The Kitchen Design Podcast. Episode 48 Fixing existing mistakes. ⋆

Episode 48 Paul talks with Hannah whose present kitchen is designed backwards.

Paul McAlary advises Hannah on redesigning her kitchen, emphasizing the importance of proper layout and fixing existing mistakes. He suggests moving the stove and sink to improve ventilation and countertop space. Paul suggests relocating the hot water heater to the mud room. Paul warns against the financial and safety risks of not properly designing the kitchen. Such as reduced home value and fire hazards. He recommends a symmetrical layout with a single large sink and a dishwasher. He stresses the importance of hiring a competent contractor who values good design. Paul also advises against splurging on expensive but non-essential features.

Outline

Kitchen Layout and Initial Confusion

• Mark Mitten introduces the issue with the kitchen layout, suggesting calling Paul McAlary for advice.
• Paul McAlary struggles to understand the layout from the photos sent, noting the confusion about the wall next to the stove.
• Speaker 2 clarifies that the TV wall is a faux closet behind which is the stove, and the plan involves removing the closet and part of the wall.
• Paul McAlary confirms the layout and points out the existing mistakes with the current design, including the lack of a hood over the stove and the impracticality of the countertop.

Design Issues and Practical Concerns

• Paul McAlary highlights the problems with the current design, such as the lack of ventilation and the impracticality of the countertop.
• He suggests extending the countertop to the left of the stove to create a more functional space.
• Paul McAlary points out the backward design of the kitchen. With the stove under the window and the sink facing a wall. These existing mistakes are extreme.
• He emphasizes the importance of having the sink under the window for better functionality and ventilation.

Safety and Legal Considerations

• Paul McAlary discusses the safety issues of having the stove too close to the window, citing fire hazards from curtains catching fire.
• He explains the legal requirements for stove placement and the risks associated with non-compliance.
• Paul McAlary suggests moving the plumbing to vent the stove and microwave properly, which would also provide a desirable view from the sink.
• He mentions the additional benefits of having a view and more usable countertop space.

Financial and Value Considerations

• Paul McAlary advises against making the kitchen funky, as it reduces the home’s value and makes it less desirable to potential buyers.
• He explains that a well-designed kitchen can increase the home’s value and make the investment worthwhile.
• Paul McAlary suggests doing the project in stages, starting with a functional kitchen and then making further improvements later.
• He emphasizes the importance of making the kitchen as good as possible to get the money back from the investment.

Relocating the Water Heater

• Paul McAlary suggests relocating the hot water heater to the mud room, which is a more logical place for it.
• He explains that moving the water heater is not expensive and can free up more countertop space.
• Paul McAlary points out that the original design of the house was flawed, and making the necessary changes can fix these issues.
• He advises against making the kitchen funky, as it will not be worth the investment in the long run.

Practical Design Recommendations

• Paul McAlary recommends a single, large sink instead of a double bowl sink for better functionality.
• He advises against splurging on expensive items that do not add value to the kitchen.
• Paul McAlary suggests getting all the numbers and estimates to make an informed decision.
• He emphasizes the importance of finding a contractor who takes pride in their work and is willing to do the necessary changes. A good contractor will want to correct existing mistakes.

Final Advice and Conclusion

• Paul McAlary advises getting three estimates from contractors and choosing one who is competent and willing to move the plumbing.
• He shares a personal anecdote about his own house hunting experience and the importance of a well-designed kitchen.
• Paul McAlary concludes by wishing the speaker good luck with their project and offering further assistance if needed.
• Mark Mitten wraps up the podcast, thanking Paul McAlary and encouraging listeners to visit the website for more information on kitchen design.

Hannah’s present kitchen floor plan below

Possible new design being considered – that Paul doesn’t like.

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Paul

Paul’s bio from the magazine Kitchen and Bath Design News:

Paul McAlary possesses a voice that resonates far beyond the boundaries of Philadelphia’s western suburbs and the city’s prestigious Main Line – the location of his well-established Delaware Valley design firm.

McAlary, president and senior designer of Bala Cynwyd, PA-based Main Line Kitchen Design, is an internationally recognized kitchen design authority who has won more than a dozen local and national design awards, including being named a 2017 Viking Appliances Designer of Distinction.

Beyond his achievements as a designer, McAlary has also forged a burgeoning reputation as the creative force behind the “Main Line Kitchen Design Blog,” a unique online forum and social media resource that is read by more than 40,000 people each month and has been honored as one of the top kitchen design blogs in the world. Main Line Kitchen Design’s videos and blogs address a wide range of kitchen/bath-related topics aimed at sparking a constructive exchange of ideas among both consumers and design professionals.

McAlary, whose kitchens and comments often appear in trade magazines and on social media sites, is sometimes at odds with the kitchen design establishment, but he maintains a distinct sense of humor and is known as a fierce advocate for design standards, ethics and transparency in the kitchen design trade.

Subscribe to Main Line Kitchen Design’s Blogs and podcasts here.