Hey guys! Any other ideas that we should incorporate into our kitchen remodel? 🤔

Hi! I am a kitchen & bath designer & as others have said, I would not recommend moving the fridge outside the kitchen. If its counter depth you could put it on the stove wall where the trash can is, then make that whole wall floor to ceiling pantry cabinets. Move the cooktop to the peninsula & do down draft exhaust. Then your window wall with stone will be the focal point!

Personally, i think you will quickly grow to hate the fridge being so far from the kitchen. A little inconvenience over a long period of time becomes a big inconvenience.

For your downstairs guest bedroom, I suggest a Murphy Bed. You can still use the space and have a bedroom at the same time.

Sounds great. One thought....the stone will be a rough surface and collect more dust that smooth surface and in a kitchen, more steam and grease. It may be more difficult to keep clean than a smoother surface. The other aspects sound fantastic.

PLEASE: put the fridge to the right of the sink. Use the peninsula for the work area & storage. A shallow-depth fridge will fit beside the door frame. Then put shallow cabinets (instead of a fridge) opposite the "pantry", and use same cover doors on both sides. Plan lighting & outlets (esp. under cabinet/shelves) BEFORE tiling/stoning backsplash area. And, yes, stones will be harder to maintain. Source: hubby does construction/remodeling.

I would speak to a kitchen designer. You may regret putting the fridge so far away..Also there are sheets of stone on fine mesh at tile stores that are lovely. It will be lovely I'm sure, .

I have to agree about the fridge being way to far away from rest of kitchen

I have to add my 2 cents. When we were your age we had a house that size on just one floor (800sq ft.) and we put the fridge in the utility room basically the same distance you are talking about. It CAN be done BUT if I were to do it over again I would wait and save up the money and do it as the kitchen designer suggested. It will get old REAL fast having the fridge over there. Been there done that and really it was a mistake. There's a reason why kitchens are designed to have an easy flow. If you guys ever have kids it will be a real headache.

The fridge there is going to get old very fast

Hope you’ve listened to everyone here. Moving the fridge so far away would be a big mistake! Love your home!

When that wall comes out, could you put a 24" deep frig to the right of the bathroom door against the bathroom wall , keeping a good work triangle from stove to sink to frig and then float an Island in the middle projecting out into the living room by a few feet? It would be nicely balanced between the 2 posts and beam and still be very open. Just an idea!

I would leave the frig IN the kitchen but place it facing the stove. Make a new door into the bathroom from the hallway/entry if possible. The stone will absorb a lot of light and make your kitchen dark. It is also hard to clean. You could make very charming storybook features by using painted decorations like that done by Carl Larsson in his Swedish home. Also, you have plenty of storage already in kitchen without closing in the shelves(making room smaller again) by making a pantry especially if you are putting in an Island. I do agree with taking the wall back to let in the light.

I would rethink moving the refrigerator so far from the stove. Too far from stove and sink.

Just a suggestion I would move the vent if possible in front of the patio doors & put the fridge closer to the kitchen & use the other side for the pantry. Don’t forget to check & see if that’s a load bearing wall before you do anything. I would call in a contractor or engineer because you might even need extra support in the basement to carry the extra weight for the beam. They should be able to tell you if it’s feasible & what size of beam you will need to carry the extra weight. Be safe before you start your renovation.

Did you tell us about the fridge to get comments? LOL Good ploy if so. 🙂 You will probably want it closer to the stove and sink. If you cook you will find it very inconvenient over there. Is there room beside the bathroom, on the right side of the sink? That will keep it more tucked away. Fridge can be a big eye sore. Can't wait to see kitchen once it's remodeled. Enjoying your videos, upgrades and beautiful home and property.

Very excited to watch this kitchen remodel happen! I'm with a few others in rethinking the fridge placement. I would put it to the right of the sink, more convenient and better flow. Love the open shelves against stone wall, will look so beautiful. Stone will make the room darker so hoping your counter will be light colored for balance. If not, do a lot of additional lighting to keep the space bright. Thanks for sharing your project, I'm sure it will be beautiful!

