Here’s a renovation update: work has begun on our kitchen and dining room, along with the addition. I’ll share more about the addition in a separate post soon, but I wanted to give you a peek at what’s happening right now.
Removing the peninsulas and raising the openings between the kitchen and dining room made a bigger difference than I expected. The entire main floor feels refreshed—not just because it’s gutted—though it will change again once cabinetry and flooring are installed and windows are added to the dining room.
Even at this stage, the flow between rooms has improved. Sight lines are clearer and natural light moves through the space more easily, which has already transformed how the main level feels.
For reference, here’s the space about a week before work started. You can see the elements that divided the rooms—charming and functional, but different from the open flow we wanted. We were happy with the house as it was; this remodel isn’t about fixing something broken, but about taking an opportunity to make thoughtful changes while adding a small addition for my parents.
I’ve often imagined building a home from scratch to control every detail, but renovating is its own creative challenge. Over the years I’ve remodeled many homes, and it’s a joy to shape a space to suit our life. This house is the one we chose as our forever home, and these updates help it better reflect how we live and what we love.
Would we have been content with a different house? Yes, but this one arrived at the right time. It has given us the chance to make improvements and personalize it. There will be a temporary mess, but we’re excited and grateful to be making this our home.
If you live in an existing home or are considering a move, think about what a remodel could offer. It can feel overwhelming, and sometimes building new is more practical, but remodeling can be the right choice depending on your goals and budget.
Opening up headers between rooms, removing walls, or adding windows are changes worth discussing with an experienced contractor—don’t demo until you know a wall is safe to alter. These projects aren’t always possible, but for us, lifting the headers improved the openness while keeping some separation.
We could have removed the entire wall but chose to retain some definition between the kitchen and dining areas. That balance keeps the rooms cozy yet connected. Some walls will be pulled back slightly on one side to refine the layout.
Although the main floor footprint remains the same, this new arrangement suits our needs and improves how we use the space.
Some asked about the mudroom: it will remain with a few changes. We’ll keep garage access, but the current exterior door to the backyard can’t stay because of the addition. Losing that door means less direct light in the mudroom, but the new dining room will have three windows, which will bring abundant natural light into adjacent areas.
The windows from the previous dining room are being relocated to the new dining room wall and will be flanked by narrow bookcases. The view isn’t dramatic—mostly greenery and a garage—but the added windows will brighten the interior without compromising privacy.
To regain backyard access, we’re adding double French doors with sidelights and a transom to the new kitchen. Those will open to a small landing and deck, reconnecting the house to the yard and improving the outdoor flow compared to before.
You can also see early progress on the addition—the foundation is in and framing begins soon. I’ll post a dedicated update about that project as it moves forward.
Outdoor work is underway too: we’re widening the driveway slightly for extra space and a parking spot, and adding a walkway from the driveway to the backyard. Concrete is scheduled to be poured and fresh sod has been delivered.
Thanks for reading this progress report. I’ll share more updates as the project continues.
Make sure you’re subscribed to my emails HERE to get all future updates, and follow along on Instagram too.
More Posts about Our Kitchen Remodel:
My New Kitchen Floor Plan + Parents’ Addition and Exterior Elevation
Adding Character in a Kitchen Remodel: The Tale of Our New Range and Faucet
Our New Kitchen Design Mood Board (and five questions that helped me make decisions!)