitchen, I could see the rich alternate universe version of me having one.
I'd never have a pot filler at the stove. Not only as Mark mentions about grease collecting, but also there's the nice aspect of having water heated up to about 90-100 degrees then cooling down to room temp (75-80) multiple times. Can get some fantastic bacteria growing under those conditions! And that doesn't even consider the actual surface of the screen on the faucet outlet that likely has growing conditions that would make bacteria growing in all other areas of your home envious: moisture/humidity, heat, and not being cleaned.
Stagnant water in piping can collect traces of metals. Water drawn for consumption should be allowed to run for a few seconds, and you can't easily do that with a pot filler.
Unless you tote water from the pot filler to the sink it will probably fill with cold water that has been growing bacteria for weeks.
Yup, swirl a Q-tip inside those and see what you find.
I have a HUGE center island my designer said it was almost too big Had it installed and even she loved it. I have a 43 inch utility sink with two faucets. Again designer said no I said yes she loves it and is now suggesting it to their clients. It is amazing for our use. We have seating at our island- beautiful swivel chairs with backs. Everyone comes into my house and sits on them and loves them! I also have storage and every place I could add storage I did even hidden 5 inch spices racks !
I love it when you out design the designer. Our island isn’t that amazing, though I wish it was. When I told our designer I wanted the quartzite behind the fridge, the space between the fridge and the upper cabinet is deep because it’s where I store my grandmas old cast iron pots and inherited cookbooks, she told me it was a waste of money. But the fabricators did it since we did the stone on the wall instead of tiles. They thought I was crazy too. When she saw it she loved it. 60-80yr old cast iron pots and beautifully worn cookbooks from my mom and grandma on display with the stone behind them. It’s a great way to use that space for storage without wasting money and having to dust a wine rack/cabinet 🤩
For your uses. The next people will be different. Waste of money. Only good for children.
You're the second person in this column who has mentioned padded swivel chairs at the island. I have them, too, and they're great! Even more comfortable than my dining chairs-- which are perfectly okay, but not up to the swivel chair standard. So to me swivel chairs at the counter make perfect sense.
Islands (with seating) has been pretty standard for 20 years. I wouldn't cat that a trend
Had a pot filler in my kitchen for 12 years. Never had any issues with sediment or grease getting on it and wrecking it - and we cook a lot. Loved it and used it everyday. New house doesn’t have one yet but we will be putting another pot filler in. After having it, it feels so wrong without it.
Unless there is a sink right next to the stove you would still have to tote the pot of water…and while it’s hot…seems like there is no reason in a family kitchen
We are the same. Had one, then rented a house without and missed it more than we thought. Got one installed in our new house.
We have island seating. Before designing the island we surveyed all the kitchen islands of friends/family. Deep overhang, comfy chairs WITH wraparound padded back AND food rests on the stool. Also there’s enough room to sit without being crowded.
The library ladder in the kitchen is great and necessary. I always wonder how kitchen designers can spec cabinets to the ceiling and not include a cabinet that holds a stepstool or ladder.
The counter depth and chair height discussion was also great. I agree with you 100%.
I’m with you on the seating. It’s like sitting at a diner counter. I especially hate it when the island is so important to have there’s now no room for a table, so the diner counter is the only option.
I love my workstation sink! We have a smallish kitchen with no dishwasher, and it has been great for prepping veggies and handwashing my dishes!!
Keeping us on our toes...oh so valuable
Thumbs up all day everyday 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Here’s another thought: not only are seating areas on islands often unnecessary, an island itself is often not necessary.
Yeah, it's definitely something to consider when laying out a kitchen instead of blindly adding it without purpose.
One thing we did was buy very comfortable bar stools they are large , swivel cushioned, have backs and arms. Has made all the difference every one parks themselves in them and don’t want to leave , even my 6’5” 350 lb bro-in-law . Yes they cost about $800.00 each , purchased in 2001 , I’ve had them recovered twice to match updated furniture but great investment. I use RO water to cook with and our RO unit is by our sink , I’m not running a commercial kitchen so don’t really NEED a pot filler.