I would put a full bath upstairs ... move the laundry to where the current shower is ... and make the current laundry area a full bath. That way you end up with 2 full bathrooms adjacent to the sleeping areas and a half bath with laundry off the kitchen. P.S. That kitchen wall that you want to remove looks load-bearing. Noooooo ... don't put the fridge across the room. You will end up hating it. So inconvenient. smh ... you have more money than sense ... there's really nothing wrong with the kitchen layout. Just update the sink, faucet, appliances, countertop and add doors to the cabinets and a backsplash. Save yourselves some money. It's a bad idea to remove cabinets and not replace them. Floating shelves are a fad and will fade.

That’s such a rad little place. I think in 10+ years I’ve maybe only ever commented on 3 or 4 KZfaq videos, but something is making me want to say something here on the fridge idea. I feel like I’d do a bit of a test run on the fridge relocation before doing any demo... move the fridge you have over to where you’re planning to put it and see how it is to live with for a month or two. If it doesn’t bug you, then move forward with the plan... if it starts to just barely nag you, well, that’s only going to get worse. Moving some HVAC duct work to get the fridge closer to the kitchen (as others have mentioned) really isn’t that big of a deal... especially when the former register area would be covered by the new fridge. But even that location for the fridge seems like it may turn into a bit of a headache overtime... The wall you’re interested in taking out likely does have a load bearing post in it, so the new header which would have to go in it’s place may hang down into the current ceiling space and block a bit of the light you’re after... and also might have a way of making that kitchen feel closed off in a different way. If you keep the post in place, and set your island/bar top at countertop height extending from it, you might end up getting the same amount of light transfer and be able to save yourself the cost of an engineered header for that wall. On the kitchen side of that island/bar, you could sink in two mini fridges two accommodate probably 75% of the volume that a narrow depth fridge would get on the wall by the living space. What am I doing here... this is your house! Have at it, and have it how you want it! I’ve typed too much to delete now, so just skip to the part below. Have a blast and best of luck!

As someone who cooks A LOT, I'm not sure I would like having my fridge so far away. I definitely like the idea of removing that wall and putting a counter there. I would consider putting the fridge to the right of the sink then. I remodeled my kitchen 5 year's ago and I chose Lowe's prefab "expensive cabinets" and that was a big mistake. I regret it and the expense. I would absolutely love to find a little cottage like this. I'd do floating shelves, and the cupboards underneath. I'd keep them simple. I see there is a room off from the kitchen, you could possibly put the fridge there and a pantry? This old farmhouse that I live in use to have the fridge out and away from the kitchen. I went nuts constantly having to leave my cooking area to run to the fridge. Again, I love to cook/bake a lot, so that's just my tiny little input. Good luck on the remodeling.

Totally agree with others about the fridge. Move bathroom to lower level; move washer & dryer upstairs, then put refrigerator in the newly created “utility room”. Precious couple! Love your property - cottage and gardens! Be happy!

Removing the wall sounds great but I agree with a lot of the comments the new location of the refrigerator is too far from the kitchen. Keeping it in the original kitchen footprint would be good. If you go with a smaller frig and on the end of the counter to the left of the stove with panels on the front and sides that still opens things up or to the right of the side of the sink next to the bathroom wall. There are design centers online that you could send pictures and kitchen dimensions. They would help you and give you elevation drawings showing the changes. Wouldn’t think that would be super expensive. Just some thoughts. Good luck.

Love Wilber,,just have to say! Also I think I would move your refrigerator next to the sink,,it would keep you from having to go into your living room to retrieve things while you entertain,,also all your plumbing by the sink is perfect,,no extra cost to replumb the area in your living room, plus you already have the bathroom wall so it would fit nicely. You could also get a fridge with paneling to match the woodwork,,it is so beautiful! The open kitchen design, taking out that wall is perfect, you can use part of the beautiful panel work from the wall as the base to your island, making a great flow. A dishwasher next to your range would be great, and love the stone work idea! Just a thought from someone who bought a cabin with the fridge in the living room area,,was very awkward when having people to dinner.

