How can we do a kitchen remodel from this to this?

Question

Help? We want the open kitchen, and don't know if it is truly a fast outgrowing trend, or a good choice to make. We have no plans on moving. Just moved in 2 months ago.
We want to basically have the kitchen that is open (3rd photo). Wall is not a load bearing wall, was checked by inspector. Just don't want to regret doing this, as it would be totally opened to everyone to see.

Julie · Answer

I love the open concept. It does not appear to be a trend that is going away anytime soon. However, do consider if your living room area is your TV entertainment area as well that the kitchen noise can be an issue especially if you decide to have wood/ceramic floors throughout as you will have more hard surface for noise to bounce off of. Also without a wall for your sofa is there enough room in the living room for good flow. If it still works go for it. If not you may want to consider a pony wall to sofa height with shutters so you could have it open or closed.

Mary Beth E · Answer

How about some sort of half-wall instead?

Shari · Answer

I pretty much agree with Julie. If removing the wall doesn't complicate or compromise your furniture placement in the adjoining room, and if you don't think noise from the kitchen (pots and pans clanging, the dishwasher running etc.) won't interfere with activities in the other room, I say open it up. I would definitely leave a section of the wall next to the refrigerator though so the side of your refrigerator is not exposed to the living area. It just looks more finished that way.

Lori Shaneck · Answer

I think if you were to do a half wall with a breakfast counter it would look great

Kara Spurlock · Answer

I have had a similar layout where it was open to the living room. It does dictate furniture layout for sure. Also something else to think about is having the decor flow and transition. And your kitchen has to remain spotless. I think a half wall may work! Having an open concept but still having wall space. I love an open feel as well and don't think it is a trend thing.

L · Answer

We had thought about opening it down to the breakfast bar height, but didn't know if it would look silly. The loveseat is next to the wall, and easily could be moved. Beings it isn't a solid wall, we already hear anything going on in the kitchen. We are emptynesters, and I seldom cook. Every home we previously had looked at, when we were buying, had the open concept. I was sure that is what I would get. (wrong) Maybe I should also post the other wall, so you can see the stairs is already a half wall height. I'll see if I have a photo of what it looks like now. We have done no painting yet, so igore the colors.

Shari · Answer

In my opinion, a half wall would not look silly as long as it is finished off like the other half wall. Since your living room is on the smaller side, even a half wall would help open it up and make it feel a bit larger without having to lose the wall space for your loveseat. When you get around to painting, lighter paint color(s) will also help make the room feel more spacious, open and airy. 
.

L · Answer

I agree Kara on the kitchen needing to be spotless. I am OCD, when it comes to cleaning.

Z · Answer

My personal opinion would be to go with the half wall unless there's more room than it appears to move your loveseat forward. You'd still have the open concept, but more options on furniture placement in the living room. It's a lovely home L.

Charlotte Kent · Answer

From my experience, if that is what you want, take out the wall. I had a long load-bearing wall removed to make my living area open. I have no regrets after 4 years. But do consider it carefully, as it does effect your furniture arrangement and wall display area(lack of).

Sherrie · Answer

I opened up my living room, kitchen and dining room. We took down two walls that were not load bearing walls. It has brought a lot of light and openness to my house. I also have never regretted it.

Ene19230 · Answer

My kitchen is completely open - kitchen, dining and living room are one continuous space. The house we lived in before we built this one had half walls in the dining area and I hated them (boxed in the space). I love open spaces because they allow for change (fluid space). I hope you don't mind the photos - just wanted to illustrate my point.

Cyndi Moore Tippett · Answer

I would open it up.

Dianne · Answer

An opinion from a different point of view.  I do not like the idea of cooking in my living room.  Who wants a view of a pile of dirty dishes and all the things necessary to prepare a meal when you first come in the door?  Grease and odors floating all around!  Keep it behind a wall and out of sight is my thoughts.  While comfortable and pleasant and well designed a kitchen is a workspace, meant for work.

Terra Gazelle · Answer

I like the open concept..I am in the kitchen doing my thing, yet can still be part of the party..or still chat with my husband. It makes everything look bigger and has a flow that you can not get with even half walls. We do not have to live in boxes.

I like the idea of a great room...go for it!

Tanya Peterson Felsheim · Answer

I love the open concept but because my home is small...they did a half wall between kitchen/living room, allows me to use the half wall for furniture (like you are now) but still is high enough to block view of some of the kitchen mess... I have a picture of my kitchen in my photos here is my post...I am glad we got a very strong fan above the stove but were able to bring it all the way to the ceiling (not very high) and cover it like it was a built in. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/home-tours/updated-pictures-of-my-home-2-years-later-903560

LauriCNEKS · Answer

Open it up!

Gwen · Answer

I really like your vision. I know nothing about load bearing walls and if there's plumbing in the wall (one never knows since a refrigerator is on that wall!) or the electrical...but if you have the know how, and the funds, I see benefits to your new design. The free standing island allows you to reach storage from all angles! It seems bigger too. I cannot see that this new design makes you lose any storage. The rooms are not really separate anyway so that conversations aren't heard in kitchen and living area. Your reconfiguration design seems more updated. I have a half wall entering my home. It does not stop visuals to kitchen. People just stick keys, purses, sodas, coffees on the ledge and I was always re painting. I've finally been bold and asked people to use the counter or put the puse on a chair where scuff marks make my half wall a constant upkeep project. I think your design makes your space look so much bigger and like a house, not apartment-like. But trust your own judgement most!!

Cynthia Hudek · Answer

I had this arrangement and I took out the bar altogether! But it was just my husband and I.

Dri11852906 · Answer

I would cut only a small section of that wall away. I would leave the section that has the cabinet and countertop up against it intact. That way you would have a short section of wall next to the fridge, an opening , and then a short section of wall again with the countertop and cabinets up against it.that would save you money, and open up the kitchen at the same time.

Terra Gazelle · Answer

Open it up as much as possible..its not a trend. People want the flow..and the light and to be part of  the activities..not closed off in the kitchen. 
If you have a clear shot to the views outside, all the better.

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