Kitchen Layouts: Before and After

Once cramped and closed-off spaces, these homeowners took down walls and created open floor plans.

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November 25, 2014

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Photo By: Jean Allsopp

Photo By: Jim Tetro

Before: Cramped and Dated

The hodgepodge layout and constricted flow of this before kitchen was pretty typical of mid- to late-20th-century houses, and the kitchen was cut off from the family room.

After: Free-Flowing

Designer Ellinor Ellefson of Elle Interiors drew up plans for a completely new kitchen layout, which is now open and flows directly into the family room, making the space perfect for the way so many of us entertain today. Photography by Trish van Housen

Before: Closed Off

The main goal for homeowners was to make this kitchen feel open. The original kitchen was walled off from the rest of the living space, which deterred them from enjoying the pretty outdoor views from the living room.

After: Taking Down Walls

To open up the space the homeowners removed two walls as well as pocket doors, which separated the kitchen from the living space.

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Floor Plan Fix

Shuffling the cabinets to a different layout allowed for more storage and created additional floor space.

Before: Tight Quarters

Tired of their outdated and cramped kitchen, the homeowners wanted to open up the space in order to have a kitchen where the kids can do their homework and they can all share family meals and entertain.

After: Transitional, Family-Friendly Kitchen

A row of cabinets is removed to open up the kitchen to the living room, creating a large, family-friendly space. The hardwood floors are stained a deep brown, and the walls are painted a buttery yellow.

From: Kerrie Kelly

Before: Inefficient Floor Plan

When the homeowners bought their ranch house, they recognized the house's urgent need for a renovation to suit their lifestyle. The original kitchen and dining areas suffered from a chopped-up floor plan, which, although large, still managed to be inefficient.

After: Open and Bright

Opening walls at both ends of the kitchen brightened the entire space. It also allowed convenient access to utility areas that had previously been closed off.

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Before: Stuck in the Past

The owners sought to update the house to a more modern state while preserving memories of its original character.

After: Ideal for Gathering

Gardner Mohr Architects LLC expanded and joined the first-floor spaces so that dining and gathering can occur "anywhere and everywhere." The kitchen became the nexus of all activity, joining the living and dining spaces on the first floor to the study/loggia and entry hall on the half-level below. The new living space is tall and spacious with terrace doors, windows, skylights and a light shelf on the south wall. Photography by Jim Tetro

Kitchen Layouts: Before and After

Related To:

Shop This Look

Before: Cramped and Dated

After: Free-Flowing

Before: Closed Off

After: Taking Down Walls

Floor Plan Fix

Before: Tight Quarters

After: Transitional, Family-Friendly Kitchen

Before: Inefficient Floor Plan

After: Open and Bright

Before: Stuck in the Past

After: Ideal for Gathering

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