You definitely want to keep the rustic look while you’re remodeling ... I would put the fridge on the side where you’re vent is... You can easily move the vent from your basement a few feet this way or that... I say this cause I think you will regret having the fridge so far from your kitchen especially when you’re working and cooking in that area... That’s just my two cents ( believe me not trying to be critical at all) I’m sure you folks will do a great job in your renovation... Remember to keep Anne in mind when doing things too.... If I was 40 years younger I would steal your Beautiful Girlfriend away from you 😂😂😂😂!!!! Alex you’re a absolutely sweet young woman... Have a awesome day... I do think rustic stone and quartz would look great in the kitchen... And you’re totally right the trac lights have to go.. My wife and I bought a old farmhouse and are remodeling it in the same theme.....

Great idea! That is a load bearing wall, so have someone help you that knows how to adapt it and maintain your structural integrity! It will be beautiful!

In time you will both regret the refrigerator being so far away. I understand it being your only option. However, think kitchen triangle plans. I personally have had similar situation in my cottage. I turned the full wall into a pony all (1/2) and purchased 2 4 cubic mini fridges flanked on each end of counter and storage in between. Allows light in plus open concept with storage and counter stools on the other side. Purchased a freezer for another room and am happy I went with the plan. It is almost an island feel done on a budget. Good luck, I really enjoy your vlogs

I feel so happy to see both of you sync together real well and Happy. Stay together forever.

I love looking at your dog. He is always listening and following you. Seems like he knows exactly what you are talking about. Kitchen plans sounds good.

I am not a designer but I would recommend you keep the refrigerator in the kitchen. I would speak to a designer to find the most cost effective layout for your kitchen. It is better to get a professional opinion and then you can take what you want from there. I love your house and am excited to see the changes you make. Thanks for taking us on your journey! : )

@3:29 If you plan on taking down the kitchen wall, why not put the fridge next to the bathroom door against the wall? Across from where the dog bowl currently is

Will definitely need more lighting since stone walls will absorb alot of light. Fun project.

They have really neat hanging lights that resemble antique lights or even do a DIY and made one. You can find a lot of ideas on Pinterest.

Put the fridge to the right side of the sink, that would be way more practical! :)

I love to watch remodeling of houses especially interiors, that's giving me inspiration to design my own house in the future.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on kitchen remodel. I feel like the fridge will be too far away from helping the flow as you use the kitchen. I’m excited to see what you both decide. I love how you can hear your brook water moving outside so tranquil. Your lab seems to be loving home as well! ❤️

You guys are so lucky to live in such an awesome cottage. I look forward to every video. 🥰

I would turn the fridge where it is on the side of the kitchen on the side of the bathroom. Instead of a peninsula, I would put in a center island... I would put upper cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The enclosed cabinets will keep your dishes, pots, bakeware etc so much cleaner!! (Esp in the woods!!) You will be surprised how much dirt/ bugs get into your dishes. With more reno’s, too... the dirt and dust will continue... I know the island/peninsula will have some storage options too, but with a microwave etc, it won’t be as much storage as you think. I used bottoms cabinets back to back to make my island, then threw some heavy plywood on top and tiled it. The put decorative moulding in it. It’s beautiful and has tons of storage space! I agree with the Murphy bed in the basement, or a couch that pulls into a bed. It is a storybook cottage!! It’s so lovely!!

Hi cute cottage couple 😊 Love ideas! Think of pendent lights above peninsula. Under cabinet/shelving lighting with led strips very bright can be connected to a dimmer switch think "task lighting" Current Track light replace with a lighted ceiling fan. Think refrigerator seems a bit far from your work center always work the appliances in a triangle Consider the space next to stove bump out the wall where you are placing pantry to accommodate width of frig if the current space is not at least 33" wide. Place open shelving on window wall on each side of window. The shelving area were frig would be......turn that into a wet bar replace existing shelving with glass shelves cabinet doors on bottom wine bottles on top shelves make x cut outs for bottle storage this area has multi purposes. Bumping out wall with a post beam 4×4×8 or larger post will give more depth to corner example Pantry can work in same space. Home Depot sells a prefab product. Space savers: Consider built in double wall ovens @ current area place cooktop in the peninsula retractable vent hoods are built in to some of these units. Single bowl sink with an apron front it's so much easier to wash large pans. I learned that twice. Cookie sheets,etc. Are easier to manuver. I have a small home and create areas that function double time.I found that settling temporarily until I could afford a better product ended up costing more due to being remodeled twice. Make a floor plan with measurements take to home Depot /Loews they will have a different precepective and can help with cosmetics/ layouts. You won't be obligated it's a free service. May have great financing plans too. Good luck and have fun It's all about the journey love your home! Eve

Search on Pinterest for cottage kitchen lighting ideas. There’s tons of ideas on there. Thanks for showing the before and after. Would also enjoy seeing some of the work in progress.

