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An Open-Concept Kitchen Gets a Fresh Look & Improved Functionality
Looking back at original floor plans and layouts of our clients’ homes often makes us scratch our heads and think, “why would anyone design it that way in the first place?” Unfortunately, “cookie cutter” homes are not always designed in a way that optimizes usable space. Kitchens, in particular, are typically set up in a way that creates unwanted traffic and congestion in the work areas, isolates the cook from the neighboring rooms, and lacks the necessary features for optimal organization and efficiency. These are the most common complaints we get from our clients looking to renovate, and were definitely the case with our most recent kitchen remodel!
Kitchen floor plan before.
Kitchen floor plan after.
Once our designers discussed the layout issues with our clients, our draftsmen got to work creating the elevations and 3D renderings of the new kitchen.
Once our designers discussed the layout issues with our clients, our draftsmen got to work creating the elevations and 3D renderings of the new kitchen.
Once our designers discussed the layout issues with our clients, our draftsmen got to work creating the elevations and 3D renderings of the new kitchen.
Once our designers discussed the layout issues with our clients, our draftsmen got to work creating the elevations and 3D renderings of the new kitchen.
Once our designers discussed the layout issues with our clients, our draftsmen got to work creating the elevations and 3D renderings of the new kitchen.
Once our designers discussed the layout issues with our clients, our draftsmen got to work creating the elevations and 3D renderings of the new kitchen.
The previous peninsula wasn’t quite wide enough for bar stools, and the existing wall extended further than the clients wanted, closing off the kitchen from the living area. Again, the original location of the refrigerator created unwanted traffic and blocked the walkway to the laundry room.
There was a walkway connecting the dining room and kitchen, which incorporated a built-in bar area across from the laundry room. The bar might sound like a cool feature, but it only wasted valuable space and congested the walkway. Because the homeowners seldom used this space for seating, it became an informal storage area, creating a place for clutter to accumulate.
The existing walk-in pantry was placed at an angle in the corner of the kitchen. This broke up valuable counter top space and vertical space that could be utilized for cabinetry.
Previously, the microwave was located in the upper cabinets above the stove, with no way to vent the stove gases from the kitchen. The lighting in the kitchen was also very poor
We closed in the walkway from the dining room to the kitchen to provide for the new pantry.
Removing the wall and the fridge and installing some beautiful pendant lights created a bright, airy feel. You’ll also notice that the dishwasher that was beside the fridge is gone. It was replaced with a “panel-ready” dishwasher, which is now at the end of the peninsula. These types of dishwashers are installed without a front panel, allowing our carpenters to install one that matches the cabinetry in the kitchen, similar to a paneled refrigerator cabinet. The panel blends right in with the cabinets, hiding the dishwasher. Pretty neat, huh?!
Because we removed the wall between the kitchen and living room and relocated the refrigerator, we were able to build a custom display case at the far end of the new peninsula. This backlit display provides a beautiful place for our clients to show off their glassware. Below the display shelves is a convenient appliance garage to store the coffee maker and other appliances.
The original corner pantry has been replaced with extended counter tops and cabinetry, along with a beautiful corner glass-front display cabinet with backlighting. A microwave drawer was installed below the countertop for easy access and a cleaner, clutter-free counter.
We corrected the poor lighting with strategically placed can lights and over/under cabinet lighting. The refrigerator’s new location provides a more direct path for those in the breakfast area without crowding the kitchen workspace. Deep pan drawers and stacked utensil drawers beside the range provide easy access and optimal organization.
A new range oven and wood vent hood were installed, along with a custom mosaic tile mural behind the range for a beautiful focal point. A convenient pot filler was also installed above the range, providing for easy access when cooking.
Now, upon entering the front door, guests are greeted by the formal dining room and the beautiful French doors we installed at the entrance to the living room.
From the French doors, you can see the gorgeous new fireplace we installed before turning the corner to the new kitchen.
