Built in 1954, this split-level home’s architecture was practical, functional, and no-nonsense. The tiny galley kitchen was located in the center of the main level, measuring in at 110 sq.ft. The existing kitchen layout seemed to be a reaction to its surroundings – a family room addition was added by a previous homeowner sometime after the home was built, creating a high traffic lane that cut through part of the kitchen. Simple scratch built base cabinets were haphazardly tucked into an unused crawlspace along one wall.
The kitchen was the main focus of the current homeowner’s attention – it was in desperate need of updating; with very little natural light and a couple of simple ceiling light fixtures, it was dark and hard to work in for one person, let alone a busy family. The family room was also in need of attention - this room currently felt like an after-thought and disconnected from the rest of the home. The homeowners’ goal for this remodel was to integrate the existing family room addition into the rest of the home, along with an open kitchen plan to create a central hub of activity for a busy young family, with multiple work areas, modern appliances and conveniences. They also liked to entertain large groups of friends and family several times a year.
The owners wanted to create this new plan without changing the footprint of the home or adding another addition. They were, however, willing to change the roof and ceiling on the main level, so part of the overall scope of the remodel included a new roof plan with a vaulted ceiling. This allowed us to remove all interior walls on the main level, creating the open kitchen plan with a large multi-purpose island as the focal point. We also opened up the half wall a bit more between the kitchen and existing family room addition and added a raised snack bar for additional seating and homework space. A new dry bar was added in the family room for entertaining guests. Appliances were re-arranged into a tight and functional work triangle, along with a new full-height pantry to maximize storage. The lighting was updated with multiple artistic metal hanging fixtures to bring some drama to the new vaulted space, along with under cabinet task lighting. The perimeter cabinets were done in a white painted finish to anchor the room with simple and bright, and the island and new dry bar cabinets were planned with a dark stained finish to add interest and contrast to the space. The range was moved to the exterior wall, allowing for adequate ventilation of the modern new vent hood above. Simple white subway tile and light-colored granite countertops completed the design.