Back wall plans

So, in my last post, I mentioned that we were talking about switching up our back wall configuration a little bit. The original plan was to stick the refrigerator on the end of the wall and then have the range and flanked by two lower cabinets between that and the tall pantry. I liked this plan because of the symmetry -- two floor-to-ceiling cabinets on either end with a range feature wall in the center.

But, when we sold our old refrigerator and that spot was open, it felt so much better! It was essentially removing a 2 1/2 foot wall on the end of the kitchen. I began to think about that a little bit over the next couple of weeks, but I was reluctant to really commit to action because I still liked the symmetry with the refrigerator on the end and the tall pantry on the other end.

Last weekend, we had to move everything out of the way in order to work on the ceiling, so I figured when we put the refrigerator, range and lower cabinets back, we might as well just try the new idea -- mostly just because I couldn't stop thinking about it. Then, if we hated it, I'd finally get it out of my system.

Well, I didn't hate it. I loved it! It really does open up the kitchen a ton. When we walk in from the garage or even the entryway, it feels so much better. So, the reason that we were "in negotiations" (Luke and I) was because by moving the configuration again, Luke has to redo pretty much all the electrical and move the plumbing line for the pot filler. He's not thrilled.
But, one more reason I'm convinced this is the better configuration is because he's willing to do it now, after seeing the difference. ;)

So, here's my plan for the range wall now that it is on the outside part of the back wall. I don't want to do anything to lose the open feeling, so we have decided to nix upper cabinets. I know! No uppers. But, we have moved everything back into the kitchen and we don't need them anyway. Our plates and glasses, etc. are in the large drawers next to the dishwasher. Best idea ever. Unloading the dishwasher is so much faster. Pretty much everything that comes out of the dishwasher goes into those three large drawers and I can unload the entire thing in about a minute.

Here's the system:

 I put non-slide liners on the bottom of all the drawers and it keeps all the dishes in place really, really well. Luke was a bit skeptical at first when I told him my plan, but he's liking it now. No more hefting heavy stacks of plates and bowls up to a high cabinet.

Anyway, back to our plan for the back wall -- sorry, I got off on a tangent -- This is our new configuration as it is now:

Pretty rough, I know. But, the idea is there. This is my plan for what it will look like in the end:

The wood surrounding the lower cabinets illustrates our butcher block countertops with a "waterfall edge" -- meaning it runs down the sides of the cabinets as well. I've seen this done before -- mostly on islands though -- and I'm hoping it will look as good in reality as it does in my head. (That's always my hope!)

We've got a lot to do before we get to that point, but I think we're heading on the right track!