Top Kitchen Customizations I'd Do Again In Our Custom Kitchen Design + 5 Kitchen Remodel Regrets

[@QueenAmy]

My favourite part of your kitchen is the island with NO SINK smack in the middle! For those of us who like to cook and bake, it's so important to have a long, uninterrupted stretch of countertop. It's all around a gorgeous space, and I love the windows. Nothing can replace fabulous, natural light. Thanks for the video.

[@babe8917]

I agree

[@shannonbrice8012]

Also when the sink is in the middle of the kitchen, it is hard to have other people doing things in there. Someone rinsing dishes and another tries to make coffee it can be frustrating.

[@barbarahagelberg1135]

I agree, i’d want nothing on an island, no sink, no stove top!

[@vickilancaster6713]

Agreed, I don't understand why you would want a sink or stove top in the island. It ruins the functionality of that island. With the possibility of water splashing, burning from heat source or steam, or food splashing, it isn't a safe place for others to sit at the island with a sink or stovetop. Wish they would stop ruining the island.

[@tracyhoffman7227]

I love the kitchen. It is So Stunning. It looks Magazine Worthy Even now!! So was that your kitchen on the cover of the Magazine. I love modern mixed with Farmhouse. No distressing on the cabinets. I do not like distressing on Spaces that are Wow factors. Maybe on a bed post or a coffee table but really I love French Cottage + MODERN STYLE. I LOVE THE FRENCH BLUE WITH Black and white.

[@2chipped]

As a custom installer, from our own cabinet shop. As well as a man who likes to cook and bake. I would like give you some insider tips. #1 the kitchen is the heart of the home, it gets the premium real estate no matter what else needs to be shuffled around. Location, location, location. The sink is the first to get the best of the best ocean view. Cook-top/range/stove and hood are next in line for design, space, projection, accessibility to exhaust. Last is refrigerator and or freezer, they project an additional 6-12 inches beyond base cabinets. Love the natural light from the windows btw! #2 Make every base cabinet with drawers, or add rollouts just like you have. #3 Avoid corner cabinets (refer back to #1) as much as possible,corners are where space goes to die or get things lost. If however you have to have a dead space... Bring the upper down to the countertop and make the lower portion an appliance garage. Flour, sugar, cornmeal, Coffee + fr press, and can opener live there in my house. A wide enough galley kitchen or a peninsula/island are better solutions. My home has a peninsula with a door with rollouts behind.. Accessed from the bar side in the corner area. #4 space required for refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers with doors FULLY OPEN is often not planned for. Code requires 36 inches between countertops, now drop down your 24 inch oven door and see how narrow 1 ft is (reference #1). Appliances especially the refrigerator with its extra projection, can change an entire design from good to bad. 5# having a wet (with sink), hot (oven or cooktop ) is expensive to build initially, and change when the refrigerator is to close..etc. #6 upper cabinets are accessories, not primary. They soak up light, and make the room feel small. They remove the ability to have more windows like you have. #7 instead have a floor to ceiling pantry wall, for nothing but storage. A library ladder is a great way to access high cabinets and breaks up the solid wall. #8 accessories can be added later when budget allows. Mixer lifts, pullouts, rollouts, pan organization, cutlery dividers, spice and utensil pullouts (the last 2 must be planned for), wax paper /saran/papertowel/ organizers. #9 sanitary function. Don't house trashcan pullouts next to anything kitchen related, better off in a separate cabinet. Mine is below the saran/wax paper, zip locks drawer. Spice racks near a stove look cool, but they can't help but absorb cooking steam and greases. #10 if you need upper cabinets. Change projection on every other cabinet. Unless they go to the ceiling change height on every other to have more interest up high.

[@karenboyd6293]

I am not a professional installer, although my husband I have designed and installed three kitchens. Unfortunately in all cases we did not have a choice in the cabinets which were either given to us or purchased used. We did repaint two of them and installed soft close glides, install drawers or slides into some cabinets, etc. etc. In any case, I disagree with two of your comments. #6 if you are very tall, upper cabinets are so much nicer that lower. Of course the lower are necessary to hold up the counters ;-). Second changing the projection on the upper cabinets with affect how far you can open the doors. I hate the current preference for concealed hinges because I want to open the doors all the way. Knife hinges barely show and allow that. I like to be able to see what is going on when I look to my side at what the toddlers are doing. And I have been known to forget the door is open and walk into it. LOL.

[@2chipped]

@@karenboyd6293 and that is why it is such a personal feeling of what works and why for each individual.

[@kristend344]

I installed turntables in my corner cupboards - it's so easy to find stuff. I put a tray going "sideways" in a blind corner base cabinet with the widest door possible. I can reach what is back there by pulling the tray forward. Re: fridge - if designing from scratch, a recess where the fridge will be so the over-depth fridge won't project as far. I have spices on the inside of my baking cupboard doors. Very easy access and don't really affect the storage for other baking supplies. (Flour and sugar are in a lower cabinet.)

