Small kitchen with small room next to it

11 years ago

We are going to renovate our small kitchen. We plan on getting new white or off-white shaker style cabinets, white/grey granite or quartz counters, wood grain ceramic floors, and subway tile backsplash. Color scheme is white/grey.
Couple of concerns we have are to maximize storage space and counters. So we will install cabinets all the way to ceilings and we will add counters and cabinets to the adjacent wall near the entrance where we currently have our dining table. We are unsure if to close off the doorway to a small room next to it or add bifold doors or pocket doors. The frame of the doorway is metal and not sure how hard it will be to remove. The hinges are attached to the frame, and currently we have no door on it. The room could serve as a 3rd bedroom/ guest room office. The room is visible in the first photo.

Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks!!

Featured Answer

Kelley Dockrey

11 years ago

I assume that you have another way to access this room. I suspect the door jamb that you have described is the typical metal door jamb that is used in industrial consruction. I can't see any reason that it would be difficult to remove and close off the room.

is this a single family home or multifamily construction such as a condo or coop?

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Comments (12)

luzn100
Original Author
11 years ago
Yes there is another entrance to the small room. In the first photo you can see someone standing in the second doorway to the small room. This is a co-op apt building. My concern is blocking the natural light, making the kitchen feel and look even smaller. Also diminishing value.
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luzn100
Original Author
11 years ago
Wish I could edit the title to ask the question - should I close off the small room and what suggestions can you give me to maximize space?
er612
11 years ago
Kelley is right. I live in a condo and the framing is metal vs wood (I believe it's required by code). You shouldn't have any trouble removing the wall.
er612
11 years ago
Here's a preview of how it might look (my closet mid-construction):
PRO
Camano Custom Cabinets
11 years ago
Have you thought about using a glass door that has privacy glass in it. Like what you might see in a bathroom window. It would allow the light in, but gives some privacy to the room. There is a lot of different styles of this type of glass.

Also, if you used a pocket door you wouldn't have the door hindering either room.

Just a few thoughts.
luzn100
Original Author
11 years ago
@kelley thanks for your input. The contractor has already seen it and he says the metal frame on the door could be removed and they can close the doorway. Even if I choose to add a door I suspect the frame has to be removed to be able to add another type of door.
luzn100
Original Author
11 years ago
@er612 thanks for your input. I'm looking for advice on closing up the second entrance to the kitchen vs keeping it open to access the small room adjacent. But it's good to know that frames are usually metal in buildings.
luzn100
Original Author
11 years ago
@Camano Cabinetry. I have thought about pocket doors and even glass, just adding a curtain on the inside would give the privacy needed. But frosted glass is probably even better. I will go search for doors now. Thanks!
PRO
Camano Custom Cabinets
11 years ago
Your welcome - Have fun with your project!
Barbara Baltz
10 years ago
I'm guessing that room was originally intended as a dining room. Have you thought of using it as such? You might have more flexibility in terms of living space if you removed the wall between that room and the kitchen. Then you could use the area as an office or dining room, which would free up space near the front door.
Stephanie Counts
10 years ago
We just started small beach kitchen redo and off white cabinets opened up space? Are u planning to use glass fronts on any of the cabinets?