Bird's Eye View.

This is the plan of our new kitchen. The quality of the photographs is poor but it gives an idea of what it will all look like.

The rear patio door, now 20 years old is to be replaced by a door and window. The door has a glazed top and the window is joined on - so the line at the top will continue from the door - it's just the computer software will only show certain options. The sink will be under the window and next to the sink is the dishwasher. The corner unit has concealed opening baskets and next to that are a couple of cupboards, again containing baskets. I am not having any wall cupboards - being 5'1" I can't reach. However I am having a roller shutter unit which is visible next to the black pillar. The pillar wont be black - again the software shows hidden structures which need to be considered in the design. The roller shutter unit will store the kettle and toaster - and will be out of sight.

Here the roller shutter can be seen and then we have a corner unit again with baskets which utilise the space next to a pan drawer unit. The drawer unit has lots of features which help with storage of pans, crockery and cutlery. Next to this is the rayburn - again software just has certain options and the range cooker has the same dimensions as the rayburn. The black wall shows the chimney breast - the walls will be pale yellow/green - or something similar to snug. Next to this is a space where we will store logs. The top gap between the rayburn and the drawer unit will be completed with a chopping board one of our farmer neighbours is making for us, from wood grown in our village. The cupboards above the drawer unit will go right up to the ceiling so there wont be any gaps - solid fuel = dust, another reason why I did not want wall units. They normally have a gap which is ideal for dust to settle! The glass cupboards will be for the various kitchenalia (is there such a word) I have accumulated over the years. I went for the glass doors so I would always have to ensure the cupboards were tidy! There are lights in these cupboards too.

On the back wall we have a double larder/storage unit where all food stuffs will be stored. Again these have pull out baskets. Next to these is the built in microwave (where space is) and underneath, the fan oven - for the summer months (I think this is what they are called - we get them so rarely!) Next to this is the built in fridge-freezer.

We may have an island/table but once the kitchen is fitted we will decide - we currently have a large table.

We have spent a great deal of time thinking and discussing the various aspects of this and I can "picture" how it will work. 

So that's it! Order will be processed on Tuesday and delivery will take 4-6 weeks. This fits in with the various preparations which need to take place - the removal of current units, electrics, plumbing and plastering. The rayburn will be plumbed into the chimney sometime soon - then will be connected to the central heating system and we will fire it up for a trial run!

Watch this space!