[@TheCrusades1099]

Excellent advice and put in easy to read point form...Now where is your channel, I'll subscribe!!😁

[@MinnieMoores]

Great information. Thank you! I'm needing to design also for wheelchair access, which widens kitchen pathways even more.

[@knowledgerules8008]

I’m about to start my redesign project so I found your likes and regrets like very informative. I will definitely rethink my island design. But, that isn’t what I loved most about your video. I LOVED that the content in the drawers was REAL. I love that things weren’t perfectly stacked, I loved the empty candy box and that you actually had candy or junk food. I hate watching videos that they appear to only eat super healthy and everything is so perfect. You have kids and your video showed that.

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m glad you enjoyed it😁

[@shelbybell787]

I NEVER considered the knicks in my current kitchen showing with inset cabinets. I would have never predicted that. That one tip alone made this video a saver! 😂

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@DianeHurt]

One thing I did not see in your remodel is a trash can drawer. We have one and I could not live without it. What do you think? I love your videos

[@GraceInMySpace]

Yep! We have one too! Right next to the sink.

[@gailwilliams8515]

It's a lovely kitchen Sarah - those windows are fabulous - it would be so peaceful to look out them as you're working in the kitchen. There will always be things we'd like to change but we need to remember how blessed we are with what we have.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Absolutely! Always good to remember. ❤️

[@markyogg1]

I’m a kitchen and bath designer and completely agree with you on inset cabinets. They’re so expensive and not a great idea. They look nice in magazines but they wear so poorly. As for the island, your cabinet maker should have told you all of that. You can use steel bars under the overhang and legs and no trim, or a 1” piece of trim to support the weight. You can still get shorter stools, though. Look for table height, not counter height. The length of the island should be relative to the kitchen. It appears that you could have gone to about 105” without any issues. Again, something your cabinet maker should have told you. With the hood, I understand what you’re saying, but I’d caution your followers that you have to understand how they work and make sure you understand how to meet local codes. One may think the hood is only decorative, and therefore not difficult to build. That is incredibly wrong and may end with the DIYer spending far more money because it’s not done correctly. Overall, it’s a really nice kitchen!

[@lolabear6788]

It also made me think of those cabinet flush counter tops. Just no! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Styles like that don’t consider practical use.

[@knowledgerules8008]

Loved your info. Thank you

[@lauras.3387]

Why do inset cabinets wear differently?

[@jille9650]

Isn't true that inset cabinets wear poorly in the same way other designs do if the underlying material is not solid wood AND painted with oil based paints? The material won't chip and if the paint wears, they can be touched up and last a hundred years.

[@miriamrobarts]

@@lauras.3387 They don't get worn out differently, you just see it more. Regular cabinet doors & drawers overlap the opening (and cover up the worn edge - like the Ikea cabinet she showed - you can't see that bottom edge when the door is shut). Inset cabinet doors & drawers fit inside the opening, so the edge is visible, even when the door or drawer is closed.

[@debclarkson2090]

Long walk from the dishwasher to put plates and cups away, then long walk from cupboard to fridge with a glass for water. Love the wall of windows and drawers everywhere.

[@CameronKlos]

100%, she should put her plates/bowls/glasses in the long drawers adjacent to the dishwasher. She even said she never uses that bottom drawer, so problem solved!

[@lisaduginski8513]

The wall of windows facing the woods!!! I’m in LOVE!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@amberroberts4413]

Oh my gosh! I am in the design phase if my kitchen and I just stumbled across your video!! The corner drawers are a game changer!!

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@taylorswf23]

The idea of designing a room/house from “scratch” is VERY STRESSFUL for me. Hearing your wins and opportunities for improvement helps me form my own thoughts about what I would want. We’re done renovating for now, but this isn’t our forever home so I know this will be useful some day!

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad it is helpful to you!

[@Steph-dz9jb]

The windows in your kitchen are amazing! I couldn’t resist growing some thyme or sage somewhere on the counter. 😊 To solve the leg room height problem you can remove the top and get rid of the apron support boards. Then install cantilevered steel overhang bars and replace the top and keep the legs for appearance. A MINIMUM of 24” is required for seating at an island. If you want to resolve that issue as well, you can add cabinets and lengthen the island OR you could get a new larger top (expensive I realize) and have it overhang the island on the side towards the dining room also - so 3 stools at the back looking toward the sink and 1 on the end looking toward the range. For anyone considering corner drawers, please remember clearance issues next to any appliance. The other option for a corner (if you have a larger kitchen) is to put a 3x3 filler there and kill the corner. Don’t be afraid to “waste the space” in corners, it’s mostly wasted anyway i.e. this cabinet takes up 3 feet, along each wall for three drawers, so mostly it’s a big empty space there anyway. Corner cabinets are hard to access and the good ones are very expensive. In this kitchen if they had used a corner filler they might have fit the dishwasher to the left of the sink (which is typical) and also gained a larger base cabinet to the right of the range for utensils and pots etc. The pots and pans dowel insets are expensive and make the drawer shallower. In fact almost any drawer insert offered by cabinet companies (cutlery trays/knife holders/spice inserts/etc. are expensive and restrictive. Thanks for the video and good luck to anyone else planning to redo their kitchen!

