A new year brings a new kitchen—something we’re excited to begin. Last year I shared our remodeling ideas and the before photos. I hadn’t yet posted the floor plan, so here are the details of the changes we’re making. The remodel is scheduled to start in the coming weeks and we can’t wait to get going.
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This project has been a long time coming. We moved in during the fall of 2021 with a few ideas for making the house our own. About a year ago those ideas developed into a larger plan: a small addition along with a complete kitchen redo.
A bit of background: we invited my parents to move in with us and they proposed a small suite off the back of the house. Although modest in size, the addition required careful design to fit everything into a limited footprint and to integrate with the existing structure.
My parents sketched the first plans, and then we moved to formal architectural drawings, structural engineering, and professional input to make sure permits and construction would proceed smoothly.
Because the addition affects our layout, I began drafting plans for our main-floor remodel. Our main level is compact—about 800 square feet—and the rooms are connected, so changes in one area impact the whole flow.
With the addition and our goal to make the home comfortable for the whole family for years to come, we arrived at the plan outlined below. Every decision was made to maximize function and flow in a small footprint. Except for the in-law addition, we are not adding square footage; we are reorganizing how we use the space.
Every square inch matters in a smaller home, so we focused on practical choices that increase storage, light, and usability. Below you’ll see the current floor plan and the updates that make the most sense for our family.
Here is our CURRENT floor plan:
My parents’ suite will include its own back door, which means the existing mudroom door must be removed. One early decision was finding a new backyard access for our household. We chose to convert the windows along the back of the current dining room into French doors, mirroring the front doors and creating a new, attractive access point. The removed windows will be repurposed elsewhere in the design.
When we bought the house we planned a few modest updates and new appliances for the existing kitchen. I already have a favorite range set aside for the project. As the addition plans came together, it became clear relocating the kitchen would better serve the whole layout, so we decided to move it into the current dining room.
Swapping the kitchen and dining room brings several benefits. It creates a better connection between the living room and dining area, improving traffic flow and flexibility. The change opens opportunities for additional storage and functional zones throughout the main floor.
We’ll add a cozy dining nook with a banquette and built-in storage, and relocate several windows into the former kitchen area. The result will be a comfortable space for daily life and a larger, more functional area for family gatherings.
One of the features I’m most excited about is placing the sink in a center island in the new kitchen. It will face French doors and multiple windows, giving a bright, pleasant view while doing dishes and keeping sightlines to the rest of the main floor. The island will feel connected yet slightly tucked away, creating a quieter working corner rather than a dominant focal point.
Rearranging without expanding living area allows us to add counter space, storage, and natural light across the main floor. We found room for defined zones where family can gather to prepare meals, serve buffet-style, make coffee, and enjoy time together. The improved flow also strengthens connection to the backyard fire pit and makes holiday meals and everyday gatherings more comfortable.
Below is a bird’s-eye view showing how the kitchen and dining areas will connect when the remodel is finished. You’ll also see exterior elevations illustrating the changes along the back of the house. I’ll share more about the addition and the construction process in future updates.
Stay tuned for my next remodeling update, where I’ll reveal two key style pieces we purchased for the kitchen: our new range (and yes, it has a name) and a pretty kitchen faucet. I’ll also share cabinet details and the dining room light fixture I just ordered.
Below is the plan for our updated kitchen and dining area so you can see the layout from above. I’ll post more about the addition soon.
Before and after of the back exterior: in the “after” image you can spot my parents’ addition on the left and the new French doors on the right, which will open from the new kitchen to the backyard.
We are thrilled to begin this project and look forward to sharing the process and decisions along the way.
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