Calling all kitchen afficionados

It is possible to recreate a close but miniature look of it using 24" appliances, here is one example http://www.houzz.com/photos/1360336/Recent-modern-kitchen-new-york

I would think about using Ikea cabinets with a budget for 25k

Ikea's Akurum with Adel fronts.

I thought my kitchen was the smallest ever at 8 x 8, but I created a similar kitchen at Home Depot, using their kitchen design service, where they come, measure, and then at a computer appointment sit down and arrange all of the cabinets and fixtures to fit the space. One space-saver was putting the sink in the corner at a diagonal and both corner cabinets at an angle.

I got a similar look in my former apartment's galley kitchen with Ikea Lidingo fronts. It came out really well.

I also recently redid the (more U-shaped, slightly larger than yours) kitchen in my new apartment along similar lines, but based on a recommendation from my contractor I used Atlantic Kitchen Design in Bklyn for the cabinets and layout design. Very simple white wood "Shaker-style" cabinets. The cabinets cost about $4600, my whole kitchen job (part of a bigger project) probably cost around or possibly a bit below your budget, I also retiled the floor and backsplash and had some plumbing stuff to deal with. I did keep existing appliances, though, which were in good shape, and obviously that helped to keep the cost down.

http://www.jsicabinetry.com/jsi-kitchen/dover/

priced similar to Ikea, made out of plywood, not particle board

You'll probably need to use 12" deep base cabinets on one side, to accomodate the 42-48" walkway needed between counter edges. Ikea has finally wised up and now markets a good array of 12" base cabinets, with most of the usual drawer/pullout options. But really you can use any standard-height 12" deep wall cabinet as a base cabinet. See ArxConstruction's example, on the long wall.

Corners are deadly in most small kitchens, so you'll probably wind up with counters on both sides, and (assuming a galley kitchen with access from one end only) a dead-end. Be sure doors (especially refrigerator doors) have enough room to open fully, which is greater than 90 degrees.

I personally might go for a 24" wide Leibherr refrigerator (expensive and somewhat limited capacity, especially for large items), but would do anything to avoid a substandard size sink (25" wide is standard). Try to make it work in a 24" sink base cabinet, not a larger one. Some of the width can overhang the cabinet ... I *think* -- verify first.

Also, you really don't save much space, and the selection and features are very greatly limited, by shaving off the 6" each by going subsize on dishwasher and range. Only go that route if you absolutely must to make your design work. Miele makes a decent 18" dishwasher, but prongs are too close together for certain dishes, so take a place setting to a showroom before taking the plunge. Really really try to stick with a 30" range.

Ikea currently doesn't have a cabinet style just like what you posted (color & form), but if you're married to that look, find out how much it would cost to (properly) paint the two different physical styles that match your look.

Thanks all!

Arx that example is great! Primer, I looked at your website and your work looks fantastic.

A question about countertops: Can Ikea cabinets support a countertop made of soapstone? I don't know if soapstone is out of my budget but I heard it's heavy and the Ikea cabinet bases seem to stand on little legs.

Also, Is it possible to remove an existing ugly countertop and keep the cabinets/sink that it's attached to? Or does removing the countertop ruin the cabinets?

Thanks!

ab_11218, thanks for the link to the dover cabinets. Maybe the plywood is better to support a heavy countertop.

Thartonb,

We have used all sorts of countertops all of which is heavy. Keep in mind that the weight is pretty evenly distributed.

In most cases you can remove the existing countertop and keep the sink as well.

Our cabinets are ikea, might give you an idea on teh sleek look you are after - http://www.collins.net.pr/Photo/USA/New%20York/135%20Henry%20St%2C%20Brooklyn/3.%20Final%20Outcome/slides/2009_09290095.htm

Deanc - Your kitchen looks great. I was planning to do a very similar look in my new apartment and checked out Ikea cabinets this past weekend. I was worried that the white lacquer ikea cabinets may look too modern for a marble countertop, but I think your photos changed my mind. What is your countertop made out of?

Thanks

Deanc, thanks for posting! I love the floor to ceiling cabinets you have along the wall that look recessed. Were those custom or did you get lucky with Ikea to fit that space as well?

Thanks!

Sadly, Ikea keeps skewing their US cupboard offerings more and more to a middle-American aesthetic. Their new catalog is a horror show.

i'll third it deanc--nice, reasonable kitchen--and nice apt im great location--congrats

and tharton, Ikea cabs are really versatile--i have installed myself in ki9tchens and othe rooms--if you take the time to study your space, with the numerous ikea dimensions in hand, it's pretty easy to visualize a nice design

and alan's advice is all good--i in fact used Ikea wall cabs as base on one side of a long, skinny space, normal 24" base cabs on the opposing run---came out great, if i may say--that apt is long sold or id shoot you a pic--good luck

why after alanhart's endorsement was a "third" by yikes necessary?

Thanks for all of these great examples. They are pretty cool. I know that it can be hard to find a good apartment. It took me a couple of months to find one that I thought was up to par. http://www.multicrafthome.com/kitchens_baths.nxg