I had a large island with plenty of legroom - a recessed area between end cabinets - and adjustable height stools. I used to sit at it regularly. The only thing was - my arms would get cold on the quartz! I didn't have wall cabinets in that kitchen, nor will I have in my current renovation as I love the uncluttered, open look. I did have one wall with floor to ceiling cabinets/ovens/refrigerator though, which I'll replicate. Finally, I discovered the workstation sink recently, (I'm in the UK, I've never seen one here). I really want one as I dislike the veg to sink for washing then dripping on the way back to the chopping board thing that I seem to do!
Most of these, it depends on the kitchen dimension whether it makes sense or not. I rented a home in Japan last year, with a workstation sink, it made sense because there was little counter space. No wall cabinet will work better in a big room where you'll have plenty of floor cabinet anyway. A library ladder make sense to taller your kitchen cabinets are. Island sitting works best if you have the room for proper overhang.
As for pot filler, I think it's a modern interpretation of the old stove boiler tap. Back then, you had the cold water tap above the sink, and a hot water tap as a feature of the wood stove. So I guess the esthetics come from there, but the fonction is different. But same as above, in a big kitchen room, it can make sense not to walk all the way to the other side of the room to get water, in my galley kitchen where I'm one step away between the sink and the stove, it's a rather frivolous expense...
I always wanted a library ladder for the kitchen. I have 10 foot ceilings and top cabinets along one wall that go to the ceiling. My island does not have any seating, it is all used for storage, and work stations. I love it. The sink and range are on a windowed wall with stove hood and back splash to the ceiling behind the range, but no upper cabinets. I love spending time in this light filled, functional space. The table is in the adjoining room.
I have a pot filler and love it! I live in a cold climate and make a lot of soups & pasta. For the way I cook it's awesome.
With my new demo I added the proper Island seating with bigger over hang and lower stools. We added a Pot Filler as well because it was on my husband wish list so we have it. We also have a Workstation sink because we have always food prep within our sink area so it was a no thinker. we chose not to block off corner spaces so we can use that area for storing the workstations items.
I have an island, but I HATE the seating. It could be storage. And my table is 20 inches away. No one sits there.
Great video! We built our dream home 4 years ago & have a pot filler faucet. Aside from being beautiful, we actually use it at least twice a week & we're glad we have it. Cooking is a favourite hobby of ours.
Because of the label, "Pot Filler Faucet" many people will erroneously think of it as a device for filling large vats of water only. While it is handy for filling a pot for cooking pasta, we use ours quite differently. We typically use ours for adding that extra few teaspoons or just a dash, or a even just a few drops of water to recipes as we are cooking. The faucet saves a lot of steps to the sink and back because we can add a bit of water, stir, taste, reevaluate, add more water, etc.. We find the "pot filler" to be an excellent innovation & would recommend it for those who like to cook.
Went from an island to no island kitchen. Prefer no island because it can be very difficult to get the stool height perfect. We sat at our table more.
I really wanted a pot filler until we saw a small bar sink at IKEA. Now we have 2 sinks with the bar sink about 2 feet away from the stove and close to garden door. Perfect for filling pots plus, emptying pots, washing hands, washing veggies from the garden, etc. Multiple functions not 1.
Work station sink - we are in the process of crafting a couple of butcher blocks to fit our regular SS sink. Also, have a small tub for hand washing. Fraction of the cost of a real workstation sink.
Don't think I could live without upper cabinets. Like living as a minimalist but the resale of the house would be difficult imo.
Ladders look great. Wouldn't work in our kitchen. I store paper towels, cereal bags and other light weight items on top shelves. Can be easily reached with tongs and if they fall on you, no harm done.
Completely agree re lightweight items on upper cabinets! For same reason: less danger. What kind of idiot would put heavy stuff on upper cabinets? 🤦🏻♀️ Doesn’t make sense.
It’s okay for me if the island overlap isn’t that big and the chairs aren’t that comfortable because my guests sit there with a glass of wine and a few nibbles while I’m preparing, that’s really what it’s there for.
We have a kitchen island with seating next to the large dining table. We use both quite often. I use kitchen island seating every single day while cooking or eating. I guess each to their own.
