There is such a strong connection between our kitchens and family rooms. That holds true on a day-to-day basis through all kinds of activities as well as during entertaining.

Ideally, the kitchen is set up for multiple cooks and has a good view of the people in the family room, and perhaps the television. Nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen while others are partying out in the family room.

PROBLEM

This house in Huntington Woods, Mich. had a huge, huge family room (A). Since it is so out of proportion with the other rooms in the house, more than likely it was added.

I think that they also added a duplicate dining room (B) in order to have a window that was probably lost the main dining room (C) when they added the family room. This is silly and confusing.

What was left for the kitchen (D), once traffic carved it up, was pitiful. A new back door (E) probably replaced the old back door (F).

The entry (G) was terribly small and the closet (H) slipped into the living room (I), making it smaller than it needed to be.

The homeowners want the have the house “flow”, and also wanted a better access to the backyard (J).

SOLUTION

The entry (G) changed dramatically when the closets (K) were re-worked. We shortened the wall and lined it up with the existing glass block wall, resulting in a larger living room (I). I asked the homeowners how they felt about the glass block, and they said they really liked it. So, I decided to capitalize on that by changing the entry to the family room (L), enlarging and flanking with new glass block. The dining room (C) actually got smaller when we moved the wall in two feet to enlarge the kitchen (D). This new kitchen is loaded with extras. The counter angles out and is open to the family room (A).

A 42-inch high counter conceals any mess and doubles as a buffet space and stool seating. A corner closet style pantry (M) holds all the food. We even have a niche for cookbooks (N).

The second dual dining (B) became an updated and open casual dining space (O), complete with a coffee bar (P). We used the hallway space to enlarge this area. The windows were changed into a sliding glass door, leading out to a deck (Q). Note the patch was done with another touch of glass block.

The family room (A) is brightened by new windows on both sides. Now, there is a direct connection between the kitchen and family room, with sensitivity to views from both rooms.

Marcia Lyon is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and several other areas across the United States and Canada. Her new book on remodeling design, “The Essential Planner for Home Remodeling,” is available at www.creatingspaces.net. Reach her at marcia@creatingspaces.net or 515-991-8880.