How to separate kitchen & step down family room?

11 years ago

We are in the process of remodeling our kitchen. I'm thrilled with the results so far but am having second thoughts about the area between the kitchen & step down family room. We were going to put a 1/2 wall, then thought railing & now I'm just not sure what to do. I hate to block the lines of the bar area. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Before photo first, then in progress photos.

Featured Answer

Felix Pradas-Bergnes

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Consider this on both sides of the step. A bench like this provides additional seating and storage, prevents residents and guests from falling over, and is visually unobtrusive.

Consider also installing the TV atop the fireplace. The family room would look much more balanced.

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Comments (8)

User
11 years ago
How about a narrow, open display shelf that would allow light through, but would not allow people to topple off the step?
decoenthusiaste
11 years ago
I think a pony (1/2) wall would be best. The awkward view from the table to the bar down below would then be blocked. If looks funny to see the bar several feet lower than your kitchen counters, so I'd want that view to vanish.
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chnh
Original Author
11 years ago
Table is gone, replaced with island. I wonder if a half wall would be too closed off?
chnh
Original Author
11 years ago
I'm thinking the shelf would need to be fixed for safety? Would it be that different from a railing?
decoenthusiaste
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Can we see a current picture of the island? We might be more helpful that way.
chnh
Original Author
11 years ago
Photo of the island as it is now and other angles of the bar area and step down.
Obviously, the stove will not be in the middle of the room ;)
I couldn't budge it!
lefty47
11 years ago
HI -- It would look better designed if the pony wall came to the same height as the bar cabinets . Then it could have the same counter top material continued right across .This wall could have storage for either side depending on your needs . Possibly and depending on the finished height it could be for seating on the kitchen side .