I love the idea of kitchen ladder! I think it would be fun. Also I really like that it's attached to the rail seems sturdier than a stool. 😊
Randomly came across your video Bud. Very much enjoyed it. We have a pot filler 7 wife & I are Gen X'ers LOL!!! We use it often & are very satisfied we chose to install one when building our house. Stay Blessed Bud
Hey Mike! Thanks for watching, appreciate the comment.
One- I designed my kitchen remodel to have island seating since our previous island didn’t have any. Got rid of kitchen table and built island to serve as one. So I’m on that bandwagon 😊 Two- included a workstation- equivalent of 2 bowls - LOVE IT! We do have long counter space we use sometimes, but if I am doing a lot of veggies or fruit- being able to clean/slice/collect discards quick to trash- it is a huge convenience.
@cathyciolek2899 - I would love to be able to see a pic of your island/table. I have been back and forth on combined island/kitchen table or smaller island with table. Do you have any regrets with your decision?
No regrets at all!
ua-cam.com/users/shortsHvzEHIavo80?si=azxZ9mQE1avPFnO6
I had a work station sink in my last small kitchen. It was great fot prepping fruits and veggies. The key was creating storage under the sink to store parts when not in use.
I have a maple kitchen island with an overhang that is hinged. Because my kitchen is medium-sized it works out well to get that extra space to walk around in when no one is sitting.
Thank you, found this so helpful. Greetings from Ireland xx
Hey!! Greetings. Thanks for watching.
For easy access storage consider roll-out pantries. They are sturdy and can store china and glassware as well as food. Much more convenient than cupboards. I have no cupboards at all except the space under the sink where the plumbing is. All my storage below bench level is large soft-close drawers, including all the pots and pans. The benefit of roll-outs and drawers is that they come to you - you don't have to grope around in a dark cupboard.
I put my slow cooker next to my sink so I could use it like a pot filler. I love it! Honestly, I just want a 10ft hose so I can do that on the stove, too.
We had a pot filler of sorts, which was really handy. We didn't have the arm behind the stove, but we had a small sink right next to the stove, so we didn't have to carry a pot of water anywhere. i took it out, though, because the small drain was so hard to keep totally clean. If you can get a sink larger than the one i had, i think that's the way to go.
I added a pot filler to my kitchen renovation because I kept seeing them on American home reno shows! They are rare in Australia.
I'm glad I did, and have found a real functional use in filling a dirty pot or saucepan I want to leave soak, just leaving it on the stove top and put the way of the sink while I get on with other things
I do like it if I want to add some water to something I'm cooking and I really do like the look of it. But not essential at all!
They are not hard to clean - wipe it when cleaning the stove top. It's not super greasy or weird. I have had mine 5 years with no problem.
Love my old time lot Jen with NO pot filler (it’s a max 6-8 steps from the sink from anywhere on my square kitchen), NO dishwasher (I live alone and am expecting max 1-5 guests at a time), NO island (I have a old farm table), NO uppers except my 40x49“ 1902 glass front cabinet and two wood Hoosiers, and NO ladders (I’m getting a pretty red enameled stepstool like my grandma had with 3 steps).
It’s a great kitchen space with wheelchair access to the sink and table and a 2927 Electric Hotpoint stove. ❤
Utensils in plain sight and a dish rack.
we have a double-sink (both full size sinks) in our kitchen and love it and will install it after moving too, instead of considering a work-station sink (just personal preference).
it's great to have 2 separate spaces in case you want to do a quick switch between cleaning some dishes and prepping food while cooking and in small homes 1 sink can easily be covered with a big cutting board for additional counter space.
we also e.g. make our own marmelade and use the 2 sinks for glasses-prep etc...
1. Island seating - my last island had no seating - it wasn't large so it was all work space, and I don't want people 'supervising' my work. 2. Pot filler - as a short person, I can say it is a lot harder to heft a pot onto the stove than to lower it later, so the filler might make sense. 3. Work station sink - would be great in an RV or tiny house, but in an average kitchen I think shuffling all those attachments around would be more annoying than they are worth. 4. Wall cabinets - I'm 4'11....they are next to useless to me; I love the new trend of putting everything in drawers. 5. Kitchen ladder - refer to #4 lol...I think it looks cool, but dangerous for kids & pets as well as older family members or any one with balance issues, so of limited practicality. Thanks for another great topic Mark! By the way, as you mention open kitchens being the prevalent, overarching trend in design...I temporarily had a closed kitchen when we were building our last house, and I kind of liked the fact that all the messy stuff was kept away from prying eyes.
