4" makes ALL the difference

In the remodeling world, an inch can be the equivalent of an ounce of gold. Ok, that really doesn't make sense, but my point is that when you are dealing with an old home and trying to work with what you have, an inch, or in our case 4, can make a world of difference. Allow me to explain.

In our new kitchen, there are several 'fixed' pieces, meaning elements of the space whose location can not be compromised. The main one I'm referring to here is the stove. Because of the way the arch falls, and because we want to keep the stove disguised from the dining room behind an actual wall (which also makes it easier to vent), the stove must remain in the exact spot you see it drawn here. Capeshe?


Well, when I went to order the refrigerator, I assumed Werner Stellian was my oasis and I should choose whatever refrigerator tickled my fancy. Upon further inspection (and after my debit card had already been swiped), I realized the plans called for a 30" refrigerator and not a 35 1/4" refrigerator like I bought. Whoopsie Daisy.

So we started working backwards within the space that was created for the kitchen with an equation that goes something like this: space we have (minus) dimensions of stove (minus) new oversized refrigerator = too little counter space between stove and fridge. After working through the equation and borrowing X from Y, we were left with just 14 measly inches between stove and fridge - that's not very much (que you holding up your hands 14" apart). 18" however, would be much more ideal. So what do we do to gain that extra 4"? Let's all say it in unison...'MOVE THE WALL'!!!!!!!!!

Is it possible? Yes. Is it ideal? No. Is it worth it? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I beholdeth that it is indeed worth it, primarily for the reason of keeping that side of the kitchen from looking too weighted down with stainless steel. A refrigerator and stove on top of eachother isn't ideal and gaining that extra 4" to give my mixing bowls a bit of breathing room gave me the courage to call up the respective framer to shimmy that wall right on over. Of course, nothing is ever that easy...and being that the plumbing had already been run through that wall, it means getting the plumber back over to the house as well. Que the wrist slap.


In the end, it's these tiny little adjustments that make a world of difference. And once the walls are closed up and the cabinet maker takes his final measurements, these decisions are final. Speak now or forever hold your peace!