skip to main content

Remove these arches?

Michelle Miller

last month

last modified: last month

Has anyone removed internal arches before? These arches between the kitchen and family room seem dated to me and break up the room. Would you recommend removing them and squaring off the opening if doing a kitchen renovation? I need to leave the lower half wall because the sink and dishwasher is on the other side. I'm trying to update the space. How do I find out if they’re load bearing on not? Is there a way to remove the arches on photoshop to see what the finished product might look like before I commit? Please share any before and after pictures of a similar project you’ve done. Thank you for any advise or suggestions.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

PRO
McDonald Enterprises
last month
Arches are the hottest thing going in high end custom homes. You might want to learn to love them. They add a lot of style for such a simple detail.
0
John Liu
last month
Leave them. They add interest and define the separate spaces.
0
Related Discussions
Can I remove stucco arches
Q
Comments (6)
A lot of this job would be demolition, which with guidance could be DIY. But work out all the details before you leap in. How will you handle the transitions from the new wood back into the existing stucco?Can the patio slabs carry the roof weight while the masonry pillars and bases are removed? What is under the stucco pillars? What is beneath the brick bases? (will the newly-exposed slabs match the exposed areas?) Did you plan on keeping them and perhaps use paired cedar post? This has the outward appearance of being change for its own sake. IMO it looks really good as it stands. "If it ain't broke..."
...See More
Window and fireplace remodel! Remove old arches windows
Q
Comments (9)
If it were my house, I’d either remove the fireplace (since it’s not a real wood burning fireplace anyway) entirely and replace it with a window OR I’d remove the fireplace and replace it with a real one if budget allowed. Either way, that fireplace would be gone! Regarding the windows: I think it might make more sense to leave the shape as-is because, really, spending $10,000 to change the shape of those windows is kind of like pissing into the wind. Plus, the curve can be disguised with the right window treatments.
...See More
remove stucco arches and replace with 6x6 redwood beams?
Q
Comments (9)
I cannot tell what color the house is, but consider painting the window wall a lighter accent color, even maybe a creamy white. And the two arches on the left consider putting a decorative oblong planter box in each opening, like 2-3 ft. high to have some weeping greenery and color there to break up the facade.
...See More
Exterior Arches or remove and simplify?
Q
Comments (20)
Just wanted to add an update. Here is the current house without the arches, and with new stucco. Still needs to be painted, Probably white with maybe lighter blue accent colors. I'm thinking of putting an striped awning over the front door area and maybe decorative shutters around the 2 larger windows. A decorative shutter window in the far left area, that will be a shed, and will have a low roof over it. Will definitely need lots of landscaping, and maybe a trellis for bougainvillea to the left of the small window. Any thoughts? It's taking awhile, but finally seeing some progress. Thanks!
...See More
Related Professionals
Reedley Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fort Washington Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Green Bay Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Lisle Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Thonotosassa Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Tuckahoe Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Lawndale Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Eufaula Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Hanover Park Cabinets & Cabinetry · Red Bank Cabinets & Cabinetry · Riverbank Cabinets & Cabinetry · Wadsworth Cabinets & Cabinetry · Chattanooga Tile and Stone Contractors · Gardere Design-Build Firms · Pacific Grove Design-Build Firms
roarah
last month
I like arches but I hate pass through windows so I would close the pass through window and remove the counter in the living room.
roarah
last month
bpath
last month
I like arches and I’m neither here nor there on passthrus. If you like the connection, I would remove the counter and replace it with cabinetry below, maybe that comes to the same height as the passthru, maybe not. It will look more intentional and purposeful,
0
Theresa Peterson
last month
Keep the arches. They're a lovely architectural feature. Never get rid of such a thing because it's currently "out" -- trends are for pillowcases and tee-shirts, not houses.
chispa
last month
Some of us live in areas that have houses with way too many arches in the form of faux Mediterranean houses. Many people that remodel these homes in my neighborhood are removing the arched windows and inside arches to create simpler, less faux-ornate homes. The end results have been big improvements in the overall look of these homes.

I would do something to the arches and/or pass through, but would have to be in the space myself, to decide what those changes would be.
0
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
last month
"Would you recommend removing them and squaring off the opening if doing a kitchen renovation?"

No. Everyone has cheap squared off openings. You have upgraded arches.
adkhiker
last month
My 1942 Cape Cod has original arched doorways. I am not sure they are a trend, but just a stylistic choice going back many years. Personally, I love our arches.
0

Related Stories

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Old Arches, Beams and Stones Become Au Courant

By Claire Tardy

A renovation brings contemporary flair and original charm to a designer’s apartment on the French Riviera

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Exposed Brick Arches in Illinois

By Vanessa Brunner

A careful restoration of a surprising discovery lends an unexpected accent to this contemporary kitchen

BEFORE AND AFTERS More Storage and Light for a Seattle Kitchen

By Mary Jo Bowling

Removing walls and replacing dysfunctional features give a kitchen a bright look and better function

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Wisconsin Renovation Restores Tudor Style

By Becky Harris

A new configuration makes this kitchen more functional, and thoughtful details like beams and arches lend a period feel

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Salvia Leucantha

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Soft, velvety purple spikes gracefully arch over the gray-green foliage of Mexican bush sage in spring through fall in western U.S. gardens

KITCHEN MAKEOVERS Kitchen of the Week: Light and Lofty With a Modern Spanish Style

By Jeannie Matteucci

A designer uses arched details to create a fresh Mediterranean look with creamy cabinets and black-stained oak features

COASTAL STYLE Houzz Tour: Spanish Revival Style Gets a Boost at the Beach

By Becky Harris

A designer amps up the existing style in a Malibu, California, home using arches, hand-painted tile and antiques

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Elymus Hystrix Thrives in Shade

By Pollination Press LLC

Plant eastern bottlebrush grass in eastern U.S. woodlands or shade gardens for midsummer flower heads and blue-gray arching grass blades

BATHROOM DESIGN Daring Style: Bedroom and Bath, All In One

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Loft-Like Open Plans Remove the Master Bath Wall. Is This Look for You?

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Beautiful 1929 Tudor-Style House Made Whole Again

By Becky Harris

A thoughtful renovation reveals original architectural details and removes an unfortunate 1980s addition

Sponsored

More Discussions

Converting a coat closet to a pantry

8

should I get rid of pantry?

23

Cabinet, counter and backsplash advice

5

Cabinets: what to expect, inspect, and object to when they arrive

5

Online Companies that sell cabinets plus replacement doors and drawers

2