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Take Down that Wall: An Open Floorplan for your Kitchen Remodel

When designing a new kitchen, you may think outside the proverbial box and imagine what might be possible… if only that pesky wall wasn’t in the way. This then begs the question, “is it possible to move a load bearing wall?” Most times, the desired floorplan can be achieved if the wall comes down, even if it’s a load bearing wall. Removing an interior wall is more involved than a basic kitchen remodel, but not as extreme as adding an addition to the home. “Sometimes the only way to make a design concept come to fruition is by removing a kitchen wall and then adding in supplemental supports where needed,” says Normandy Designer Becca Ruggiero.

gray painted kitchen with dark stained buffet  before kitchen with wall separating kitchen and dining room with purple accent wall

Benefits of removing a wall

“A common reason for removing a wall is to create better sightlines from the kitchen to an adjacent family or dining room,” Becca says. “This way parents can keep an eye on younger children while preparing meals.” Another reason for removing a wall is to accommodate space for a larger island and allow proper traffic flow throughout the kitchen.

“Open concept is still a popular design request and although the square footage isn’t changed by removing a wall, it does create a more spacious feel and better connectivity to adjacent rooms,” says Becca.

Identifying load bearing walls

One of the ways we determine if a wall is load bearing is by heading down to the basement. “By evaluating support beam locations, we can get a good sense of how easy or difficult it will be to remove a wall,” says Becca. “Similarly, if the basement ceiling is open to the floor joists above, it’s a good first step to find out how the heating runs, what plumbing may be in the wall, and other issues that could make removing a wall more costly.”

Maintaining structural support

Removing a load bearing wall will require you to provide additional support, often in the form of beams or posts to maintain the structural integrity of the roof or second story. “Sometimes these can be concealed within the ceiling, other times it may be necessary to incorporate them into the design of the kitchen because they cannot be hidden,” says Becca.

Eat in kitchen with island and wood hood

Don’t let these parameters dissuade your decision, though. When working with reputable architects, contractors, and designers, the proper protocol and adjustments will be thought through and the necessary permits will be secured before construction begins.

If it turns out removing a wall will create a domino effect of other issues or cost more than what you budgeted, you can rest easy. A gorgeous kitchen design is still within reach using the original footprint of your space.

By removing a wall, you can create a whole new look for your main floor or kitchen and design a space with better flow that will fit your family’s lifestyle. Give Becca a call to discuss your hopes and plans for a more open layout in your home. In the meantime, sign up for our newsletter. We share customer stories of fabulous before and after projects (some of which had their walls removed, too) as well as floorplans that had the entire layout flipped or shifted. You won’t believe the difference a remodel can make in your home. To see our most recent projects, follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. Start scrolling and saving your favorite inspirations for an upcoming project.

 

Modern black and white kitchen  Before kitchen u-shaped before walls came down

Blue and white kitchen with stained Alder island  Blue Center Island

 

A Dark Bathroom Vanity Can be Timeless, Trendy, or Simply Sophisticated

Vanity with large mirrorWhen it comes to designing a bathroom, the vanity plays a crucial role in setting the tone and style of the space. Dark wood vanities, with their rich hues and inherent warmth, have long been a popular choice for adding a touch of luxury to bathrooms. However, to ensure that your vanity remains both timeless and current, it is essential to select the right wood species and complementary accents and finishes. “There are several design options that will help you create a stunning bathroom featuring a dark wood vanity that stands the test of time,” says Normandy Designer Jackie Jensen.

Black vanity with drop in sink in the bathroom

Create Balance with Lighter Color Accents:

Prevent a dark wood vanity from overwhelming the space by incorporating lighter color countertops and flooring to provide a contrast and help create balance. “Flooring takes up more visual space, so by adding white tile you’ll brighten up the room and create an overall light and airy feel,” says Jackie. “You can choose light floor tiles with black accents to help pick up the dark tones from the cabinetry. This will balance the room and prevent it from appearing too heavy.”

vintage bathroom with black and white floor tile, shiplap walls, dark vanity and vintage hardwareModern Black and White Look:

Pairing a dark wood or black painted vanity with white countertops and subway tiles creates a striking contrast that exudes elegance and sophistication. “Opt for a simple slab door design for your cabinet fronts, as this minimalist approach will enhance the sleek look,” says Jackie. “If you’re drawn to the modern farmhouse aesthetic, adding white shiplap on the wall behind the vanity completes the design.”

Traditional or Transitional Style:

“You can achieve a traditional feel by selecting door fronts with intricate detailing and adding vintage inspired hardware,” Jackie suggests. “For a more transitional approach, a shaker style vanity door front trimmed with a decorative edge creates dimension that distinguishes it from the sleek, simple modern style.”

No matter your design preference, Jackie can assist in creating an overall bathroom aesthetic that checks all the boxes. Set up a consultation with her to begin discussing your ideas. In the meantime, curate your look book from the projects we share on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know.

 

Bathroom vanity and storage  bathroom with dark cabinetry and hexagon floor tiles and horizontal tile in tub  farmhouse style bathroom with dark vanity and white shiplap walls

modern primary bathroom with separate shower and tub, skylight and dark double vanity  Black bathroom vanity

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