[@StacyForest738]

I'm so glad you pointed out the inset cabinet dings. I had never even thought of that! Beautiful kitchen BTW.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Glad it was helpful!

[@reneerandall9916]

Great video, I love all of the advice and appreciate your honesty.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ericschumacher5452]

Your video is helpful (we’re building a house soon and will use some of these tips). Seeing all of your windows, I’m looking forward to including that in our design. A couple things you may want to consider - your hood appears narrow & shallow (it needs to extend 3 inches beyond your cooktop sides and over the midpoint of your front burners to capture fumes well), your drawer slides do not appear to extend fully (your corner drawers might benefit from slides that extend the drawer out further than the drawer depth). Also, we added an outlet on the end of our island and use it all the time (Code now requires one on each end).

[@jamiemichellepena9014]

Thank you for all these tips! I’m in the middle of a remodel and literally text my contractor some of your regrets and asked him to confirm the changes. I’m so grateful for your video. Thank you for sharing! ❤️

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@karenboyd6293]

After 40 years of marriage and many homes, I finally got a custom kitchen remodel. 90 % or the designing a work was done by my husband and me. It is not quite finished after 3 years. Almost every part of the project revealed many extra projects. For example, when he was removing the 60 yo can lights he discovered that the wiring had to be almost completely redone. There were live disconnected wires hanging in walls. I could list so many more examples. We also used cabinets from Habitat for Humanity. These were painted and and remade to fit the spaces. He did make many special features for us. So a lot of things are not everything I had dreamed or imagined. BUT the important thing to remember, which you alluded too, it this is the best kitchen I have ever had or even used in my life. If we had the energy or money to do it over, certainly I would change some things. I will add that having a sink like yours might have been better. I ended up with a granite counter, which was not what I thought I wanted. It was less expensive than the quartz I wanted, but I couldn't find quartz I really like. In the end we chose a beautiful piece of granite. It is not as hard to care for as I thought. BUT it has chips in front of the sink...... I appreciate the comment about the inset cabinets. I will stop coveting them. :-) In the end I love my kitchen, with all of it's flaws it is still the best for me.,...

[@GraceInMySpace]

Well said!!

[@dia9491]

Your kitchen is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. It’s just gorgeous. It’s so light and airy. Those windows were well worth it.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much! That means a lot.

[@dia9491]

@@GraceInMySpace you’re so welcome.

[@gilfam823]

I’m so happy to see your Cloe white backsplash. It’s what I am leaning toward for my kitchen, but hadn’t made a final decision yet. It’s beautiful

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@linblum8716]

Yes, the backslash is beautiful. Is it hard to keep the tile and grout clean?

[@Jennyhenrytube]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the windows and the "daily dishes on display! " thank you for the corner drawer tip. the lazy-Susan is very....anti-kid-friendly. especially also THANK YOU for the parent hack tips!

[@GraceInMySpace]

So glad you liked it!

[@lorijenvey9276]

I hate my lazy Susan so much.

[@HarrisChapman-xi9oq]

Wow! Amazing Kitchen Transformation and Awesome Video

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad you liked it!

[@joyanders3968]

Favorite thing.............the corner drawers, so perfect!!

[@KevinDeb124]

Really great tips. In our previous house we remodeled the kitchen twice. First was a complete remodel. Second was adding or removing things that just wasn't working. So I understand the regrets LOL. Your kitchen is gorgeous. Love all the pull out drawers instead of your typical cabinets.

[@GraceInMySpace]

So glad you enjoyed it! And yes to updating things that aren’t working🙌🏻

[@4everyoung24]

The corner drawers a genius. Your kitchen is bright and functional.

[@ianrobinson476]

Your kitchen is a true gem. I was considering inset cabinets for my next house flip but never considered the downside you listed. They are also extensivly more expensive. So you gave me a reason to save money and that is much appreciated. I come from a construction background and recommended trying to resale your hood and make one to your style. You can do it. The hood is small for the space and i think someone else would love to pay you for it. Thank you for this video

[@BayouDreamz]

Building a house now and opted for corbels to support island. It isn't the trend right now, but it was for all of the reasons you mentioned. You have a lot more room/flexibility when there is no end panel or leg (plus maximizing leg room). Glad to confirm my thinking that function trumps "pretty". Great recap!

[@rossannahopkins2324]

Thanks for the information. Great things to think about. Building a house and finding it challenging because my kitchen is large and I must consider the function for two families.

[@GraceInMySpace]

You can do it!

[@tiahuggins]

I LOVE the corner drawers!!!! I am going to copy that, the next opportunity I have.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@Zoo-animals2023]

Love that you’re favourite things are so practical and functional!