Your plan for the placement of the refrigerator is fine. It just means planning before you cook, and minimize trips. Do not let the negative comments change your plan.

Kitchen- rotate fridge 90 degrees to face the stove. Remove the cabinet adjacent to the fridge to let in more light.

A general thought....It seems to me that the place for the fridge would be the shelves near the kitchen that you say isn't practical because of the hvac outlet in the floor. This is easily moved. i would do that and place the pantry across from it in the other spot.

So exciting please keep showing us this lovely place...

Have to agree with the ideas of fridge being kept in kitchen! You’ll hate that walk after awhile!

Love the idea of removing the wall which will be huge. I would try to put your fridge in the kitchen beside the window and beside the bathroom wall. Involves losing the wall cabinet and some of your counter. Otherwise do anything you can to keep the fridge close to the kitchen. Is there room in the bathroom? You will likely hate where you plan to put it. To test it I suggest moving the current fridge to the spot where you think to put the new fridge, and live with it for a while. You'll soon know whether you like the walk across the dining room.

1st let me say how much I love you guys land and cottage so awesome, you guys are so blessed.. I personally don't recommend moving the refrigerator outside the kitchen, I would put it Where that counter is next to where the stove and your trash can. you will lose a small piece of counter but if you're going to do an island that makes up for it as well as cabinet space may be underneath the island.. Stay safe, stay blessed

It’s great that you’re right next to a natural water source. I look forward to seeing the kitchen remodel.

Your "sofa" downstairs can be a daybed which can be slept on by guests...I bought one for my son and daughter in law that was all wood with an antique feel...Its very sturdy and beautiful...They love it.

Have you ever seen refrigerator/freezer drawers? I've seen them put into islands in kitchens. Also perhaps a pretty chandelier (with tiny lamp shades on each light) that looks like tree branches with leaves. Hard to describe but cute as can be to add to a fairy tale feel. Also use under counter task lights under the shelves. Don't forget some rugs!

For kitchen lighting i think hanging Mason Jar lights would look awesome. They are easy and cheap to make yourself.

It’s not that far of a walk to the fridge. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for smaller spaces. Best of luck with your cottage. It is beautiful already, so no matter what you do it will be amazing.

I like the ideas for the kitchen. The peninsula will be great. I like being able to see the family/living room from the kitchen. #1) Make sure it isn’t a “load bearing” wall. #2) pretend you have to walk to the refrigerator in the other spot every time you need something from the fridge and see if you are going to hate it being so far away from the kitchen. (Week pretend exercise).

What a beautiful place!

Thanks for sharing your remodel adventure. Your cottage is amazing and you’re getting some great suggestions. I appreciate how daunting renovation decisions can be but take your time. Just like the carpenter’s adage, ‘Measure twice, cut once.’

I'm so happy for the two of you, and I cannot tell you how happy I am that you've returned to making videos again. You ALWAYS put a smile on my face every time I watch one of yours. Keep including us on your awesome adventures! :)

This whole story is so cool ! I really look forward t

Opening the space is a wonderful idea! You could try putting the refrigerator at the end of the counter on the left hand side of the bathroom door. You would lose some counter space but the refrigerator would still be in the kitchen area, instead of across the room. Just a thought. Such an exciting journey! Thanks for bringing me along! ♥️

My children, 2 and 10 years old would absolutely love to visit you for 2 to 3 weeks. I could help with any labor needed and keep company. We currently reside in portland oregon

I would look at the vintage refrigerators and put it next to the stove. They come in narrow sizes and look unique.

That’s going to be awesome!!!🧡

Sounds good.

