I recently finished a really neat remodeling project with a client that I want to share with you because she made some great choices that might someday help you if you're considering a kitchen/living area remodel.
My client was on a budget (as most of us are!) and was trying to get more usable space out of her kitchen and living areas. She was also looking for more light and better sound control, especially when the kids were watching TV or playing video games.
We slightly moved a few walls to close in the smaller TV den and open up the kitchen to the main living area. This gave her much more sun bouncing around, and much less noise bouncing around!
In these pictures you can barely see the difference in where the walls ended up, but you can really tell the difference in the amount of natural light and open space.
Before, her kitchen was cramped and felt shut off from the rest of the house.
After, the whole family has room to gather and move freely around the island, and she can see and talk to anyone in either room from the kitchen.
Moving the refrigerator and taking down the walls that enclosed the kitchen made a huge difference, both in space and in sight lines. We were also able to gain a better, more functional layout for her work space in the kitchen.
Storage had been a problem for a while, with awkward cabinets and a small pantry. We added another pantry, and outfitted both with fresh frosted glass doors that tie in nicely with her new stainless steel appliances. Functional and pretty!
We were even able to squeeze in a desk space just outside the flow of the kitchen, but still within easy reach to be able to sit down and write emails and keep up with the family schedule.
She chose these amazing wood tiles, so that she wouldn't have to worry about spills and water damage, and we carried them throughout the kitchen and living room, to unify the spaces. I have serious floor envy over these tiles!
Here are a few things to consider if you're planning your own kitchen makeover:
Kitchen Makeover Tips:
- Consider your flooring options. Porcelain wood tile now comes in many beautiful and realistic looking styles and is available at most flooring stores, as well as Home Depot and Lowes. Stick with a mid-tone grout color for a more realistic look.
- An island with oven and cooktop pulls you out of the corner and allows you to face your family and guests while cooking. If planned correctly, it can help your work space flow more naturally.
- Add closed storage. This frosted glass door conceals the mess behind, but still adds great style to the room.
- Use what you have, if possible. My client saved hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars reusing her existing cabinetry. She was able to put the money into a fabulous backsplash and new countertops.
- Lots of lighting! Adding can lights to this kitchen really brightened it up. There are also lights on the new vent hood and a new light over the sink. However, it was the removal of the walls that really allowed the natural light to flood through this kitchen from both sides of the house.
Finally, no makeover is complete until my clients are fully satisfied. I'd say these little guys approve of their sunny new spot!
A kitchen remodel can be a daunting proposition, but with some careful planning, it can make your whole house function better and seem brand new, not to mention adding to your property value! This remodel took less than 5 weeks, and now the whole family enjoys their new spaces. Have you ever considered taking on a kitchen remodel? What are you looking for in a kitchen?
Trish says
I love the way it turned out! Crazy how just a few changes can make a whole new kitchen.
Meredith says
Thanks Trish! I couldn't believe how different it looked, considering they used the same cabinets. Even I was surprised by the transformation!
Jacqueline Gum says
This is simply gorgeous Meredith! You must so so super pleased with yourself:) And thanks for leting me take a look at the progress... this was really fun!
Meredith says
Thanks Jacquie, I have to admit this one made me really happy!
Mahal Hudson says
Perfect timing! Wow! Can't wait to share with my husband and you gave us great tips and options to do our renovations (well, with contractors). Thank you!
Meredith says
I'm so glad to hear that Mahal, hope this helps you!
Michele Harvey says
I love all the added light in the living room and the way the kitchen area opens up! Beautiful makeover! Great job!
Meredith says
Thank you Michele!
lenie5860 says
I like the way the kitchen has become the centre of the house - no longer does the person cooking (or cleaning up) have to feel isolated. And the light - that is one thing I want - I never seem to have enough natural light to satisfy me. the whole thing looks wonderful - big pat on the back to you.
Meredith says
Thanks Lenie! Those are the two requests I hear the most for kitchens - openness and light, so you're not alone.
Catarina Alexon says
Your sunny kitchen looks fantastic Meredith. Am impressed with your work.
Meredith says
Thanks Catarina!
Eve Koivula says
OMG! What a gorgeous kitchen! Congratulations on the excellent project!
Meredith says
Thank you Eve! It was a fun project.
Sandey says
Beautiful! I'm sure the family is enjoying their new space immensely!
Meredith says
Thanks Sandey, I sure hope so!
