Some older homes (ie built before 1985) lend themselves perfectly to an open floor plan. These homeowners wanted a large open space that unites the kitchen, family room and dining space to entertain family and friends. Before, the family members were isolated in a small, confined kitchen. Separate rooms for dining and TV viewing made it impossible to host many people at one time. Those challenges are now forgotten with the creation of a this large open space complete with a large island, family room seating, expanding dining room table and updated fireplace.