Parlor Kitchen #7: Doing It On The Cheap

there is no way a professional chef could use this kitchen.

also, anyone who doesn't cook over a homemade fire made of recycled newspapers is a pox upon our environment.

ok, with those comments out of the way, we can begin the thread.

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 10:44 AM

10:50 - I think 10:44 was trying making fun of the comments in previous parlour kitchen posts. People made asinine remarks about how the kitchens were not equipped for professional chefs.

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 10:58 AM

"trying to make fun of" not "trying making"...sorry

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 10:59 AM

What I like:

• The change in level of the counter as you approach the window: I know that table isn't what you planned, but I think breaking up the scale of the counter is great.
• The way the microwave is tucked away
• The lights over the cabinets, and good choice with glass fronts
• The fact that you (appear to have) vented the stove properly
• The fact that there is landing space on both sides of the stove and both sides of the sink
• The IKEA cabinets: great value for the money

I don't love the refrigerator placement, but it's a sensible compromise and certainly functional. I would have considered turning the existing crown moulding along the new soffit/ceiling juncture. The steps up to the deck don't bother me, except that I'm sure the door is hard to open in snow (if there is a screen/storm door beyond). I'll confess I like the varieties of finishes and cabinet heights -- while not high art the whole effect avoids being "matchy-poo."

But most importantly, I like the price. Nice work!

--an architect in Brooklyn

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 11:00 AM

hah! 10:44, that was funny and sadly accurate based on the other kitchen threads.

Two questions:

1) What are the countertops made of?

2) Where does the range hood vent terminate? On the roof? In the back?

Thanks for sharing!

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 11:00 AM

It's a teeny detail, but I like how the microwave, while not mounted over the stove, is off the counter and on the shelf. It's a good (quick and cheap) solution for those of us who need the counter space but who might not want/be able to install one of those over-stove models.

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 11:27 AM

I like it, especially the two heights. I also like the fridge placement -- allows people to get to the fridge for a drink while not getting in cook's way. I don't love the countertops, but - eh - not a dealbreaker.

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 12:40 PM

OHMYGOD!
I see a toaster and a blender left out on the counter. The dust! The horror!

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 1:45 PM

I disagree with EG about the variety of cabinets and varying counter heights not looking good. It not only looks great, but it's totally the latest thing in kitchens. The most fashionable. What's tired is all one color cabinets and everything built in and monotonous. I have all built-ins now because we have a small galley kitchen (a set-up I love, I'm not dissing the galley) but ideally someday I'd like a big room full of a mix of freestanding pieces, along with the built-in cabinets. And with eclecticism, mixing antique freestanding pieces with rolling steel tables and new wood cabinets installed. The overall impression, like this kitchen here, is one of playfulness and experimentation. Which hello, is what we want in a chef, too!

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 2:27 PM

Oh come on, to each his own, 1:45. If you want to leave out the appliances all the time, do so. But don't, in your deep insecurity, insist that all of us absolutely have to do that too just so you don't feel left out. It's weird to get so obsessed over your hatred of clean kitchens without stuff sitting out.

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 2:31 PM

Oh and by the way, the toaster and blender are NOT sitting out. Look at the photo again.

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 2:35 PM

Re scratch and dent: I got a GE Profile bottom-freezer refrigerator and gas stove from Craigslist for $150 total. The sellers were redoing the kitchen and had to get rid of them. THe appliances were almost new and in perfect condition, although off-white which I understand is not as desirable as stainless. They had sold new for almost $1k each.

It cost me more to have them delivered than to pay for them.

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 3:12 PM

I have a clue for the poster who thinks it is weird and "dirty" to leave appliances out on the counter, and yes, I do see a toaster and a blender in the picture, you have a chemical imbalence in your brain that makes you an anal compulsive nut. Others are not "dirty" you are "wacked out". -Got it?

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 3:19 PM

3:19, I didn't think it was weird to leave out appliances on the counters. Didn't say that. I was saying it was weird to be so obsessed about promoting the concept so ardently on Brownstoner, like you have on all the kitchen reno threads. It's becoming very tiresome and nobody thinks it is worth debating as much as you do. Sorry, not taking it back, I still say it's weird to obsess over it. Plus why is it okay for you to continually insult minimalist kitchens, but not okay for somebody to express why they do not like things sitting out all the time? Double-standard is what it's called.

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 3:45 PM

Great that they did this kitchen on the cheap and it's functional and looks OK, but it can't compare to those on previous threads.

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 9:08 PM

in answer to the question about how marble countertops work -we ahve had ours for 3 years and love it - you have to let it age with grace and not obsess over everything. I prefer it to all other surfaces - we've had butcher block, formica, stainless, granite and this has been the best in terms of look, feel and durability

Posted by: Anonymous at August 7, 2007 10:09 PM