Kitchen renovation layout problems!

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

We need help! We are purchasing this lovely, small, old ranch style home that is in great shape but outdated. We are currently getting renovation quotes to remove some walls to open up the floor plan and redo the entire kitchen. Contractors have confirmed we can remove walls.

There are several interesting roadblocks to contend with:

#1. Basement stairs are in the middle of the house, with the current galley kitchen next to these stairs

#2. A sunken family room at the end of the galley kitchen and basement stairs

#3. We do not have the budget to move the basement stairs

#3. A large bay window at the other end of the kitchen is a MUST stay item (the opening to the window is below cabinet height)

Our most solid plan right now is to remove all walls around stairs, create a half wall on kitchen side and leave the stove where it is. Move the fridge to the other side of the galley kitchen, to the right of the sink.

Please see photos attached. I do not have a drawing with measurements but I can quickly sketch something if needed. Any suggestions would be WELCOME :)

Featured Answer

biondanonima (Zone 7a Hudson Valley)

8 years ago

Drawing is definitely needed!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

Julie Clarke
Original Author
8 years ago
Ok! I'm on it
Related Professionals
Medford Home Remodeling · Tuscaloosa Bathroom Remodelers · Chattanooga Bathroom Remodelers · Rockford Bathroom Remodelers · Crestview Interior Designers & Decorators · Knoxville Interior Designers & Decorators · Cedar Rapids Interior Designers & Decorators · Los Angeles Interior Designers & Decorators · Bainbridge Architects & Building Designers · Tulsa Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Riverton Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Victoria Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · El Paso Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Peoria Kitchen Remodelers · La Crosse Custom Countertops
damiarain
8 years ago
What is the room in the other side of the basement stairs?
chiflipper
8 years ago
Please don't let the bay window dictate your plans. Removing a bay (as opposed to installing one) for a different window is an easy change, even if the exterior is brick.
Julie Clarke
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
My hubby is very adamant that bay window stays. I would have no issues modifying it myself... We have a small table in front of it that looks out onto the beautiful woods out back
Julie Clarke
Original Author
8 years ago
The room on the other side of the stairs is a dining room currently
Jennifer K
8 years ago
A galley kitchen is actually a fairly efficient design. So what do you want this kitchen to do that it can't currently do? And if you expand into the dining area, where will you eat?

I see that you appear to have a formal dining room that is not very convenient to the kitchen. And also that your front door appears to open directly into your casual eating area. (Correct me if I'm wrong, please). Are these issues that you are trying to address with a remodel? Or are you just trying to open the kitchen to the family room?
Julie Clarke
Original Author
8 years ago
The 5th picture shows what you see when you walk in our front door you walk into the formal dining room. We were thinking of opening it up so you can see right through the kitchen. But that would involve removing all walls around the stairs and creating a half wall. I'm not sold on the idea of having a stove on a half wall.

Yes, the formal dining room is not very convenient to the kitchen and we barely use it. The stairs create that separation between kitchn and formal dining room.
mama goose_gw zn6OH
8 years ago
Do you have to keep that particular bay window, or can it be replaced with a bay window at counter height? Two ideas with the half-wall at the stairwell:
Click to enlarge.
Beth H. :
8 years ago
I believe you really should hire a kitchen designer for this one. but what do you think about moving things down into the bay window space? of course you could always move the kitchen to the dining room side. All depends on budget.
Jennifer K
8 years ago
I'm still not clear on how you use your house. Where do you spend your time? Why is it important to open the kitchen to the rest of the house. What is wrong with how your house functions? The answers to these questions will help make the advice you get fit your situation better.