skip to main content

Before picture of our open concept living/dining/kitchen

10 years ago

Hi all,
I posted back in the spring about my layout and had lots of questions. We tore out in August and have been living on a construction site for months! We are finally moving with some speed and thought I would post some pics of the before and the progress so far.

This is the renovation of our main floor into an open concept kitchen/living/dining room. It started out as a kitchen reno and turned into a full reno of the main floor of our back split.

It's not easy living through the construction, but we're starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Thanks for all the advice! Looking forward to sharing more in the weeks to come.

Cindy

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

cinjos
Original Author
10 years ago
cinjos
Original Author
10 years ago
This is an older before picture (before I painted the cupboards white). I thought the flowers were a very clever way to cover the marks left by the old knobs. Oh, my! What was I thinking?
Related Discussions
Open concept living room/dining room/kitchen design
Q
Comments (1)
Its hard to tell the depth/distance, especially from the wall the dog food is to the back of the sofa. I also feel like you could afford to back up the sofa bit more. I think you could have the best of both worlds in the nook area with bench under the left window and a small table with chairs, you might be able to get a chair and an end table next to the door on the right.
...See More
Lighting for open concept dining & living area
Q
Comments (1)
I have this artist saved from Etsy— he has a bunch of smaller sizes (I think this is the largest). Given your style, you may want to check him out — other artists have really cool designs too — at decent prices.
...See More
Need Lamp/Chandelier for Open Concept Living/Dining Room
Q
Comments (13)
Yes! You are right. But we're going for kind of a coastal vibe so the black doesn't work as well. But REALLY appreciate your creative input. One of the reasons I liked the fan idea (besides the fact that it gets really hot sometimes and we don't have air conditioning) is that it wouldn't block the sightline of the open concept room. But maybe it is good to have some varying heights of objects so it doesn't look like a doctor's office as someone mentioned above. How far down would you hang the lamp? Looks like about 2 feet? Thank you again!
...See More
Advice on decor for dining area in our new, open concept home
Q
Comments (22)
Ok, I'm sticking to my opinion pretty much as '''budget fix for now'' -- Leave the table turned and put the floral sconces on either side of the window. Move the sideboard down the wall, away from the window, to solve your problem about chair clearance. Move the extra chair to the opposite wall, flat against the wall, not angled, to help fill the space left when you move the sideboard down. Rearrange your framed art and maybe even plates over the sideboard, and add other things to the wall that might look nice that's related to food, wine and family. Personally I would remove the rug. Possibly also buy inextpensive solid color drapes (wine color?) for both windows rather than place the urn sconces on each side of the back window. If you bring in drapes for the windows, consider using just one of those sconces rather than 2 in the room. I like the "cup" light fixture! PS: If you rehang the sconces, consider hanging them lower,
...See More
gpraceman55
10 years ago
It looks like you are making some very good progress. Those were some interesting old cabinets and funky soffit. Our reno grew as well to include our family room and powder room. That took us a bit over budget, but we love the results. Keep us posted with your progress.
suzanne_sl
10 years ago
Of course your kitchen reno turned into a whole main floor reno! You'll just have to be careful that it doesn't turn into a whole property reno ;-)
cinjos
Original Author
10 years ago
It's one of those, "while we're at it..." situations. Now, we have a new skylight, we've raised the ceiling, putting in a fireplace, changing the windows...

As for that soffit - it was the worst thing ever - didn't even have lights!

My favourite part of the before pictures is how messy the kitchen is - I'm sure my new kitchen will be spotless all the time! :)

Cindy
rosie
10 years ago
Okay, if you're going to dust that soffit, attractive or not, it'd better at least have lights. I really like your house's architecture. It deserves a new kitchen.

As for removing the typical homey "before" clutter, truly what doesn't cost a cent is usually a very significant part of the remodel. The "after" kitchens these days are so gorgeous that I've literally never seen one returned to its previous state. People give service to their beauty gladly. :)

Related Stories

ARCHITECTURE Design Workshop: The Open-Concept Bathroom

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Consider these ideas for balancing privacy with openness in an en suite bathroom

FURNITURE What to Know Before Buying Bar Stools

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Learn about bar stool types, heights and the one key feature that will make your life a whole lot easier

ENTERTAINING 10 Steps to Pull Together Your Living Room Before the Holidays

By Laura Gaskill

Boost comfort, flow and visual appeal in your main entertaining room to make guests feel more welcome

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: Classic Meets Contemporary in an Open-Plan Space

Soft tones and timeless pieces ensure that the kitchen, dining and living areas in this new English home work harmoniously as one

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Sunlit Garden Views in Bristol, U.K.

By Vanessa Brunner

Garden access and a bright green backsplash bring color and light to this British kitchen — and the new dining room opens things up

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Room of the Day: Elegant Open-Plan Living in London

This living-dining-kitchen area in a period apartment is light and refined, with just a dash of boho style

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Experience Your New Home — Before You Build It

By Dylan Chappell Architects

Photorealistic renderings can give you a clearer picture of the house you're planning before you take the leap

WHITE KITCHENS Before and After: Modern Update Blasts a '70s Kitchen Out of the Past

By Mitchell Parker

A massive island and a neutral color palette turn a retro kitchen into a modern space full of function and storage

KITCHEN CABINETS Choosing New Cabinets? Here’s What to Know Before You Shop

By Ventana Construction LLC

Get the scoop on kitchen and bathroom cabinet materials and construction methods to understand your options

REMODELING GUIDES What to Know Before You Tear Down That Wall

By Mitchell Parker

Great Home Projects: Opening up a room? Learn who to hire, what it’ll cost and how long it will take

Sponsored

Custom Home Works

10 Reviews

Franklin County's Award-Winning Design, Build and Remodeling Expert

More Discussions

Nuage Quartzite - any water issues?

14

Kith cabinets? They look great and well made?

4

Silver colored drawer pulls and faucet

1

help with kitchen design!!

1

Removing Kitchen Backsplash

2