Open-Concept Kitchen is a Family-Friendly, Chef's Dream

Christina Anstead opens up a formerly cramped kitchen and transforms it into an entertaining-ready, sensational heart of the home.

February 05, 2020

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Photo By: Gary Payne/Getty Images

Same House, New Vision

Jason and Katherine have lived in their home for 17 years and are now ready to renovate their kitchen and living areas. They love entertaining and want an open floor plan that combines all the spaces together.

Before: Too Much Separation

The large space is closed off with awkward walls that keep each area separate. Christina works on a plan to remove all the walls so that they have a wide-open space where they can hang out with friends and family.

After: Goodbye, Walls

Several of the walls were load-bearing, but Jason and Katherine decided it was worth taking a chunk out of their $65,000 budget for structural beams. The cost may be hidden, but it makes a major impact by entirely opening up the kitchen.

Before: MIA Cooking Area

Katherine and her daughter enjoy cooking together, but there's very little counter space for prepping and making meals. Additionally, not all the countertops are even attached, so it's definitely time for a remodel.

After: Cooking With Ease

The kitchen goes under an appliance flip-flop with the refrigerator and sink now on the exterior wall and the range integrated into the new oversized island. Not only does it create an easier cooking flow, but the family now has ample counter space for prepping and eating.

Modern + Industrial

A bright, airy space with plenty of warmth is the perfect mix of the couple's styles. Katherine leaned toward an all-white, clean space, while Jason wanted to include elements of industrial design. Christina develops a kitchen that blends the two ideas by adding black hardware to the streamlined white Shaker cabinets and using warm wood cabinetry as the base for the island.

Ultimate Gathering Spot

The main benefit to taking out all the walls (beside the open space) is the ability to install a stunning and massive island. No more cooking in a cramped kitchen, Katherine and her daughter can spread out to do their baking. And now, the kitchen is a true hangout for the whole family with industrial-style barstools at the island and comfy living spaces all around.

Versatile + Durable

Waterproof engineered flooring is a smart choice for kitchens since it gives you the look of hardwood without the fear of water damage. Warm wood tones ground this cozy white kitchen in farmhouse charm.

Rugged Aesthetic

Iron elements nod to Jason's love of industrial style. A pair of lantern-inspired pendants illuminate the island, and rustic wood and metal combine for the barstools.

Stow It Away

Maximum storage is a must-have in any kitchen. When reconfiguring the room, Christina makes the most of this entire wall surrounding the stainless-steel refrigerator by installing floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.

Eye-Catching yet Subtle Decoration

The braided backsplash brings quiet texture to the space. Light gray grout allows the pattern to stand out and also pulls from the gray veining in the white quartz countertops. Instead of another cabinet, a pair of floating shelves add to the openness of the space and keeps everyday essentials handy.

A Homey Combo

Christina pulled her inspiration for the wood-toned island from the couple's existing dining table, which already blends modern farmhouse and industrial styles brilliantly.

Before: Wasted Space

Boxy and dark, the awkward walls make most of the living spaces unusable.

After: Inviting + Casual

A grouping of mid-century modern armchairs sits around a sleek coffee table for an intimate conversation area right off the kitchen. Now that the walls are gone, the entire living space is designed for entertaining family and friends.

Before: Uninspiring Work Area

Shoved in the corner is a drab desk and chair for the kids to do homework or the grownups to catch up on emails or projects.

After: Made for Bright Ideas

The newly minted work station is functional for kids and adults — to finish their math homework, fine-tune an office presentation or even get crafty. With four seats surrounding the table, parents can sit to help kiddos with their schoolwork or friends are able to hang out and finalize a group project.

All in Order

Adjustable lamps sit on the desk for focused task lighting. Basket and cups keep pencils, markers, scissors and other necessities organized.

Completely Livable

No corner left unturned anymore. When walking through the front door, you're now welcomed into a large living space with cozy seating areas and utterly functional spots instead of wall after wall after wall. A palette of white, brown, gray and black unites the different zones together.

Set the Stage

Achieve a chic tabletop vignette in a few simple steps. Start with a mirror, which instantly establishes space and light in your room. Complete by layering in a green plant or two and a few well-placed accessories, like these amethyst crystals.

Channeling Lived-In Appeal

No boring neutral palette here. Patterns and textiles enliven this living room to create a family space that's as stylish as it is comfy. A huge sofa is the perfect gathering spot and woven poufs dot the floor to add extra seating.

Christina on the Coast