You saw on Monday Jason’s spectacular brick work in the studio-sized Loft Apartment (Loft 1R). Although it’s small, it’s one of my favorite spaces in the building. It’s just got a really great feel to it. One of the last layout decisions to make is what to do with the ever-so-tiny and (and very awkward kitchen)…
What makes it awkward is not only its size, but all of the openings. So many openings, so little wall space! There’s a window that sits too low to be above a kitchen counter, a door to an outside patio/ fire escape, and a door that goes down to the basement. This last door is especially strange because you can also access the basement from the front stairwell… so the one in the back is not really needed, just takes up wall space. This kitchen also has the last standing original pantry unit. Remember the really cool one upstairs I blogged about (and subsequently decided to do away with)? Now we have to decide what to do with this one…
Check out the 3 Options below and weigh in:
Option A: Replace what was there… a small sink and a small cabinet next to it. The stove and fridge go the only place they fit. Little counter space, definitely not for someone who likes to cook. But you keep the original pantry, and have room for a small table.
Option B: Put the stove and fridge against the wall, and let the sink jut out into the middle of the kitchen in an island, with stools to sit at the counter (this is the ground floor so doing that shouldn’t be difficult)… Keeps the pantry, you have a little more convenient workspace but no room for any table.
Option C: Forget the pantry (sniff sniff) and put the fridge in the space that was previously an unusable (and unnecessary) hallway. You then only access the basement through the main hallway at the front door. Put the sink in front of the window and wrap the counter around… with stools at the end to sit at. There will be no room for a kitchen table but this has the best workspace by far. The window, which needs to be replaced anyway, will need to be raised to clear the counter.
We think we know which one we like the best, but put in your vote!
urbanspace llc 
I totally vote option B. That seems like the best use of the space without making it feel crowded. Plus you get to keep your favorite elements!
So far we’ve got 2 for Option B.
It’s funny how you can think you’re convinced about one option, then just by writing it all up and posting it, you realize for certain what the right one definitely is!
Option C. Option B makes it very difficult to use the range and the refrigerator obstructing the window makes it seem as if you just couldnt make the space work. Plus, you already mentioned that the door to the basement isnt necessary, so you are sacrificing valuable floor space to un-needed circulation. While the original pantry is ‘cool’ it seems like you are sacrificing a decent and usable layout in order to keep it.
B feels good on paper…. C has the much needed counter space and the buit in optional seating – breakfast for two will work out great. [j]