A Better-Functioning Vintage Kitchen

By adding and subtracting space, the kitchen became a square. It's smaller by 4 square feet but much more workable.

1. Bumped out the sink wall 6 feet to create a step-saving layout, and added a pair of windows over the basins.

2. Added a storage island that hides a microwave and doubles as a table.

3. Moved the range and fridge to create efficient work triangles, and flanked the range with prep counters.

4. Trimmed the L, donating that space to a new laundry room next door.

5. Widened an opening to the breakfast room for better flow. A basement door was removed, and a new entry leads to the hall.