Great ideas 🙌🏽 I am always looking forward for your videos. Thank y’all for taking us into your journey 🤗

Love the counter idea. Might be great to have stove in the island and put the fridge in the space to the left of where the stove now is. Could panel the side of it, as a continuation of where your pantry will be. All your food (pantry and refrigerated) in same area and close to counter and stove.

I love most of your ideas for your beautiful cottage, but I think you need to reconsider your fridge location. Two things come to mind. First it's too far away from the kitchen to be efficient. Think of the number to times you have to go to the fridge when you are preparing a meal. And second, you need counter space near your fridge so you have a place to put things as your take them in and out of your fridge, or when you put your groceries away, or when you are cleaning out your fridge. I think you'll find that the proposed location, while it sounds a great idea, will prove problematic over the long run.

Love the idea of the stone work, they make sealers you can use over stone to make them easier to clean. Could you put the refrigerator beside the stove and use the wall on the other side of the doors as a pantry? Love watching you redo your beautiful cottage, I feel so blessed to live in a cabin! Your dog is so sweet! We have high ceilings and the can lights in the ceilings give good light. Also under the counter lights are great!

Can’t wait to see the finished results!!! It will look great 😊

Hi guys! It sounds like a great plan for the kitchen. I can't wait to see how the window looks with the stone. There's a ton of cottage owners on Instagram, from all over the world, who love showing off all of their finds and ideas for creating a picture perfect beauty. Sweden, England, France and such , ......just sayin' .😊 The thing is, enjoy and be patient during the whole process. Have a good weekend!

You could swing the fridge up against the wall where it currently is, keeping it in the kitchen space 👍

Late to the party but if it was my place and I was trying to open it up I'd put the fridge somewhere on the wall where the stove currently is, pantry next to it or moving the built in there and put in an island with the stove and cook top so you still have the triangle concept with the fridge, stove, and sink. Open shelving on the wall that's on the other side of the bathroom.

Hey you guys put fridge on the corner left of stove, move stove leaving small counter space in between fridge and stove or move stove by sink

I opened the comments to add in on the fridge. When we were young with our first house, I thought having the fridge further away would be ok. It was not! One of the most irritating things possible! Take a look at some of the other ideas on here. I really like the idea of the fridge backing to the bathroom wall and having an island. You wouldn’t have to move any other appliances. This cottage and both of you are so cute. The investment into the house to make it what it needs to be is seriously worth it. Once you are moved in, you won’t want to make changes later. Please don’t “make do.”

Check out liquid lights. They are an LED light that is thin as tape and can be mounted/applied below the cabinet at you lick plate on the lowers cabinets and works great as a night light in the kitchen as well as baths. Can be applied/mounted on the beams in the ceiling and hidden with quarter round so the ceiling just glows or places in a routed line in the beam so the lights are not seen. They can be woven into the tile or stone you are mounting on the wall. They are dimmable/color changing and very inexpensive as well as easy to install. Hope that peeks your interest.

Your plans sound great guys xx

Like Alex's idea of cork counter top 👍🤠

The biggest mistake would be placing your fridge outside kitchen. It would be creating a terrible inconvenience and I fear one you may deeply regret. Either to the left of the stove or the right of the sink would be the best scenario. Pantry in dining area excellent idea and the shelves that are in the area of where you are considering to put fridge would make a lovely display area. Microwave above stove frees up more space as well. Smooth tile is a good choice in kitchen area as stone is beautiful but difficult to keep clean. Removing the wall where fridge is currently located will most definitely open your space create more light and openness in your cottage and that is a great decision. Bronze or brushed nickel would keep with the style of your cottage and maybe Edison lighting would go nicely as well. Looking forward to watching your journey:)

Opening up that wall is a good move, and quartz counters are great, so much smarter than marble! I have explained misgivings below about stone on the stove wall, and I admit that there's no ideal solution to the refrigerator problem that is both practical and affordable. Whatever you do, it will be a compromise. Please keep us informed!

Could add refrigerator drawers to the peninsula and still keep fridge in the kitchen and give you the open space feel that you are looking for

You will need to keep a post some where on the wall you are taking out this is a load bearing wall .

