Warm, Inviting Kitchen
THE SETUP
Senior Designer Diana Burton’s client loved her sixties-era home – it just needed some work. The cozy galley kitchen was narrow and mostly closed off from the family room. A pass-through window served as a limited pipeline for treats and chatter. The appliances were failing, too. It was simply time for an overhaul.
Design Objectives:
Remove load bearing wall and open kitchen to the family room
Omit large unused fireplace in family room
Increase work surfaces and overall storage solutions
Dedicated small countertop appliance storage
Seating for 3 or 4 at island
Add pantry storage
Offer solution for lack of mudroom
Upgrade all appliances
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Finding a location to hide structural support for new beam
Reworking awkward configuration of existing walls
Adding a walk-in pantry
Creating mudroom storage
Allowing room for large sectional in family room
Design Solutions:
Add a discreet column by the fridge to hide essential support
Flush out wall by bath to be even with the range wall, where the new walk in pantry exists
Use void space behind new wall for large appliance garage
Create combination walk in pantry/mudroom by adding bench with shoe storage and hooks
Maintain island depth for comfortable seating without infringing on space for the sectional
THE RENEWED SPACE
This cramped, dated kitchen has a new lease on life! Opening it to the family room dramatically transformed the space. Diana’s client now has plenty of storage, a big island for food prep, and an open-concept space that’s perfect for entertaining and hanging out with friends and family.