Designed for Connection
When this family of four—along with their newly adopted rescue dog—began planning their remodel, they knew their kitchen needed to better support everyday life. With two grade-school-aged daughters, the space had become the hub for homework, art projects, family meals, and time together. However, the existing kitchen and dining room were separated by a wall, making the space feel closed off and limiting how the family could interact throughout the day.
Because the wife is hearing impaired, maintaining clear sight lines across the space was especially important. The homeowners wanted an open floor plan that allowed them to easily see one another from different areas of the room, along with lighting that felt bright and comfortable without harsh glare.
Their wish list for the remodel included:
- Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create one cohesive space
- Incorporating a designated home office area for work, homework, and art projects
- Installing new wood flooring throughout the space
- Adding seating for casual meals and gathering
- Updating cabinetry, countertops, and lighting with durable, lighter materials
During the remodel, a few structural challenges needed to be addressed. The flooring between the original kitchen and dining room sat at different heights, ductwork along the refrigerator wall protruded into the kitchen, and a wall register in the dining room needed to be relocated once the dividing wall was removed.
During the remodel, a few structural challenges needed to be addressed. The flooring between the original kitchen and dining room sat at different heights, ductwork along the refrigerator wall protruded into the kitchen, and a wall register in the dining room needed to be relocated once the dividing wall was removed.
Removing the wall transformed the layout, creating one open space with clear sight lines from the kitchen through the new home office area. The workspace now includes two desk stations with ample storage for art supplies, school materials, and work files, allowing the family to stay visually connected throughout the day.
A peninsula with seating provides a comfortable place for casual meals while keeping the island open for food preparation. Plumbing pipes that once extended into the kitchen were concealed within a pantry cabinet, preserving storage while maintaining a clean design.
Layered lighting—including recessed fixtures, undercabinet lighting, and frosted pendant lights—creates a bright but comfortable environment. White upper cabinetry lightens the space, while light hickory base cabinets add warmth. A vibrant green backsplash tile introduces a playful pop of color and ties in with the green back door in the adjacent mudroom.
The result is a bright, open kitchen and workspace designed to support the way this family lives every day.
Be the home everyone wants to keep up with; start your remodel today.