Will enjoy watching the process....like the honed finish on the stone countertop...wished I had done that.

Wilbur 😍 Edison lamps either hanging out on a frame may work in the kitchen. Think I'd be tempted to put the fridge to the right of the sink. But enjoying the new plans for the cottage, super exciting

First time watcher. So excited to see this happen!

Get rid of the green counter, replace the carpenter made cabinets with a craftsman style cabinet, open up the kitchen to the dining area, microwave/convection oven, tile the wall at the counter(stonework would be hard to maintain) and maybe a casement bay window. Opening dbl. hung windows over a counter is a real pain plus a bay window would allow a space for plants.

Fridge should stay where it is now, except turned around, since you are taking out shelf next to it !

Love love 💕 those ideas can wait to see the finishing project 😊

Hey my friend enjoy your life it's over way to quickly. Love your channel

For lighting ....I would hang a penlight down in front of your window over the sink in the alcove.... that would be great lighting when working near the sink. I would also hang lighting over your new island .... how many and size would depend on the size of the island. Also, I would think about the times you are working in the kitchen now and is there anywhere you feel like you would like more lighting? that would be a clue to what you need to make the kitchen more comfortable to work in. I love your cottage ...it is beautiful!!

This may be too tight, but I would move your stove where your fridge currently is and place it within the peninsula you're planning on creating after the wall comes down. You'll be able to look out over your living room area whilst cooking. And I would place your fridge to the left of where the stove currently is. That would keep your fridge within the kitchen and improve your work flow.

If you are paying for an electrician, it might be cheaper to use the existing fridge outlet, turn the fridge 90 degrees so that it’s still in the main kitchen area, and then build an island over towards where the table is currently. The National Kitchen and Bath Assoc. has ballpark standards online for stuff like kitchen work triangle, etc.

I envy your predicaments 😁❣️ so fun and exciting to look forward to making it your own 👍👌

Pend lights w look good.

Im not a kitchen designer but when i remodeled mine it was strongly suggested i try to follow the "triangle" layout with respect to the placement of you sink, stove, and refrigerator, and the ensuing traffic control within your kitchen. Good luck with your remodel project

I think that you may want your upper storage in the future ,especially if you have a bigger family.In generalit sounds like some really nice ideas for your kitchen.

Recommendation: If your kitchen vent hood does not already vent to outside, highly recommend you change it to do so. The recirculation models are not great for such a small space. Love your videos and plans!

You could put the fridge next to the stove

Nice! Good job 👏

The flow of the kitchen. Take the wall down between kitchen s d laundry.Move the refrigerator in this area. Move washer/ dryer to the opposite wall and buy a stackable. Think about the distance between appliances.Create a triangle of appliance usage.

Nice video

What year did Ms. Anne build the house? Black appliances didn't come to light till the very late 1990s/early 21st century. By-the-way 1200 square feet was a house in the 20th century. I'm afraid ya'll will miss the kitchen cabinetry, even with a pantry a kitchen needs as much useable space as possible. Have ya'll ever heard of the work triangle in a kitchen? It is the area from sink to range to refrigerator back to the sink. Ideally it cuts down on unnecessary steps. As a home economist/interior design nut I find it an especially important feature to keep in mind. So, when ya'll take out that wall to create the open concept main floor, consider putting the refrigerator/freezer against the wall facing the range. The work triangle would be contained yet open. Pendant lights over a 'floating' island would be reminsent of times gone by while timelessly practical. (Pot lights wouldn't work because of the height of the ceiling on the main floor. Looks to be about 12'.) Also, consider taking the shelves ya'll plan to remove in the current kitchen wall to go behind the front door where Wilbert greets Dad. For boots, shoes, jackets. Sort of a mud-room type hide away. Guest can't fault an open air organized area. Remember to REUSE, REDUCE WASTE, RECYCLE ♻️ in everything ya'll do. Makes for a happy home. GOD BLESS! Be blessed.

I would not want the fridge outside the kitchen! but the stone sounds lovely!

When you take the wall out in the kitchen where the frigerator is now.. Put the fridgerator next to the cook stove.. 🤷👍