Tiny Kitchen

When Cindy and Chris Rathbun purchased their charming two-bedroom 1950s ranch eight years ago, the space, though small, was manageable. Now with their 3-year-daughter, Savannah, they're beginning to feel a little confined, especially in the home's original small kitchen where three is now impossible.

Richards expands the exterior wall into the backyard and removes another wall that separated the kitchen from the living room. By opening the room up this way, it actually allowed space for a peninsula for additional seating. By updating the fireplace and placing an ultra suede sectional around it, she was able to draw attention to a space that is now elegant yet casual. The whole room is lightened with soft faux-finished walls, and the new configuration now provides the Rathbuns maximum space in their once small room.