Problem:
The client, an older couple with three grown children, wanted an open floor plan. They all enjoyed cooking when together, which was often, and their existing kitchen was just too small. There was no flow to the current arrangement of the first floor, always walking in and out of doorways. In addition they wanted to update the aesthetic of the entire first floor.
Solution:
We removed the wall between the existing kitchen and family room and provided an informal zone with the space organized into cooking, eating, drinking (bar) and relaxing. We also stole space from the office to increase the size of the working area of the kitchen. Almost the entire back of the house is open and informal. Likewise we opened up the front of the house. The existing dining room was a bit cramped, but now there is a formal zone encompassing the dining room, stair hall, and living room.