On Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:03:06 -0700 (PDT), Sheldon >
wrote:

>On Jun 26, 4:35?pm, Goomba > wrote:
>> We're re-doing the kitchen.
>> My husband is concerned with framing in the refrigerator with cabinet
>> panels, where now it just sits under those standard (under-utilized)
>> narrow cabinets hung over the space.
>> I'm seeking input from folks who have done this. Do you like or dislike
>> it for any particular reason? Will it feel too closed in?
>>
>> We're also shopping for "cabinet depth" appliances. Any opinions on
>> them? I'm undecided how much space I would lose in actual use?
>>
I think they are wonderful because I want to see everything I have in
the refrigerator without moving layers to see the back of the shelf.

>> The storage space and special features in new cabinets are such fun to
>> pick out! Our old cabinets were stick built on site and are incredibly
>> sturdy and strong solid (SOLID!) wood everywhere. I hate to tear them
>> down, but they truly have too much wasted space as well as being way too
>> dated looking. I wish I had the patience and vision to re-use some of
>> the old and mix in some of the new and have it come out as it needs to.
>> I'm going to ask our local Habitat for Humanity resale shop if they have
>> a market for them, assuming we can get them out easily? The doors alone,
>> being solid wood should have some chance of re-use somehow, right?
>
>Your cabinets can easily be refinished, it would be a sin to destroy
>perfectly good all real wood custom built cabinetry... the crap they
>produce these days can't compare. And there are all sorts of internal
>organizers for cabinets these days to make them more accomodating (you
>can install them yourself). And, btw, just when you build custom
>cabinets to enclose an old fridge, that's when that fridge will die.
>A fridge needs a certain amount of clearance to operate properly too.
>There are many ways to give a kitchen a face lift without gutting and
>starting over; new counters, new sink, new flooring, new wall and
>ceiling treatments, and especially new lighting, and maybe a new
>window.

I have to agree. There are companies that can come in a rehabilitate
old cabinets. It's a shame to throw them out. I have custom cabinets
too and I'm going to the HGTV thing, plus calling in a cabinet company
to do an interior make over. This is just a compromise. What I want
is a complete redo where work areas are redesigned and switched. We
don't belong to that economic strata - this is an expensive area where
the building code is strictly enforced and you have to get permits for
every little thing, so it's not going to happen.

OTOH: My kids made crap cabinets in crappy kitchens look wonderful.
They also painted the walls and put in new appliances, lighting and
countertops - the floors come next.

IMO: A cabinet makeover really does wonders. All it takes is a little
paint. Goomba doesn't even have to begin with crappy cabinets.

AFAIC: If people don't plan on changing the basic layout, they need
to think about working creatively with what they have.


--
I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.

Mae West