Open Kitchen Design
Kitchen Design : Episode KDE-1109 -- More Projects »
As more people join the living and family rooms with the kitchen, floor plans are opening up. This arrangement is family-friendly and perfect for entertaining. Host Joan Kohn gets design tips from architect Sally Weston of Weston Hewitson Architects for designing large centers where people can gather before, during and in between meals to eat, play games, watch TV and even get some work done--together.
- The secret to making large, open plans work is to create the illusion of smaller spaces within the larger overall space. The spaces can relate to very specific activities or functions, like a mudroom, office, pantry, food preparation area, lavatory, dining area, relaxing area, beverage area, etc.
- In order for all of these areas to relate to each other within the greater space, there must be unifying elements, such as flooring, matching trimwork, color palette, etc.
- There are a number of ways to create and define different areas, including arches and columns, half walls, different ceiling heights, change of flooring, furniture layout, islands.
- Changing the ceiling height from area to area can create the illusion of more space and is a great option for smaller homes. An eight-foot ceiling in the kitchen area can open up to higher ceilings that are coffered or vaulted with dramatic results.
- Furniture arrangement can help define a space. By placing seating in an L-shape, a small niche is created for other pieces of furniture.
Guests Sally Weston
Weston Hewitson Architects Inc
222 North St.
Hingham, MA 02043
Phone: 781-749-8587
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