[@zsuzsuspetals]

Gorgeous kitchen and very helpful video. I'm convinced that given enough time everyone has something they'd do differently even if they spent 100k remodeling the kitchen. I'm in the design process now and it's not easy. this was helpful so thank you!

[@GraceInMySpace]

I think you’re right! There’s always a learning process in design. Good luck on your kitchen project!

[@valkyrie568]

I appreciated your explanation of the issues with inset cabinets. I was recently reading a historic kitchen design book and it mentioned the "new style" of cabinet doors (in the 1920's) with the overlay doors. When the author was recommending the new style, she called the old inset doors 'unsightly' and I had no idea why they would be considered unsightly. So thanks for clearing that up. My cabinets are legitimately 1920's which are not original to the house but are really well made and huge for their era; my island is 47x87 but no seating involved, so it's big enough, and the1920's cabinets are staying. (The two 1950's cabinets are being re-homed however). My island issue is that I definitely don't fully utilize the drawers meant to hold 100 lb. bags of flour and sugar! But now I'll embrace my "new style" doors. Lol.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Haha! That’s so interesting! I love hearing how people perceived the styles as they changed!

[@GabyDee7]

Thank you. I am about to start a kitchen remodel. The information given is very helpful.

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad!

[@pejisan]

My designer wanted that kind of leg support for our island but I held out for hidden metal braces for supported the overhang. So glad we did - no bumper cars. Function over form!

[@lydialutz]

oh yeah! Nice corner drawers. When I redo my kitchen I think I will do straight galley kitchen with no corners BUT if we decide we need to keep the current corners, we should definitely do that.

[@robertapettersson3035]

LOVE everything and very concise practical tips, some of which are solutions I’ve been contemplating for over a year! Thank you. Pantry being one of them. I want and need one but I just couldn’t find any way to make it work. The wall is perfect! I was already planning no uppers-love it - because we have the most amazing view with a marsh and wildlife. Also planning an island, w no sink or stove, bc there is a separate dining room. Your colours are perfect. Your little shelf w a few plates and bowls for everyday- perfect! So all in all I’m thrilled I’ve found you and this. This is my dream kitchen. Hope to get started this summer! Thank you so much

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad it was helpful! Best of luck on the renovation!

[@pc0086]

For someone who is in the middle of designing my next custom home, this is really helping. I learned a lot from your design and regrets. Thank you for sharing.

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@user-qo3jh9mn1t]

I was going to cut my cabinet doors down so they would be inset. Very happy I watched your video. Dents showing was something I had never considered. Thank you. You saved me a vast amount of work.

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@maureendavidson8264]

Your kitchen is beautiful and thank you for all the pointers.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@djautrey]

I believe in a storage cabinet NEXT to/above the dishwasher. You have to take your glasses to the island, and then store them on the other side of the room. I would love to hear designers TEACH us about that form to function. Love you and your video! Truly

[@romoromo6322]

Great point! My thoughts exactly. Gorgeous kitchen. Function not so cute.

[@BarbChamberlain]

I was thinking something similar--that few things are stored right next to where you'd use them or they're stored where they create a trip. The pots and pans aren't next to the stove in the corner drawers, they're in the island. I'd like to see kitchen remodels that walk us through the actual use of the space to see the efficiency of motion. I'm in a prolonged effort researching remodels and thinking hard about these elements because ours is a very strange and inefficient space. There's no counter space to the left of the stove--it doesn't appear to meet minimum recommendations. I'd feel completely squished there. So many kitchens have an island that seems to create a barrier to workflow rather than a benefit.

[@romoromo6322]

@@BarbChamberlain Excellent points! Thanks for the input.

[@karenboyd6293]

The problem is that people function in different ways.

[@103lane]

Thought the same thing ….when unloading the dishwasher I want the cabinet for commonly used items close by. Not having to walk across the room. Seems like she could use an organizer to help he maximize the cabinets function. Also don’t care for no pullout for the pantry,stuff gets lost behind others items in the cabinet… beautiful kitchen, but function is lacking.

[@ultracurious]

All these years of all the kitchen design/diy/build/decor articles, Pins, Insta posts, catalogues, blogs & vlogs...heck, all the way back to library books! 😱 This video is the one I really NEEDED. It's all great & helpful info out there, to be sure - but this is the exact rubber-meets-the-road information I personally need at this exact point in our kitchen Reno...right before the demo startst Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@DD-xf1yd]

Your kitchen is beautiful. Love the windows, and the little "secret" features you described (the paper towel holder in the drawer....and the dual-corner drawers that act as ONE drawer....so clever)!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@HeleneLogan]

The inset cabinet "regret' is really interesting--I would have never considered that. Great video!

