Here's an article about kitchen design and space clearances:
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52264430 ... hen-islandOne point that doesn't get mentioned is to consider the size of the family members. If you or your spouse are large or wide then add a few more inches of clearance space to your plans.
I lived in an older apartment that was well laid out and had lots of built in storage space that was perfect (4 closets plus a linen closet and pantry !). BUT - because this apartment was planned to maximize the useful space, things like the stairwell, doorways and hall were just a little too narrow. The hall in the apartment was 32" and the doorways were 28.5". The stairwell into the apartment had a wide handrail and exterior electrical conduits. At the worst spot this left only 30.5" width. Even carrying in a box meant that I had to hold my arms at an unnatural position. This made the apartment feel really stressful because of the constant tension of having not quite enough space for basic tasks of coming and going with groceries or garbage bins. I would have gladly given up 12" of width in the bedroom to make the stairwell and hall each 6" wider. I'm a woman, slightly on the taller/full figured side of things. If I was a rounder person or a taller man this would have been even worse. If you skimp on clearances you may have a kitchen that looks nice but feels bad ?
From looking at the pics of the kitchen - (unsure if this is your decor or the listing pics ?) this is what I would change to make the space more workable (this is not considering the new appliances but working with what is pictured):
- block up carry through opening
- remove table, stools
- current position of fridge is awkward - wasted space beside it
- current position of stove is awkward as it blocks counter access and overlaps space by small shelves
- move fridge and stove to the wall with the former carry through - there may be enough space left for over to make a small cabinet the same height as the stove. This is useful for transferring food from the fridge to the stove and vice versa. This also makes a very good work triangle in relation to the sink, which remains directly opposite.
- raise the clearance below the cabinets by several inches for better appliance access (taking off lids or adding ingredients to blender, etc.). Cabinets should go all the way to the ceiling.
- decrease the width of the wide doorway by 12 - 18", install a cabinet that wraps around the corner into this space. The little shelf thing sort of behind the stove feels awkward and wastes space.
- no valance over the window. Make the window as unobstructed as possible.
- no island or table in the center
- no decorative items that protrude into the space like candleholders or small shelving thing on wall with light switch
- do you need a broom closet or are these items stored elsewhere ?
Since you are living in rural Georgia, do you need a high end countertop material like quartz v.s. something durable and functional ? I am a big fan of melamine, that looks like melamine, particularly in a color (no fake stone finishes). Not using stone for the countertops will save you a bundle. Stone countertops are really in right now, which also means they will be out, like harvest gold or avocado appliances
Your budget seems to be missing the labor costs (ie is the shipping and installation cost included in the purchase price of the cabinets ?), plus taxes and other surprises that may come up. Also hardware for the cabinets, which can add up.
What if you replaced the doors, drawer faces and countertop on the lower cabinets, and bought brand new taller matching uppers v.s. replacing 100% of the cabinetry ?
Is having a 100% brand new kitchen the reason for this reno, or are you wanting to make the kitchen more functional ?
Since you bought the wall oven and cooktop on Black Friday, could you sell them (Brand New In Box, never used) for close to what you paid to recoup your costs, then buy a nicer stove and use whatever is left over towards other costs ?
Awhile back you had said this house was going to be a flip. If so, spend money on what will maximize your return and don't design for yourself. Do what is in keeping with the demographics and tastes of the area, so you aren't pricing yourself out of the market.
