iheartkitchn's Profile

I would recommend that you both go to a few stores together to see if there's a style that you both happen to like by accident. My first thought was to recommend a classic brown leather couch and then dress it with more feminine touches (pillows, blankets, etc). When the guys come over, just throw the pillows in a storage ottoman that also functions as a coffee table.

I highly recommend that you work with what you have and spend your $ on awesome cookware/tools and gourmet ingredients. Unless this is your forever home, do not move plumbing...it is insanely expensive. If what you're shooting for is increased storage, I would not recommend taking out your cabinets to replace them with open shelving.

My thoughts (echoing many already suggested):

1. Switch the fridge handle to the right-side (not as easy as it sounds - make sure you have someone to help you do this). Switching the handle will make loading and unloading the fridge much easier. You will hate it for about 3 days after the switch, but then you'll get used to it.

2a. Add an awesome baking station (with mixer, baking staples, other appliances) to the left of the fridge. Or this could be a space for open shelving or a pot-rack above. Keep in mind you might not like walking all the way over there to get a pot, etc.

2b. Build a pantry to the left of the fridge. I have a floor to ceiling pantry to in the exact place and my roommate gets the bottom half and I take the top half to store canned goods/baked goods, etc. Love it.

3. Definitely add an island. I'm not sure how large your butcher block is but an island would add an additional prep station for another cook.

4. You could store your most commonly used spices in the cabinet to the left of the stove and less commonly used spices magnetized to the right side of the fridge.

5. For efficiency, you could easily install some Ikea Grundtal rails for hanging storage underneath your cabinets. http://www.ikeahackers.net/2008/08/quick-hat-and-coat-rack.html
or above your sink like this: http://www.bloomize.com/magnetic-knife-holder/

6. For aesthetics, I'd recommend changing out the cabinet handles to something you love. Changing cabinet accessories will change the look of your kitchen instantly. I'd also get a white stove to match your white appliances.