All in the family

Open-plan living spaces have become increasingly popular as home owners look to reconnect with family and friends. Simple pleasures, such as cooking and sharing a meal and spending time together have become integral to modern living.

However, traditional architecture doesn't always facilitate changing trends. Luckily, modern engineering means that you can have both, says Dream Kitchens of Georgia design sales consultant Ernie Lehmann.

"This traditional American kitchen was designed at the request of our clients with the aim of integrating the kitchen space together with a dark wood-paneled den and glassed-in sun porch.

"We were able to create an elegant space, with enough of a casual feel to make it work for both daily living and entertaining."

Converting the existing floorplan into an open-plan space required the removal of the wall between the sun porch and kitchen. The floor between the two rooms also needed to be brought to the same level, and the entrance to the den opened up.

"Part of the kitchen's ceiling was dropped to create a tray effect and also hide the structural beam and other services," says Lehmann.

Existing lighting was enhanced by adding strategically placed recessed lights and pendants to enhance the kitchen's overall look.

"The kitchen is a series of focal points the custom wood cabinetry, the large island, the wet bar area offset by the Tropic Brown granite countertops," says Lehmann.

For the owners, the functionality of the kitchen is paramount, as it is designed to accommodate a crowd on a regular basis.

"The kitchen is a large, friendly space, with room enough for four to five cooks, for some great collaborative family cooking.

"It was also important that it function as a space where anyone could immediately feel comfortable," says the owner.

Working in collaboration with Lehmann and his team, the owners believe the result has been a resounding success.

"Our kitchen area now has the capacity to easily accommodate 18 people because of the raised bar area on the island and the adjoining eating area, sitting area and den.

"The kitchen has been in continuous use since its completion, and we've had large family gatherings every second weekend."

Story by: Trendsideas