I have a small kitchen with limited counter space..ended up putting a deep farm sink in, but use some components of the workstation. (Drying rack and cutting board.) Helps SO MUCH
There are MANY items I store in my high cabinets that I use but only when entertaining. My kitchen is not big enough for a ladder but I would LOVE it if I could have one! I have to drag out the step ladder to reach things which is a pain.
Thanks for this video, helps us think through our island seating 🤔
In my recent kitchen Reno I struggled with whether or not to incorporate an island with seating but finally ditched the island for a peninsula with an attached 54” square table and a banquet seat. The main reason was that the kitchen really needed to have functional, comfortable seating and I just knew island seating would be uncomfortable. I’m happy with the result.
I opted for a single basin workstation sink. My space would only allow for a 27” sink but I’m loving it. I use a basin for washing dishes so I’m not filling the whole sink and the space left over can easily be used to rinse. The included rack is perfect for draining dishes and I love the ability to accommodate large pans. So far I don’t miss the double basin at all.
I like the look of a minimalist kitchen but don’t like open shelves. They are dust and clutter collectors so for practical reasons I wouldn’t have them. For this same reason I have cabinets to the ceiling to eliminate the open space above cabinets. I think the library ladders look like they creat an obstacle that you’d always be working around while I have no personal experience with living with one.
Love your insight, good topic!
Library ladders attach to a rail running around the parts of the room where you need it. Normally, you would stash it out of heavy traffic areas.
Workstation sink allows for a larger sink and more function in a small kitchen. But I have no desire for one in my kitchen. Except I do have a roll-up metal drying rack that can sit over my large sink which I do use.
I think a pull out step that starts at the toe kick, and then has an attached second step that fits between two drawers. It would mean that there would be spacers on either side of the set of drawers to accommodate it, but in my mind, that seems like the best solution if a person either has the budget, or is handy with carpentry tools
I have seen the pull out toe kick step as part of bath vanities for kids! Excellent idea! Sometimes, just a few inches will make the difference!
A rolling ladder would take up too much space in my small kitchen and a wooden one would be too heavy to move around. But I am planning for a space to store my light weight aluminum 3 step slim step stool in my kitchen remodel and making sure at least one “pantry”/broom closet unit is tall and deep enough to fit it along with my cordless vacuum. I need a step stool not only for top shelves, but also to change light bulbs or take down glass light globes to wash, so a leaning ladder wouldn’t work for me. My first floor ceilings are 8’6” so I need a taller step stool on the first floor but currently don’t have anywhere to store it but next to the free standing fridge where it’s visible.
In a kitchen remodel I did once I put in the corners of a U shaped floor plan 45° corner base cabinets. Benefits of extra counter space & 2 full circle revolving lazy susans which eliminate the need to line up the standard susans with the corner cut out. That and no expense metal contraptions that swing out.
I also love my lazy Susan's! They hold so much and very accessible
I like the idea of the library ladder!! How functional!!
18:08 I like the barn door, and I'm planning a variation for the partition between my kitchen and dining room. It will be a 48-inch-wide opening with two appropriate-size door panels (thinking 26-inch) that will meet in the middle, divided door necessary due to space constraints.
No roasting here! I have always dreamed of a huge library/study in my home where one would welcome and even expect to have a library ladder. Having one in a kitchen/pantry to access high storage makes sense to me. Store smallish things that can be grasped in one hand and keep the large or heavy items in base cabinets.
The kitchen we are designing will have island seating. It will also be comfortable because it has to be. We aren't getting any younger and don't have the space for a dining table.
We have had too many problems with plumbing on exterior walls and for that reason alone I would not install a pot-filler. I imagine our backsplash being torn off the wall to repair or replace the fixture or its supply lines and cringe! (our home renovations include a huge upgrade in insulations/house wrap so frozen spots in water lines during cold snaps would probably not be a problem any longer, but why tempt fate?)
