Renovation to open floor plan

The existing house had a small, tight footprint with closed spaces for the living room, dining room, kitchen and foyer. The client wanted spaces that were more conducive to entertaining while retaining an intimate feel.

Balancing the client’s desire for a larger entertaining space with budget restrictions required rethinking the existing in lieu of expanding. Needs were met and floor plans functioned for their new intention in a budget friendly manner.

Challenges of this project include relocated HVAC ducts from removed walls that are now integrated behind new cabinetry.  A required structural beam between the living room and dining room is now a defining feature. The bulkhead also hosts recessed lighting that highlights the cabinetry below.

Stylistically, we needed to go much further.  A cramped eat-in space in the kitchen was turned into a functional entertaining built-in.  This includes a wine refrigerator, tapped keg and additional storage and counter space. These new built-ins are constructed in a dark rich wood contrasting the retained painted cream colored cabinets in the kitchen.  Coordinated granites compliment both the light and dark tones of the cabinetry.

This color palette is carried through the remainder of the first floor with new window flanking tall built-ins in the dining room and short bookcase built-ins between the living room and dining room spaces. Additional lighting from above helps define the individual spaces while creating connection and ambiance.

Details in this space contribute to the health and safety of the inhabitants while enhancing the form and functionality.  Lighting control placement, successful weaving of old and new hardwood floors without thresholds and the choice of complimentary color palettes, matching cabinet door profiles create an aesthetically pleasing and highly functional renovation.

This project’s success lies in the fact that within the existing footprint we created an open floor plan, improved functionality and allowed more flexibility in use while creating a cohesive and comfortable place to live.