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Flipping dining room and kitchen. Need help on small, awkward DR.

last year

We are flipping our dining room and kitchen. It will make a very bad layout much better. We have a tiny kitchen with an awkward layout. The wall between the two will be an enlarged opening spanning the width of the kitchen. Not quite totally open from floor to ceiling but ~100inch "doorway."


The new dining room (current kitchen) is very challenging. It measures 12ft x 10ft which would be ok for a ~72in x 48in table that could be expanded into kitchen with leaves when needed. However, I have a step down into the kitchen from the foyer as show in the drawing below. The drawing is to scale. The window is off-center on the wall as well.


So, I'm at a loss because that step is really in the way. I've thought about a banquette on the wall opposite the step but I'm not in love with that idea for a "formal" dining room. Hoping someone has some suggestions!




Comments (10)

  • PRO
    last year

    We need a to scale plan of both the spaces , we actaully did this in our home since I need a much bigger kitchen. The drawing you posted is fine and seems to be in scale but only 1/2 the issue. I like graph paper posted her ein jpeg format in a comment Show every window doorway where those lead and all measurements clearly marked DO NOT start another post . You also need to show how the plumbing will be handled for the kitcehn and a lot more electrical stuff added too.Even the plumbing stack needs to be addressed this is not just a simple exchange of spaces .

  • last year

    Patricia, we have a plan for kitchen. Plumbing and electrical is underneath both rooms in unfinished space. We are working with kitchen designer and contractor but this is more of a decorating question. Obviously the contractor can make some additional changes to dining room if need be.

  • last year

    Thank you MS&B! That is an excellent idea. I had really wanted to use this oval Baker table that is 68x48 without the leaves but I think your idea would be much better.

  • last year

    Yes you are correct, this is a tiny space for a dining room, but it can look like a jewel box.

    I am a big fan on banquettes, as they save space and feel like a luxurious restaurant. You will have enough room to add a buffet on the foyer wall and a bar cabinet near the window. Here are some inspiration pics, which you can see that the space can still look formal depending on the decorations, art, accessories and lighting. The floor plan indicates a 84 x 40 pedestal table and can accommodate an additional two chairs without opening it with leaves. Extend an upholstered banquette beyond the table - don't just put a bench. You have that long wall that will be an important elevation.

    I'm always inspired by small spaces and how they remind me of Paris, as the apartments are so small. Don't forget to add curtain panels ceiling to floor and don't skimp.








  • last year

    I'm really a huge fan of what Madden proposed. We are planning on putting chair rail and picture frame molding below it on the window wall and wall behind the dining table. A chair rail is typically 32in from the floor. Should I ensure the base cabinets for the built-ins are 32inches high?

  • last year

    Love Madden proposal, but be careful as there is not enough room to get around when people are sitting at table.

  • PRO
    last year

    I think your instincts are good in wanting to continue the horizontal line created by the wainscot around the room with the height of the base cabinets. Do you plan on doing custom cabinets? If so, you're good. If you are trying to use stock or semi-custom, you might need to adjust that height some. Regarding the room around the table - it's a tight dining room but it does meet design standards of a minimum of 36" all around. In a perfect world, we would all have enough space for everything, but things are seldom perfect in a remodel. That said, Denise does present a nice alternate plan and some beautiful examples.

  • last year

    Cabinets in kitchen will be custom or semi-custom. If we must go custom for the dining room, I will probably bite the bullet and go custom for both spaces. Thanks so much for your help! I feel a lot better about this room!

  • PRO
    last year

    Happy to help! Good luck with your remodel and maybe post some pictures when it's finished.