Advice on Kitchen and Living Room Layout

5 years ago

I just purchased my first home (1954 brick veneer/vinyl siding exterior) and am looking to modernize the kitchen and living room area into an open concept without as much wood paneling as currently exists. I’m single and will live in the house by myself, I don’t cook so I don’t mind a small kitchen as long as it’s functional when being used. Like everybody else I’d love to have an island to entertain and allow for spill over from living room if I have friends/family over.

I have a working, but rather large brick wood-burning fireplace insert that I want to keep, but will try modernize a bit with stone veneer or paint. I also have non-support bearing beams that I think are cool looking, so I’d like to keep those.

I’ve redesigned the area and taken about 3 or 4 feet of living room and added it to the kitchen, but I’m concerned whether it’s odd to walk into a house and have an island as the first thing in front of you? Naturally the eyes tend to look to the right upon entrance as the big fireplace is there and the entry closet blocks off the left side.

The alternative Im considering is moving (keeping) the fridge on the left side, rather than the right side or shortening up the kitchen to stay in a 10 by 10 space with a peninsula. I don’t have pantry space elsewhere so that was why I tried to extend things a little and get a pantry/floor-to-ceiling cabinets on that left side.

Here are some current photos and then some app designs ive been playing around with. Also my makeshift floor plan. The current kitchen is 10’4 by 10’4”. The door between the current fridge and stove goes to the laundry room and utility room (furnace, water heater, electrical panel, side door). Also it’s a fish eye lens, so the living room ceiling is flat, not vaulted (8 feet height).

I would love and appreciate all feedback on what I can do to maximize this space in a functional way!

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Comments (5)

misecretary
5 years ago
What is on the ceiling--wood or paneling?
Mike L
Original Author
5 years ago
Wood planks in the living room area. It drops down about 4 or 5 inches in the kitchen (and rest of the house) with drywall ceiling. I’ll have to figure out the best way to transition the ceiling as well. Might replace planks with drywall and level everything out. The faux beams would stick out two or three inches if it were drywalled at the current kitchen height.
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misecretary
5 years ago
Isn't it funny, I love the wood plank ceiling while you want to change to drywall. Human nature we usually want what we don't have. Maybe you could whitewash the plank ceiling and then go with the dark stain beams. From everything I've ever read (at the very least) the front legs of the furniture should be positioned on the rug. Just throwing that info out here since it will shift your living room over. The flaw I see with the kitchen is the lack of counter space for prepping food. Maybe give some thought if you will use the island as a work space or just for entertaining. Good luck.
Mike L
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for the feedback on the furniture/rug, I never would have known about that!

Yeah, my initial thought/idea was to keep the planks, painting them white; also agree with dark staining the beams! I like the current wood color up there for the planks, but I really want wood flooring, so I’m worried it’s too many wood colors clashing so that was my thought behind making the space between the beams white.

I was planning on using the island for prep as well for that very reason (not much counter space), so I’ll definitely be looking to have drawers and cabinets on the island and toe kicks. Not sure if there are other things I should consider for prep (pullout cutting board?)...
misecretary
5 years ago
I understand now about ceiling vs floor. If nothing else, remove it very carefully to sell or donate. You will be amazed at all the options available when picking out cupboards/drawers. Make friends with the salesperson to get insider info as to the next sale, etc.