Leave the doors under your sink open to allow room heat to surround the pipes and that should help during these cold snaps
Currently designing the kitchen for my new house. Will *definitely* have a workstation sink - if I knew they were a thing I would have one in my current kitchen. New kitchen is small - only 8' of worktop plus a 4x6 island so every inch counts. Pot filler? Don't hate them, but wouldn't bother. I will have two seats at the island, 15" overhand, getting two hieght adjustable stools that go down to 24". Should be fine. Putting in HIGH wall cabinets - I need the space, and the back wall of the kitchen is 12' tall. I'm OK with needing to get a stool to get to the top of them - but I'm 6'2. I'd LOVE a kitchen ladder - but yup, out of my IKEA budget. But if I could swing it - I would put cabinets all the way to the top of that wall. Can't have too much storage in FL - no basements.
In the current kitchen, I have a big drainboard sink. Which works well because I put a BIG cutting board over the drainboard and turn it into more counter space when I need it.
In our just-finished galley kitchen, which has cabinets to the ceiling (and I am short), we specifically put a tall cupboard at the end of the room. It is tall enough and wide enough to house the stepladder, broom, and mop & bucket. It makes all of the cabinets accessible to me, and is easy enough to pull out and put away, without having a permanent library ladder installed - which there wouldn't be space for anyway.
Good point, mounting it to the side now.
I don't find pot fillers very functional, but I do like the look of them. I don't want to have to reach over a possibly hot stovetop to fill it or have to stretch to reach it as I am short. If you have to stretch to use it and it becomes heavy from the water, then it becomes more difficult to use. At that point, an extra few steps back and forth from the sink will be easier.
I like the look of extending the granite slab into a rectangle out into the dinning room. It is usually extends from
the open arch from the kitchen so they are pub height.Looks cool. I also always have a ceiling fan in the kitchen.
Pot filler: had one. Was super excited about it. It fit nicely against the wall and over the gas cooktop. Always forgot to use it. On the occasions we did remember, it tended to splash and made me nervous about using over the cooktop. Mostly, it collected greasy dirt and was another thing to clean. Designing a new kitchen now and won’t be adding a pot filler because, for me, it isn’t worth it
Appreciate the input about your experience.
Love your videos! I've learned so much! I dream about redoing our kitchen. It was not well designed at all! Here are my thoughts: no upper cabinets only work if you have the space for a butler's pantry. Not practical for the average home. And in that pantry is where the library ladder belongs. A nice compromise might be an integrated step stool. And it's not be a tripping hazard!
Hey Michelle! Thanks for watching! Hopefully your dream becomes a reality for the kitchen!!
I don't have a pot-filler, but they just seem crazy to me in a home kitchen.
For one thing, how often are you cooking something that requires filling a big, heavy pot with water? Even if you're the sort of cook who makes your own stock - that's what, once a month? Maybe if you had a family that eats big plates of pasta every night, it might make sense. But for the rest of us?
For another thing, what kind of water is a pot-filler putting in your food? Even if it's initially filtered, it's been sitting there since the last time you used the pot-filler - probably weeks - accumulating God-knows-what bacteria and other crud.
I am currently working with a designer to add a new kitchen where there's currently a patio (the current kitchen is tiny and will become part of the family room). I'm so excited because for the first time in my life I will havve an island, and will definitely have seating there. I will also have a dining area off the kitchen, but sitting in one of those chairs and trying to have a conversation with someone in the kitchen would require yelling at each other. Seating at the island will enable anyone who wants to converse with the chefs while they are preparing the meal to have a convenient place to sit. Top of my priority list is a big overhang and comfortable padded counter-height chairs/stools with backs and arms. I can't wait. (Mark, I'm planning to ask you to look over the kitchen design when it's ready.)
Sweet! Sounds exciting. Reach out whenever you are ready!
We have a 2-step stool that has a nice big area to stand on, so that works better for me than trying to balance on a ladder. I adjusted the shelves in the upper cabinets, so I can reach 3 without the step stool. I just keep rarely used items on the top shelves.
I love the open concept kitchen -no corner cabinets.
My biggest issue is the over the range microwave. I would prefer a functional range hood, but the ceilings are vaulted, so I doubt there would be a way to vent the hood to the roof. The microwave pulls the steam from the bottom and vents it back into the room at the top (so not really effective).