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@sherrymcsherry2984]

Awesome advice. Our next remodeling project is moving the kitchen fro the north end of the house to the south end. Drawers are a MUST for pot and pans, baking dishes etc. I loved the corner drawers….who knew 🤷🏻‍♀️. Large and accessible pantry with pull out drawers are another must if we decide not to do a walk in pantry. Two other of your ideas that I really liked was the spice drawer and the appliance garage. Your ban of windows is amazing. Such natural bright light. The backsplash tile is gorgeous and I agree with your decor to take it to the ceiling. The range hood will be a DIY…. I want to use an antique panel door. Your video is a keeper for sure. Great tips.

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad it was helpful! Sounds like you have a fun upcoming project on your hands. Good luck!

[@danieldorchester5221]

Great job with this video. Excellent points that you’ve made. I’ve done many kitchens and I like watching videos like this to get other ideas. I have a tendency to get into my mindset and be limited, this really helps thank you

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad it helped!

[@jilltibbetts3]

Thanks so much for the info on inset cabinets, I wouldn't have thought of that. I love the corner drawers, too!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billswifejo]

I thought the corner drawers were excellent, but surely you then lose a triangle of space on either side because you have straight drawers on either side. Add the two triangles together and that would equal losing the whole corner. Although I much prefer drawers to shelves, i might use shelved (five sided) cupboards on either side to maximise the space.

[@nonehandle688]

You could still put corbels in the island instead of the legs. That amount of countertop doesn't need much support. Great information. Thanks.

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

What I like best about your kitchen is the soft gray/white overall look with "just enough" punches of wood to stay within its simple, clean, calm and timeless look. I've never seen a corner open shelves-how unique.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@inecita1958]

Your video is great at figuring out what to do! Gracias!

[@GraceInMySpace]

You’re so welcome!

[@missyb.623]

As simple as it is, I love the hidden paper towels. Ours are inconvenient on purpose. There is a rag bin under the sink and a nice fabric napkin bin within reach.

[@michaela.5363]

Corner drawers were a nice touch! Didn't know that was possible.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Oh yes! I love them.

[@michaela.5363]

@@GraceInMySpace I would have also gone with a bigger range if I were you, but I am sure that 30 inch is enough for most meals. Larger one would make more of a statement,

[@AChickandaDuck]

I enjoyed this so much! You’ve done an absolutely beautiful job. We built a custom home 2 years ago and have some similar regrets! I love your range hood but I feel like the space would also look amazing with a larger rectangular hood that covers the space all the way to the refrigerator cabinet! More of a rustic luxe look instead of farmhouse.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Yes that would be beautiful too!

[@bjamo8738]

I really love this video. I love your kitchen, I however am firmly on the side against open shelving, I absolutely hate open shelving, to me it is just a place for dust and grease to settle, especially around the stove. Everything else I really appreciate, thank you for sharing the pros and cons.

[@Suz9006]

Pretty simple to replace your current island countertop (only) with a larger one. That would solve the problem of not being able to pull your stools up as well as give you more width. Since you don’t have any appliances on it, it should be too expensive.

[@Isabel-of4wq]

Great advice. Here’s my lesson learned. TLDR: I would tile backsplash behind the original microwave appliance if I had a do over. Today I had to replace an appliance over the cooktop - I discovered when the fancy GE advantium oven combo microwave broke after a few years, and was removed to replace it, there was no stone tile backsplash behind it. I let the installers put in the new microwave - they had to shim out the step between the stone backsplash tile and the wall so the new microwave would sit straight. It’s half an inch taller than the old one. There are now gaps on each side. Not the end of the world (yep first world problems) but if I’d tiled behind it in the first place I wouldn’t need to retile the stone when I replaced the appliance, which is after all inevitable.

[@pohkhengtan5559]

Hi Sarah, your kitchen is soooo beautiful! The lights, the colour tone of cabinets and the decor are just right…👍

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@amatthias1577]

Thanks for sharing your insights. Your enthusiasm and expertise is refreshing. I look forward to hearing from you on your next project.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@PandoraEast]

Wow, great tips and insights

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@lydialutz]

yes, open shelving for the daily use stuff and a little decor! I like that balance. Open shelving everywhere...looks cluttered, gets dusty. But no open shelving is too much bulky cabinetry. I like your balance and way of using open shelving.

[@joanwood9480]

Your kitchen is huge compared to mine. Mine really does need a make over. Lots of changes. Definitely quartz counters. Drawers in all of my lower cupboards. Definitely need a cabinet made for the corner. I wouldn't put a spice cabinet next to the range because the heat eminating from the range is very bad for the spices, besides have a spice rack my father made. Because my kitchen is small upper cabinets really are a must, actually cabinets that go to the ceiling. I actually have a laundry/pantry that is next to the kitchen. Just inside the doorway is a pegboard where all of my skillets hang. Very convenient. Lots of window would be lovely but can't afford to lose the cupboard space. Your kitchen is very nice, glad you are happy with it

[@GraceInMySpace]

Sounds like you have a great plan!

[@ang_131]

My only issue is that your dishwasher is so far away from where you put your dishes (pantry wall). I like the dishwasher to be immediately adjacent to the place the dishes live so it’s easy to unload.

