Have you thought about remodeling your kitchen? It’s daunting, isn’t it? We thought about our kitchen remodel for about 5 years before we finally decided to go for it.
We started our project a year ago. The kitchen portion took about 3 months. After you read this post, if you’ve been thinking about it, you may decide to pull the trigger!
Our house was built in 1999 and the builders did not build to optimize the view. In Manhattan Beach, most houses by the beach are built with living space on the top floor to take advantage of the ocean views. Homes are very close together with lot sizes between 185-270 sq feet.
View from our balcony. Closer buildings are part of Grandview Elementary. Further buildings are homes.
While our family room has a view, we felt the kitchen needed it too. This was our main purpose for the remodel, but in the process we wanted to change themes from Mediterranean to Transitional. We also wanted more light in our kitchen. We were interested in creating an open floor plan for our kitchen and living spaces. That way, I wouldn’t feel so “closed off” when I was making a meal while everyone else was in the family room! I love before and after pictures, don’t you? I’m excited for you to see these.
Before and After Shots of our Kitchen Remodel.
I still can’t believe what a difference it made!
Narrow island with no seating, kitchen was closed off in the center of the house.
We took out the wall on the right and built a large island around the dumbwaiter opening. We brought the dumbwaiter down to floor level and hid it in the cabinets.
View from top of the stairs and where the wall from prior picture used to be.
Same view! We opened up the archway and took out the wall. It’s like a different house!
Other vantage point of the kitchen island. We used to bring over small stools to sit by the island.
Now we can enjoy the view of Manhattan Beach and the ocean from our island.
This is the wall we took out. We moved the fridge to the other side of the room where a small desk sat.
Isn’t the difference amazing? And we love our island lights!
View from Family Room into Kitchen
I love that the family is now always in ear shot and view from each other when we are hanging out at the house.
Our homes are such important parts of our lives, aren’t they? Home is our sanctuary. My husband and I wish we had done this project years ago when we first starting thinking about it. Stay tuned for my future post on the main points I learned from our remodel! And if you want to see my powder room remodel, click here.
Designer Credit: Danijela Zaric of Space Intervention. For info on her services, contact her at [email protected]. She is talented!
That is spectacular, Jen! Beautiful transformation and suits your style so much more. Can’t wait to see it in person some day!
Hi Theresa! Can’t wait for you to see in person too. Big hug to you!
Beautiful transformation! Enjoy many happy times in your new creation. I am looking forward to reading what you learned.
Jill! Thank you! I’m so glad you are enjoying my blog!