Keep the divider walls or no?

9 years ago

I'm doing a ton of projects in my house right now. Do I keep these walls that are dividing the hall from the living room and kitchen? I have started to tear them down, and backed out, a couple times. Tell me they need to go. (Or stay) I would be tearing out all of it. The chalkboard and sconce walls are the other side to the first pics shown. The wall with the small entry table and mirror would also go.

You can see that I'm making use of the wall space, but I know it feels outdated, having everything separated off.

Another option is simply taking off the top of the door ways and extending them to the ceiling.

Help! Thanks in advance.

FYI: I've been advised that these are not load bearing walls, so I have the go ahead if I want them out.

Featured Answer

User

9 years ago

I don't know who ''advised'' you, but unless there is an attic full of much larger trusses than the kitchen or LR, you've been advised incorrectly. You need to get in some temp supports asap.

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Comments (17)

auntthelma
9 years ago
I'd take them out. All you lose is some hanging space. Can you put the hanging space closer to the door?
PRO
Greystone Statement Interiors
9 years ago
100% take them out. You'll be shocked at the difference in how much visual space you open up. You'll be able to fit more usable living space with the same square footage, and probably increase the value of your home while doing it - an open floor plan is what many prospective homeowners look for these days. Another benefit of taking down the wall would be to increase the natural light throughout your home - always a plus!!
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PRO
Design Everest
9 years ago
Divider wall is not required.
Joy
9 years ago
I do not like for guests to look directly into my entire living space. I like a buffer from the front door. I would only remove the corner and the two framed openings. I would leave the wall with the mirror and console table, a nice place to drop keys and check yourself before opening the door.
Jennifer Havin
9 years ago
while it's been en vogue to have everything open, it's going back to rooms again, I agree with Joy
Soccergive
9 years ago
Our house is open floor plan and now I wish we had small walls to separate the rooms. I don't mind having smaller spaces. It's really hard having a big space and trying to decorate as well. IMO. Plus,I always have to have all rooms(kitchen,LR,FLR,dinning room clean since they are all in in a "open space area". Just my opinion!:). I'd keep it.
threers
9 years ago
Taking down the tops of the doorway is a modern look...your house seems to be more traditional. Consider adding windows on top of the doors ( there is a word for these but I can't think of it right now). This will bring more light into these areas. Also, simplifying your decorations would also help to these areas more open and "cleaner" looking. Depending on your climate, you may appreciate having some buffer between your front door and your living areas.
Jennifer Havin
9 years ago
transom ^^^
threers
9 years ago
Thank you, Jennifer.
shirlpp
9 years ago
It just seems tight. Are there stairs from the front door to the living area?
shauhncy
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the opinions so far!

The stairs go up to the hall, and there is a wall separating the space from the living room.

I now have the sheetrock down, and the wood goes next, so they're out. Now I'll just have to decide on the wall with the mirror and table. May keep that one.
shauhncy
Original Author
9 years ago
How it looks with them gone. I love it! I think the last one needs to go, because now it feels obtrusive, on its own.
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hall walls and walls around stairs are structural 90% of the time. You need a structural engineer in there IMMEDIATELY.
raineycarole
9 years ago
Don't take out any more walls. I like it as is.
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
9 years ago
Wow, yes, please listen to Sophie and GreenDesigns, or you will have much more than a "Design" Dilemma on your hands.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
9 years ago
Who told you there were no bearing walls here if acontractor he is not the one you ask get a structural engineer in there before you touch one more thing IMO at least one of those walls was load bearing.