Open Kitchen and Laundry Room Remodel

Summary: Creating an Open Kitchen and Laundry

This home built in 1981 had a typical galley kitchen and the washer dryer were in the garage. The couple liked to entertain so having the kitchen closed off from the living and dining area was not ideal. They also really wanted to get the washer and dryer out of the garage.

We were able to remove some walls (one was load bearing so required a large beam) and create a nice open kitchen and laundry room. We kept the sink and range on one wall for efficient cooking and that left the large island free for storage and as a central place for guests to gather around.

Key Updates:

How We Start Each Project

We start each new client relationship with a design and budget consult. The design concept we create during that process gives us a good idea of what the final project might look like and helps us create the most accurate budget possible.

Initial Design Concept

This couple entertained a lot and also really wanted to move the laundry room inside the home from the garage. Creating an open kitchen and laundry was the goal.

Originally we discussed adding on to the home in order to gain space but after some review we decided it made more sense to work with the existing space.

By removing the kitchen/LR walls and the DR/Breakfast area walls we were able to reconfigure the space to accomplish their goals without the added expense of adding on to the home.

Our engineer confirmed the kitchen / living room wall was load bearing and they designed a beam for us to replace the wall. We also needed a second beam to replace the dining room / living room wall.

Before Plan vs Initial Concept

The initial concept had a long island and large laundry room with double pocket doors. Ultimately we made the laundry smaller to add storage and deeper island to the kitchen. 

Our Design Process

Once you approve your initial budget we move into the design process. This starts with our designers visiting your home to review the initial concept and confirm measurements.

Then we have between 2-4 design meetings in our showroom to finalize all the details of the project, including building a detailed project calendar.

Changes Made in Design

In design we decided to reduce the size of the laundry room and make the kitchen longer. Moving the fridge to the laundry wall and moving the sink out of the island to the same wall as the range. We also added an arched pocket door for interest.

Initial Concept vs Final Plan

Some changes to the initial concept were made during the design process…

In the final plan we went with a smaller island, moved the sink under the window and created an L-shaped kitchen. 

Design Challenges & Solutions

The main challenge was figuring our the structural work that needed to be done and how best to design around the beams that were needed. Initial we were looking at steel beams due to the long span but ultimately we figured out a way to avoid that expense. 

Moving the plumbing for the washer was a a bit tricky and requred removing a good bit of cement but it was nothing we had not done before. 

One thing we all wondered about was the soffit in the breakfast area / new laundry room. It was an odd place to have a soffit so we assumed it was part of the roof framing and so we designed the cabinets around it. During demo though we discovered that the framing could be modified and the soffit removed. This was welcome news to the client so we raised the ceiling height in the laundry. 

Our Favorite Things

Every project has a few things that really make it stand our or were special to the homeowner. Here are our favorites.

Pantry storage next to fridge

Farm sink in laundry

Large island with light blue finish

GE Cafe Range with Brass Accents

Materials and Fixtures Used in This Project

Fixtures and Accessories

• • Blanco stainless steel sink in Kitchen
  • Randolf Morris Cast Iron Farm Sink in Laundry (Vintage Tub & Bath)
  • Newport Brass Chesterfield faucet in Kitchen
  • Randolf Morris Faucet in Laundry

Pre-construction and Construction Process

Your project manager will meet with your designer several times during the design process. Depending on the project, they may also visit your home to check certain details or review things with an installer.

Once design is complete we have a ‘handover meeting’ to review the final details of your project, including the project schedule.

Then we order all your materials and our warehouse manager inspects them, labels them and stores them in our warehouse. Your project manager arranges permits and updates our subcontractors. We send you regular updates during the pre-construction phase to keep you updated.

About 3 weeks before the project starts he will schedule a pre-construction meeting with you at your home.

During construction your project manager is on site every day for quality control, review plans with our installers and trade partners, and to make sure the job site is staying clean and organized.

Project Timeline

The project started right on schedule. It pretty much ran to plan as well. We did wind up finishing 9 days later than expected due to a delay in their pocket door being delviered, which delayed completing the drywall. 

• Proposed project start date: March 5th, 2024

• Actual Project Start Date: March 5th 2024

• Proposed Completion Date: May 30th 2024

• Actual Completion Date: June 12th 2024

Challenges And Solutions During Construction

There were a few minor design changes made after the cabients were installed that we felt would make things look better. We also decided to remove a soffit in the laundry room. 

Challenge 1: Cabinet Changes

Challenge: After cabinets were installed we felt the smooth panels on the bar cabinets did not look right. 

Solution: We ordered some styled panels so they would match the rest of the cabinets. 

Challenge 2: Door delay. 

Challenge: It took about 2 months longer than expected to get the pocket door for the laundry room. 

Solution: This had a small impact on the schedule since we could not finish the drywall until the door was installed but we were able to work around it. 

Challenge 2: Removing the soffit in the laundry. 

Challenge: We were originally told the soffit in the laundry was required due to they way the roof was framed. However after demo we realized that the framing could be easily modified to allow the soffit to be removed. 

Solution: We talked it over with the client and agreed that removing the soffit was much better. 

Project Video

Summary of video

Before Photos

Final Project Photos

Final Thoughts

This was a fun project for a fantastic couple. The design really transformed their home and made it much more function for their needs. The finsihed and colors they chose are sophisticated and should stand the test of time. We look forward to working with them again.