[@greglutz1802]

Another overlooked design is pull out trash on opposite side of sink from DW. So as you stand at the sink you can you scrape, rinse, load efficiently.

[@yakiraheyman7307]

@@greglutz1802 Yes! Our dishwasher is to the right of the sink (we’re right handed) and to the left we have a trash compactor - a rather uncommon appliance I think. We love it and it’s in the perfect location.

[@ang_131]

@@greglutz1802, where I am from, it’s super common to have your garbage in the cupboard under the sink. Maybe newer kitchens have built in trash cupboards but not in smaller homes.

[@maryellenperez4834]

Your video was so helpful. On your island add a small round table with chairs for more space with the same countertop.

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@angelahorning5788]

Very very helpful video! We are soon going to be building a kitchen and this was very helpful especially the info on the island!

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@WhaleTank]

My parents had stools that were a bit too tall for their island and they were able to get the legs of the stools shortened. It was cheap to do and they are the perfect height now.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Great idea!

[@hollynelson543]

Omg, never seen a corner cabinet like that. LOVE IT.

[@staceyparham429]

Thinking about your comments on your range hood it made me think You could cover you hood with metal like hammered copper or zinc sheeting with brass rivet strips. And/or You could also add a narrow mantel to it for art or a wreath. Loads of ways to have fun with it and evolve. Love your corner drawers! Brilliant!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Yes! So many ways to customize it!

[@stephaniet9670]

We just did a custom kitchen and ended up adding a second sink. We moved the main sink and ended up adding a prep sink in its place. It ended up being our favorite feature in the new kitchen and I now want it in every future kitchen. You can have a sink full of dishes and still have a place to rinse food, or have someone wash their hands while someone else is washing dishes.

[@GraceInMySpace]

That’s a great design choice!

[@dominaevillae28]

We are placing a small prep sink in our island so the cook always has a sink to work.

[@blueberryblues3365]

Thanks for an honest review of your beautiful kitchen. I think it looks great. Changing from an L shape with the peninsula to an island was a great idea. All of the windows are a beautiful addition too. I am a retired chef, cooked professionally for over 32 years and have done 6 of my own kitchens, plus numerous friends kitchens. Over the years I have cooked in places other than restaurants, some being private homes with absolutely gorgeous huge kitchens that were not functional at all. I have seen them all, some being large enough for 100 guests with 3 commercial ranges/fridges and a pizza oven and others where I had to go next door to use the oven because the home owners oven did not function. While I am more into a functional "commercial" look, I agree with much that you said. I always try to design as much space as I can on either side of the range for spreading out while I cook on the range top. My least favorite thing to do is unload dishes from the dishwasher to their storage space. I see that you have dishes/mugs on your shelf, I am assuming they are used everyday? Because the rest were in the pantry cabinets on the other side of the island which means unloading them on to the counter or island then walking around to put them away? Or maybe your kids do it? Have you considered putting them in one of the large drawers near the d/w? It's just a comment, I don't mean to be critical. Also your comment about the legs on the island. Yes they are beautiful and its too late now but if the counter top had been wider- if you could fit it, then your knees/legs (or 6'plus husbands legs) would not be near the apron. Would an adjustable stool work? I used to have a pretty antique dining table like that. It would be sad to remove the legs now, but it could be done and the island top could be braced with brackets instead. Every island I have put in my kitchens always hangs over longer on one end, like at least 10-12 " if possible on the end away from the range so someone can sit there and see the others sitting along side each other. Makes for better conversation. So in your case you would have 3 stools on the side and one at the end. Of course its a shoulda woulda but who knows maybe someday you will change the top or redo it. It's a learning experience doing each one. Lastly I agree with you about the doors and dings etc. The kitchen I am in now has white painted cabinets that were custom made. Some of the bottom cabinets are 30" deep rather than the typical 24" deep ones which gives me deeper counter tops and much larger drawers. They were professionally painted, supposedly "baked on" and they still get dings and chips and there are only two of us in this kitchen. I guess its just what happens with painted cabinets. Anyway, thanks for a great review and keep cooking!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you for your comment! Someday we may extend the island and hopefully solve a few of the “regrets” 😉

[@ingridmichaelnavarro4503]

Everyone seems to have looks over function when designing their kitchen, even the popular instagram kitchens. Like "let's put the main sink in the middle of the island directly across from the oven so everything is simetrical."

[@blueberryblues3365]

@@ingridmichaelnavarro4503 yes that is true. When I have worked in home kitchens and the sink is right across from the range or oven we would end up bumping butts while one person cleaned up and the other worked at the range. Or they would have to step out of the way while the oven door is opened. Maybe its a good idea for a kitchen where only one person cooks. But I think many people want their kitchens to look impressive and good to visitors but in the end they don't really use it.

