Embracing the Chaos: Living with Your Old Kitchen During the Remodel
Enough with the 1980s kitchen, it’s time for a new one! Having updated kitchens in former homes, I’m a big believer in living with your old kitchen while you design your new one. I like to get a feel for the way the kitchen functions and see how traffic flows through the space before planning a complete renovation.
After living with this kitchen for a while, it was easy to see where improvements were needed, and it wasn’t a short list! As you can see from the photos, the only immediate updates were to purchase a new refrigerator and remove the dated wallpaper, painting the walls instead.
The 80s wallpaper had to go – it was a messy and frustrating process, but it was an improvement… not much, but an improvement! And then there was the work triangle, the path you take in your kitchen between the cooktop, sink, and refrigerator when preparing a meal. After chopping and prepping food near the sink, it must then be carried across the floor to the cooktop. I found this to be awkward and messy, as something frequently would end up on the floor.
Cooking in a kitchen for a while before you renovate is a very good thing! The eat-in area was nice, but we also had a table just a few feet away on our screened-in porch, and the formal dining room was nearby as well. So for our new kitchen design, we opted to remove the eat-in area and add two counters that seat four each on both sides of the kitchen. By extending the kitchen into the eat-in area, we got more storage as well as floor space for two people to work in the kitchen. Since we love to entertain, this design keeps people close enough for conversation, but they’re not getting bumped and spilled on while the food is being prepared.
Rethinking the Layout: Prioritizing Function Over Tradition
I’ve noticed that homebuilding tradition seems to dictate that the sink is in front of a window, as it was here. When determining the work triangle, we placed the cooktop first, out of the traffic flow, and then we decided where to put the sink. If we put it in front of the window, it would be too close to the cooktop at only 18 inches between. So we left the counter under the window as the workspace and moved the sink to the counter facing the family room.
The original floor plan featured a large bow window in the eat-in area. Yes, it was nice to see the porch, but in order to get out there, it was necessary to go through the laundry room. We love our screen porch and use it a lot, so that was not going to work. The new design removes the center panel of the bow window and replaces it with a French door. Perfect solution!
The biggest design change of all was to introduce a little “open concept” into this 1983 home. That meant removing an 8-foot wall that separated the kitchen from the family room. It was a great idea, but the tricky part was there was a huge bookcase on the other side of it! I realize a guy with a sledgehammer could solve this problem, but we had that bookcase jammed full of books, and we needed to keep it. Therefore, we would have to move it – which we did all by ourselves!
Embracing the Open Concept: Maximizing Space and Connectivity
I think removing that wall was the best thing we’ve done to our house so far! Here are the old and new floor plans, noting the work triangle, the wall to be removed, access to other rooms, and more. Please check back and follow our progress!
| Old Floor Plan | New Floor Plan |
|---|---|
| Old Floor Plan Image | New Floor Plan Image |
By opening up the space between the kitchen and family room, we were able to create a more cohesive and connected living area. The once-segregated rooms now flow seamlessly, allowing for better interaction and a more inviting atmosphere. And let’s not forget the added benefit of maximizing the available square footage – that removed wall gave us so much more usable space to work with.
Striking the Right Balance: Blending Tradition and Modernity
As I mentioned, the original kitchen design was very much stuck in the 80s. While there’s certainly charm in the traditional aesthetic, it just didn’t align with our modern lifestyle and design sensibilities. By incorporating open-concept elements and rethinking the layout, we were able to breathe new life into the space while still honoring the home’s architectural integrity.
It’s all about striking the right balance – respecting the past while embracing the present and future. That’s why we chose to retain the large bow window, but with a twist. Swapping out the center panel for a French door not only improved the flow and connectivity but also added a touch of timeless elegance.
And let’s not forget the kitchen’s workhorse – the sink. By moving it to the counter facing the family room, we not only optimized the work triangle but also created a more visually appealing focal point. The sink is no longer hidden away, but rather integrated into the overall design, becoming a seamless part of the kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic.
Designing for Your Lifestyle: Prioritizing Function and Entertaining
As a family who loves to entertain, the kitchen layout was a crucial consideration. By removing the eat-in area and adding two counters that each seat four, we were able to create a more social and interactive space. Now, guests can mingle and engage with the cooks, while the work area remains unobstructed.
It’s all about designing a kitchen that fits your lifestyle – and ours revolves around hosting friends and family, whether it’s for casual gatherings or elaborate dinner parties. The new layout ensures that the kitchen remains the heart of the home, where conversations flow and memories are made.
Of course, function was equally important in our design process. By strategically placing the cooktop and sink, we optimized the work triangle and created a more efficient workflow. No more carrying dishes and ingredients across the room, risking spills and mishaps. Everything is within easy reach, allowing us to move seamlessly through the various cooking tasks.
Embracing the Remodel Journey: Lessons Learned and Advice to Share
The kitchen remodel journey has been a roller coaster of emotions – from the initial excitement to the occasional frustration. But through it all, we’ve learned valuable lessons that I’m eager to share with you.
First and foremost, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. That 8-foot wall separating the kitchen and family room could have been a major obstacle, but we tackled it head-on, even with the daunting bookcase in the way. By approaching challenges with creativity and determination, we were able to transform our home in ways we never thought possible.
Secondly, embrace the chaos. Living with an outdated kitchen while designing a new one is no easy feat, but it’s an invaluable experience. Spending time in the existing space allows you to truly understand its strengths and weaknesses, which is crucial in crafting a design that truly meets your needs.
And lastly, trust the process. Remodeling can be overwhelming, but with careful planning and a reliable team of professionals, the end result will be well worth the journey. At ABC Home, we’ve collaborated with talented designers and contractors who have guided us every step of the way, ensuring our vision becomes a reality.
So, whether you’re tackling a full-scale kitchen remodel or simply refreshing your space, remember to embrace the chaos, think outside the box, and trust the process. Your dream kitchen is within reach, and the team at ABC Home is here to help you every step of the way.
