Give Your Kitchen a Fresh Look

Before her husband passed away, Bria Weldon didn't spend much time in the kitchen. Her husband, Michael, had always been the chef in the family. Although the couple had often talked about transforming their cramped San Rafael, Calif., kitchen, between work and raising their twins, time was always too tight.

It was when Bria, an advertising exec, became a single mom to Kai and Graysen, that she knew she had to figure out a way to make the space work for her. "Once the family meals became my responsibility, I realized just how frustrating our old kitchen was."

With the help of her friend, designer Lisa Collins, she made over the old galley kitchen into a happy, open space that makes cooking a much more enjoyable experience. "I know Michael would have loved it too."

A partial wall blocked off the kitchen from the living and dining areas, so Bria had it knocked down. She replaced it with a wooden X-brace that supports the roof, but since it's not solid, she can keep an eye on the twins while she's cooking.