We have two library ladders, one to each loft. The only safe way to take things to and from the lofts is to use a bag/backpack or have a second person on the ground to hand things to. If you don’t pull them away from the wall/cabinet to the correct distance, the wheels may not lock properly when your weight is on them, which can give you quite a scare when it suddenly moves sideways. In a library, dropping a book, while not ideal, is not as problematic as dropping kitchen equipment. Plus, just try keeping toddlers off of them… it’s a constant worry.
I also have a work station sink but I don't use it like I thought I would. Mainly it takes up counter space and it is covered with a chopping block
Would love to nix the wall cabinets but need the storage!
The overhang of my island is 13 inches, more than enough space to sit comfortably. Since the island is a natural hang out place when the entire family is together, seating is a must despite having a kitchen table.
A good friend designs commercial kitchens and hates pot fillers for home kitchens. It’s not a problem carrying a large pot of water to the stove. The issue is carrying boiled water to the sink. Of course, the grease buildup is gross.
I am not a fan of the work station sink since I have plenty of counter space. I do like having two sinks. The smaller one in the island is perfect for rinsing vegetables or hand washing, especially when someone else is cleaning up pots and pans.
We just remodeled our kitchen. We have a small workstation sink - we love it. We don’t really cut anything on there but the shape works really well for us (larger items- we were used to a 2 tub sink). What is most useful for us is the drying rack in the utility. We don’t cut that much on there though - just easier to use a countertop. Have an island without seating. Decided against it because we have a table right next to our kitchen. Didn’t serve a purpose - don’t miss it
To date myself: we had a modest house in Southern CA in the 60s. There was bar that connected the den to the kitchen. It had raised sitting that was higher and overlooking the sink. I would sit at that bar often observing my mother. I learned so much. Maybe the island with seating just needs some rethinking. Especially if you have school-age children. Even with today's electronics, a parent's physical presence can be very influential. You will probably not even recognize it, but it doesn't mean it isn't important. Provide charging outlets and it will draw them in.
Thanks for a video with much food for thought.
Island with seating is my biggest regrets. I couldn’t agree more with you on the not so comfortable seating. Sitting at a table is so much nicer and doesn’t make you feel like you’re at a bar in your own home. In our case, the seating was a complete waste of space, I’m looking into options to retrofit cabinets (or open shelving) instead.
The pot filler( or rather lack thereof) is my second regret. Definitely something I wish I had almost every single week. If you make soup on a regular basis and are hesitating, don’t. Every time I make soup, I have to carry that big pot to the sink ( after sautéing vegetables) which is a nuisance. By the time I’ve added the needed water amount the induction has shut off so I have to select the right level again. Not moving that big saucepan would be great. Same idea for Risotto, stock etc…I’d say if you often cook these types of dishes , then a pot filler will be very useful.
Pot fillers: one thing more to clean ... I will never have them in my kitchen. Anyway the sink shouldn't be too far away from the stove. In my kitchen we don't eat much pasta (there a pot filler is useful), and the children (who like pasta) make theirs in small pots. No need for a pot filler.
Same. I never eat pasta, and the pot filler is just one more thing to clean and maintain, AND it’ll get greasy with spatter from stove. No, thank you to a pot filler. 👎
We eat a lot of pasta and I still think it's not worth the additional plumbing and maintenance.
I have a very large kitchen island with seating. What I hate about the seating is that there are cabinets on the same side as the seating. I'm constantly moving the the stools or asking people to let me in to get to things I need.
My stove is also on the island, so the pot filler is a no go, I'd rather have the work station sink located on the island at the farthest end from the sink.
I've always been intrigued by the kitchen ladder. I would never had considered it when my kids were young, but now I have mixed feelings because of the same reason I hate the under the island storage, but I also hate dragging a step stool out. I'm also a klutz, so I lean pretty far from thinking this is a safe option for me, lol.
Great video, thank you!
My thoughts on a pot filler. I like the idea of one but would not want it over the stove. I'd like it off to the side with the arm reaching the burner row. I find I'm cleaning the wall behind the stove more often than any other.