[@HillaryMoore]

@@blueberryblues3365 that's exactly it. I worked professionally as a kitchen designer for 10 years. Most fell into two groups that had nothing to do with budgets - those who wanted to actually use their kitchen and those who wanted it to look like a magazine cover. I was much more satisfied with the projects for those who actually cooked or baked. ❤️

[@snoywntr2]

Love the corner drawer!

[@tracybeemer1117]

Thank you, I love the inset look on the cabinets, but I never would have thought about the visibility of the dents and ding!

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@kathykunathharris1590]

I also have the corner drawers and love them! I also have the microwave in my counter instead of on the countertop! Love your windows and all the storage drawers!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@MoonLightOnWater1]

Love the corner drawer…..❤

[@mistyl1135]

Beautiful kitchen! And great job on the video. I really like your style. Growing up we had the same problem my dad ended up finding some wooden barstools and he just hacked The legs down a little bit to make it the perfect size for the area.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Great option!

[@coachcjm3171]

This is such a blessing! We are just about to start our remodel - the corner drawers blew my mind! Going to add for sure

[@GraceInMySpace]

So glad it was helpful!

[@gailacook5102]

Great points for repeating design and modifications!!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you!

[@bethelshiloh]

Thank you. That was a very helpful article and video. You have some of the same thoughts that I have. We built a HOME 10 years ago and I designed most of it. I get a lot of compliments on my kitchen. But like you there are some things I would and would not do again. In your article on open shelving you use some of the same ideas that I do and that is seasonal decorating. I decorate for spring, summer, Autumn, and winter. I switch my dishes out on my open shelving and just so enjoy seeing the different ways my kitchen can look. Thank you. That was fun.

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jojambhe]

Love the video and love how normal your cabinets are and you were so willing to show them 😊

[@GraceInMySpace]

Happy to share!

[@mjrh45]

I love the windows you had installed and pretty much everything you did in this kitchen. And, yes, next time you can make the island just a tad bit bigger.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@chelseayell9885]

Team Corner Drawer for life!! that is amazing!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Glad you like it!

[@moocrazytn]

My kitchen has windows like that. I've aways loved them!

[@GraceInMySpace]

They are my favorite!

[@bettinaho77]

Love your kitchen especially the corner drawers. Just wondering what type of plant is next to your sink. Its so pretty, provides a nice pot of green color.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much! It’s a creeping fig.

[@Imzadi]

Drawers are such an underutilized design element in kitchens. Out with cabinets! I am team drawer any day of the week!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Me too!

[@lmena5696]

Is your island nailed into the floor? If not, do what we do. We have everything on casters, and you will need heavy duty ones for sure with the quartz, but they are not that expensive. That's going to add 2-3" to the height of the island, and you can move it around. Make sure one caster is lockable. We have a tiny house and a tiny kitchen. We literally used to have limited cabinet space just so there was a way to move an appliance in and out. No more. We just move some of the storage cabinets/kitchen table/island out of the way on the rollers.

[@601salsa]

Also cabinet doors.... having recessed panels collects dirt. I prefer high gloss and solid panel cabinet fronts. The high gloss is much easier to keep clean and without any panel reassessed it only needs a once over, no more toothbrush to clean the creases. Saves so much mors time and doesn't need a lot of effort to keep clean. Worktops must be burn and stain resistant if not proof again it's an ease of cleaning thing. Flooring needs to be waterproof.... there will be a time where the tap leaks, you drop a pan of liquid etc... get decent tile to reduce water soaking in. Backslash.... I like the glazed tiles... easy to clean and pretty. Stainless steel sinks..... whilst I love the ceramic Belfast sink look if you drop a pan then it can crack and you have to replace the entire sink. Stainless is easier and more durable. Put appliances on wheels..... this makes it easier to pull out and clean or even for repairs. Power sockets at waist height/counter high..... flood prevention method in case of leaks.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Great ideas!

[@debbiethibault9846]

The hood top should be 6 inches wider than the stove top. That’s a tip i wish I knew with the last two kitchens I designed

[@sueza6322]

Great regret points. Thanks for sharing

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@lizstrangesavage7948]

We own an old 1900 farmhouse and while inset cabinets are more period appropriate and sleek, I really appreciated your thoughts on hiding the visual damage. Hadn't thought about that! Really love your windows and no uppers. Great choices!

[@nedawilmhoff3599]

Yes on the big drawers and the sliders in the cabinet. People don’t realize that big deep drawers are much better for storage in the kitchen. That’s where my pots and pans are. I have some disability and those are saving me.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Yes! I’ll take drawers over cabinets any day!

[@robindozier6529]

Your kitchen is stunning! Love Love the windows!!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@stanleynowak9325]

I am designing my third and last kitchen. Steel supports are the way to go!

[@marcirobins5144]

Thank you! This has been so helpful. And the comments have been very helpful, too.

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’m so glad!

[@byronwest2858]

If u have a separate wall oven at midriff height is much more comfortable to use, that frees up space for large drawers right below the range top to have all pots and pans there where u need them

[@romoromo6322]

Great point. Where would you place it in her kitchen? I was thinking it would be good on her pantry wall.

