Kitchen Guides
Before & After: A Kitchen And Dining Area is Transformed
Flipping the floor plan made a small kitchen and large dining area into two far more suitably sized rooms
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
The client wanted a functional yet sophisticated kitchen.
Dreaming of a new kitchen? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz to make your vision a reality
The client wanted a functional yet sophisticated kitchen.
Dreaming of a new kitchen? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz to make your vision a reality
As distinct from the client’s old kitchen, it had to be functional and practical.
The kitchen before works
What did you do?
Looking at the overall space we were going to work with, we realised the current layout had a lot of area that was not reaching its full potential.
The curved island blocked the flow of space into the living room and also created a visual barrier between the kitchen, dining and living area. This did not work for a family with two small children needing to be watched all the time.
By reviewing the clean lines of connectivity to the main rooms I found that the existing kitchen area was too small and the casual dining space too large.
What did you do?
Looking at the overall space we were going to work with, we realised the current layout had a lot of area that was not reaching its full potential.
The curved island blocked the flow of space into the living room and also created a visual barrier between the kitchen, dining and living area. This did not work for a family with two small children needing to be watched all the time.
By reviewing the clean lines of connectivity to the main rooms I found that the existing kitchen area was too small and the casual dining space too large.
The dining area before works
We decided to flip the location of the existing kitchen to where the dining space was. It was a larger area so the layout became more functional. It also had better natural light.
We decided to flip the location of the existing kitchen to where the dining space was. It was a larger area so the layout became more functional. It also had better natural light.
The new floor plan
By flipping the spaces we got a much larger kitchen, which was perfect for a family and an even better breakfast bar. These spaces now overlap but also connect directly with the living area and formal dining, flowing on to the garden. The house has the sensation that it has doubled in size.
By flipping the spaces we got a much larger kitchen, which was perfect for a family and an even better breakfast bar. These spaces now overlap but also connect directly with the living area and formal dining, flowing on to the garden. The house has the sensation that it has doubled in size.
Key design aspects
Colour palette: Whites, neutrals and feature marble in super white honed dolomite.
Colour palette: Whites, neutrals and feature marble in super white honed dolomite.
Materials palette: V-groove panels, natural stone, steel (used on the door hardware), concrete (used in the floor tiles), and leather (in the upholstered cushions).
The breakfast bar is for the kids to sit and have their first meal of the day, do their home and be close to the kitchen and their parents while they study.
- Ceasarstone was used on the island benchtop because of its practicality.
The kitchen before works
The kitchen now speaks to the living space, formal dining and outdoor area rather than being tucked away in a dark corner.
The kitchen now speaks to the living space, formal dining and outdoor area rather than being tucked away in a dark corner.
Challenges worked around
It was mainly to do with structure. We had to remove a column that was hidden in the existing island structure.
We replaced this with a beam that spanned to the other columns on either side of the room.
It was mainly to do with structure. We had to remove a column that was hidden in the existing island structure.
We replaced this with a beam that spanned to the other columns on either side of the room.
Why do you think this room works?
The client now has a living space that the family can be in all together, whether it’s in the kitchen, breakfast bar, living area, dining space or outdoors.
Read more:
Before & After Transformations of Bathrooms Under 60 Sq FtBefore & After: 5 Unbelievable Garden Transformations
Tell us:
Which idea would you steal from this space? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
The client now has a living space that the family can be in all together, whether it’s in the kitchen, breakfast bar, living area, dining space or outdoors.
Read more:
Before & After Transformations of Bathrooms Under 60 Sq FtBefore & After: 5 Unbelievable Garden Transformations
Tell us:
Which idea would you steal from this space? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
Styling by Yael Stern
Answers by architect Ciara Tapia of Blue Tea Kitchens and Bathrooms
Who lives here: A couple and their two young children
Location: Clovelly, NSW
Room purpose: A kitchen and dining area
Budget: $65,000 for the kitchen and dining area