Ken Dowell says
I'm impressed with how much lighter and brighter the whole space looks, especially the living room. It is almost as if you cut out another set of windows or skylights.
Meredith says
Thanks Ken! I agree, it seems like we put in more windows or something, but it's all about less walls.
Anita says
Wow! This is gorgeous. I would love to talk to the owners and hear how much they are enjoying this new space. Wonderful ideas. Makes me want to re-model MY kitchen.
Meredith says
Thanks! I do love hearing that people are happy with their remodels, after going through all the expense and hassle.
Sabrina Q. says
Wow! I love it. I love the glass pantry door and taking down the wall makes the same so much more invited. Great job.
Meredith says
Thanks Sabrina! I love those glass doors too. (I can't even take credit for that idea, that was the client's idea!)
Arleen says
You did an amazing job. You should be very proud of yourself. I love the increase of light and the clean look
Meredith says
Thank you Arleen! This was definitely one of my favorite projects lately.
William Rusho says
Another great blog, I really enjoy the remodel you did.
Your blogs have given me ideas about what I am doing about my kitchen.
Meredith says
Thanks William, I'm so glad!
Krystyna Lagowski (@klagowski) says
These are great tips. I like the way you summarize everything at the end. Had no idea about wood porcelain tiles, they look fantastic, so warm and yet so practical. Looks like a real dream kitchen - I'll bet your client was thrilled!
Meredith says
Thanks Krystyna! The wood tiles are one of my favorite new products, and a lot of people don't even know they exist yet!
Jeri Walker-Bickett (@JeriWB) says
What a fantastic difference! I love the desk space that was worked into the kitchen. That's been on my wishlist for a long time. If I ever do undertake a kitchen remodel, I know buying all new cabinets would make me have a financial heart attack.
Meredith says
Thanks Jeri! I would love to have a desk in my kitchen too. I don't have room, so I get to live vicariously through my clients. 🙂
Erica says
I totally have kitchen envy. I love the tiles and the extra light in the room. Very nice. I wish I could have you come over and do this to my kitchen. I rent and my owner didn't even put in a garbage disposal as she didn't want to take away from the original 1940's authenticity. I would love to have this kitchen.
Meredith says
Thanks Erica! I love authentic period-style kitchens, but I would sure miss a garbage disposal! 🙂
Jason @ TheButlerJournal.com says
Excellent job., That looks like 2 different places.
Meredith says
Thanks Jason! I love how different the before and after pictures look too.
Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com says
I love this sunny kitchen makeover. Wow!! It makes all the difference in the world. So light and bright now. And the open floor plan is great. I know whoever does the cooking in that family will appreciate not being closed off from the rest of the house and family.
Meredith says
Thanks Susan! I know when we did something similar to our kitchen a few years ago it really changed how I feel about cooking. There's something depressing about being stuck in your little corner of the kitchen while you're cooking for everyone else in the house!
Laurie S Hurley says
Can you just move next door to me and come and do all of your projects in my home? Ha! Love sunny kitchens and this one you feature is beautiful. My kitchen faces the mountains and we get sun all day. It makes a difference when one works from home and wanders in there for breaks - seeing the mountains and nature is very relaxing. Great post!
Meredith says
Ha! That's very sweet Laurie! With a view of the sun and the mountains, I can't imagine you need much more in your kitchen. 🙂
Melissa Vera says
What a beautiful light and airy kitchen. I am in love with those light tiles. Glad to see the clients where happy "love that picture" Thanks for linking up at #HomeMattersParty looking forward to seeing what you post next week.
Meredith says
Thanks Melissa! I agree, I think those tiles make all the difference!
Kim says
Love the openness and all the light shining in.
Meredith says
Thank you Kim!
Ari says
Hello Meredith, this looks wonderful! I was wondering if I could have permission to use one of your photos for a kitchen roundup? We will provide a proper link back to your blog. Also, sorry to post this as a comment--I couldn't find a contact option. Thanks
Meredith says
Thanks Ari, and sure, feel free to include it in your kitchen roundup! I love comments of any kind, but you can also contact me at [email protected] if that's easier. Thanks again!
Sinziana says
Thank you for sharing at Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party your great work!
Meredith says
Thanks Sinziana!
Salem Tile Contractor says
This is great advice! Honest and practical. The article is very interesting and effective really explains about kitchen remodeling. Thank you and good luck