So far we've been calling this project a kitchen remodel, but really we will be improving the surrounding spaces just as much from a functional perspective.
Stephanie and I have already started making some real changes to this floor plan as we lived with the house, but this should give an idea about the challenges we faced upon moving into the house several years ago.
(plan before)
1. The space to the west of the kitchen has seen used as a den, an architecture office, and then a craft studio for Stephanie. But we've made it our bedroom as the kids started needing more space upstairs. The room is small for a bedroom, but it is made worse by all the doors swinging into the floor space. Even as a studio it was tricky to furnish, so we'll be closing off the door to the kitchen during this remodel.
2. The bedroom closet is simply too small for the two of us. Meanwhile the fridge is tucked into a deep niche nearby, using up valuable floor space. We've already bumped the fridge into the kitchen to steal some closet space — see the "after" plan below.
3. We want to see through walls! The original kitchen had absolutely no visual connection to the dining room, and we were always dying to be part of the activity on the opposite side. We took action early, cutting a new opening in this wall and closing off the awkward "butler's pantry" access door.
4. A well-placed stove should have ample counter space nearby for prep, ingredients, and tools. It should be convenient to the sink. And if you bake as often as Stephanie, you should be able to open the oven without impeding traffic through the kitchen. Our stove meets none of these requirements, so it must move... and we cannot wait to see it happen.
5. Shallow countertops, a sink set off-center to the window, inconvenient dishwasher location. We'll be tackling all of these issues with the new kitchen design.
(plan after)
