Feedback on reno layout--opening kitchen, combining living/dining?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

All--starting a new post--the second picture below is the current floor plan of the house we just bought, and we've been working through different options to re-do and open the kitchen. We aren't able to change the whole floor plan and don't want to move the powder room. We're planning to take out most of the wall between the kitchen and family room regardless (it's load bearing, but not a huge deal). Aside from that wall, most of the interior walls are not load bearing.

We've gone through several iterations where we keep the main living space in back (which is sunken 1 step) and keep the formal living and dining rooms, but open the kitchen, and keep getting stuck on a few things. It's hard to imagine using the formal living room, based on our lifestyle. Also, if we want any sort of in-kitchen (casual) dining, it really limits the kitchen size. The windows in the current breakfast area are pretty low, which adds another complication.

The new idea, below (first drawing), is to combine the formal living and dining rooms into a big living space (about 13' by 23'), expand the opening from the kitchen into that big room, and use the current family room for casual (or sometimes formal) dining. If we do that, we don't need in-kitchen dining, which allows for a bigger island and countertop.

I'd love (constructive) thoughts/suggestions. Obviously the furniture shown in the new "big" room isn't laid out thoughtfully at all--it'd take some thinking about how to do that in a smart way. Would love suggestions on that, ideas on how to make that room awesome, thoughts about whether to enlarge or center the opening from the hall, etc. And of course thoughts about whether this is generally a good idea are most welcome too.

We have little kids, and like to have folks over. We have lots of other play spaces in the house on other floors. I know very specific measurements would be more helpful, but this is what I have for now.

Many thanks in advance for any help!

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Comments (2)

Reno Help!
Original Author
5 years ago
Sorry--got the second drawing to post!
mama goose_gw zn6OH
5 years ago
Your new LR looks OK--we have a 13.5 x 27' LR, no family room, and it's fine. What jumps out at me are the widths of the kitchen aisles, which are too narrow. I don't think you are accounting for the front counter overhangs on perimeter counter and island, so the work aisle will be further reduced by at least 2". If at all possible, I'd extend the kitchen floor to meet the bottom step in the DR, to add a few inches to the work aisle and to add to the space behind the island seating--but that would take away needed space for the DR. It's a shame the fireplace can't be picked up and moved to the new LR.

Even though the work aisle is too narrow, I'm going to make some suggestions to help the function and flow, as the layout's drawn. I would center the range between the windows, using a hood at least 6" wider than the cooktop, to help contain the grease and steam plume, since there are no upper cabinets to provide a capture area. If no make-up air system exists, that will need to be addressed.

I would then move the DW to the other end of the island, with dish storage in drawers across the aisle. Trash pull-out on the other end can be shared with all zones. At 22' there should be space for an 11' island, with 8' for four seats (24" minimum per seat). 15" wide upper cabinets can be used for the storage beside the seating, reinforced to help support the counter top, with an apron supporting the 8' span. Make sure the support system is designed before the island is installed. The seating overhang won't be quite as deep as the minimum 15" recommended by the NKBA, so use the thinnest back cover panel available.

Since only a small space is available for a tall pantry cabinet, I'd use all drawer bases for extra storage and ease of accessing all space. On the short run, I'd create a coffee/snacks center with a small sink on the shared plumbing wall. A few coffee cups, glasses, and plates can be kept above the sink for convenience, and to keep grazers out of the narrow work aisle.

NKBA guidelines

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