The Flexible Home ~ Kitchen & Living Room Remodel

To update a typical 1970’s kitchen and living room, make it feel larger without changing the footprint. Incorporate storage for a large collection of dishes and serving pieces, create an eating space that will accommodate at least 12 people and convert into a living space when not used for dining. Clients have lived in Asia and the West Coast and have asked to incorporate design elements that reflect those styles.

The kitchen was separated from the living room by a wall; leaving the homeowners separated from their guests when working in the kitchen. The eat-in area of the kitchen was small and right in the traffic pattern. A small space with a lot of needs!

By opening up the wall between the kitchen and living room the space doubled in size without changing the original footprint. New custom designed Natural Maple cabinets, appliances, granite countertops, slate backsplash and lighting give this space a fresh new look!
Bamboo flooring was installed throughout giving the 2 rooms a unified look. Custom designed built-ins were installed along the kitchen and living room walls, giving the clients all the storage they needed and creating display space in the living room. Shoji like doors feature hand-made Japanese paper, which glows when the interior cabinet lighting is on.
Incorporating the Japanese philosophy of using space – the great room furniture is used for lounging and yet converts into a dining room space when needed, utilizing the same furniture in different ways. Sofa tables convert into dining tables and living room chairs and benches are used as seating at the table – creating the “Flexible Home”.