[@byronwest2858]

@@romoromo6322 given the preference for more windows / natural light really only leaves the wall to the back of the people sitting at the bar stools. could also be combined with a warming drawer and allocated space for bake trays, casseroles racks and such oven related brick-a-brack. on a side note i would have stubbed my toes on the legs for the bar stool area so often i would have gone at them with a blunt chainsaw...

[@greglutz1802]

We tried to include wall oven/microwave cabinet, but sometimes it comes down to prioritizing counter space

[@nancyh9030]

Thank you so much for going through your drawers🤣! I'm planning a kitchen and now I'll leave out the special inserts until we actually make sure they'll be useful. You still lose some space with the corner drawer and I'm sure it was costly so I'm still inclined to go with just leaving it open and putting the things seldom used back there. I think you should just use your DIY skills and add some brackets and remove that trim and those legs from your island. It wouldn't be that hard and would make it a lot more user friendly. The hardest part would be making a nice clean cut where the trim meets the cabinet.

[@trishdiggins]

Hi! Love your kitchen! Had an idea - what if you got wood leg counter height chairs for the bar and have them custom cut to the height you want? We did this with a desk we loved but couldn’t fit in the office - my friend cut the legs down and now it’s a beautiful higher than normal coffee table and we LOVE it!

[@GraceInMySpace]

I’ve thought of that too! Perhaps we will have to when we invest in bar stools next!😁

[@woodstover]

@@GraceInMySpace Actually, if the legs are metal, it would be easy enough to have them shortened and recapped. That would be great for the adults, depending on the age of your children, it might be too low for them, but cushions could help or leave 2 at the height they are now and just lower 2.

[@rubiejones1897]

Thank you for sharing your dont’s 💕 I’m designing a new house kitchen and appreciate you very much!!

[@patriciam5523]

I LOVE your kitchen and the coloring. I had a black cast iron sink before and it was awesome.

[@mirandalewis7619]

So glad I stumbled on your channel! I just finished a kitchen remodel and I completely understand the feeling already of being so grateful, but also thinking I would tweak just a couple things. ;) Nothing major! Still in love! You have such a calming, but fun vibe! I look forward to more videos!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Glad to have you here!

[@betsylatham5023]

Thanks for this video. We have some inset cabinets in a downstairs powder room and that convinced me not to go with them for our new kitchen. Having the reveal even a little bit off drives me nuts and it can easily get out of whack when you open and shut the cabinets a lot. Unless your dishes are really light/slippery or you tend to open drawers with a lot of force, I think the dowel systems are a waste. We have our dishes in a drawer (right across from the dishwasher - one of my favorite features). I lined the drawer with ribbed plastic shelving liner and have never had an issue with things sliding around.

[@GraceInMySpace]

Yes! All things I’d agree with too.

[@motherduck4666]

An "L" shaped kitchen is my favorite, and I love your drawers. I was surprised, however, that you did not include in your "regrets" the small amount of counter space between the stove and the refrigerator. I hate not having at least two feet or more of counter space on either side of my stove. In fact, I do not like it when the refrigerator is next to the stove. In my experience, having the sink located in between the stove and the refrigerator is a better natural flow, saves steps, and is less conducive to spills and drips on the floor from having to carry things from the fridge to the sink. (Of course, there should ideally be adequate prep space between the sink and the fridge.)

[@GraceInMySpace]

Most likely a personal preference! I’ve never felt like I didn’t have enough prep space. 😉

[@Draggonny]

@@GraceInMySpace It absolutely is personal preference. My kitchen is big. I've got loads of counter space and an island that is at a higher height (great for putting food out of doggie reach and for plating up). Where do I do my food prep? Sat at the dining table at the complete opposite end of the kitchen. 😆 I've got health conditions so I prefer to be seated when doing food prep so the extra counter space is a complete waste for me. My husband loves it though. The spot between the sink and the hob is where he does all his prep and the spice cabinet is just above there so super convenient for seasoning.

[@NYCBrat]

Your kitchen remodel is Outstanding. Every feature is on point. Loving your pantry config & app garage, great design! 5 stars!

[@GraceInMySpace]

Thank you so much!

[@debbiemize2269]

Thank you for sharing your loves and regrets about your kitchen! I think we all have those, I know I do. We remodeled our kitchen about 15 years ago and did so on a tight budget. Instead of getting custom cabinets we ordered ours from Home Depot. They look great, work perfectly, but are not what I truly wanted. But cost was a Huge factor for us. At the time I wanted my sink in the island (which is really a peninsula as it butts up to a wall) but the cost of moving the plumbing wasn’t in the budget. Now I’m glad it’s not there! Also should have had more walk space between the island and the facing cabinet.

[@GraceInMySpace]

We always learn in the process, don’t we! I just dropped a new video today discussing what I’ve done in the last year about some of these regrets, if you’re interested!