Here’s a renovation update: work has begun on our kitchen and dining room, and the addition is underway as well. I’ll share more about the addition in a separate post, but for now I wanted to show you the progress and changes happening around the main floor.
Removing the peninsulas and raising the openings between the kitchen and dining room made a more dramatic difference than I expected. The main floor already feels more open—not just because walls and finishes are gone, but because the sight lines and flow between rooms have improved. The space will evolve further once cabinets, flooring, and new dining room windows are installed, but the light is already filtering through much more easily.
For reference, here’s how the space looked right before the project began about a week ago. The previous layout had several elements that divided the rooms and hung down into the space. It was a charming, comfortable arrangement and worked well for us—this isn’t a “fixing something awful” renovation. Rather, we had the opportunity to update the layout while doing the small addition for my parents, and it made sense to make these changes now.
I’ve often thought it would be fun to build a home from scratch so I could decide everything from the start, but remodeling has its own joys. Making a home your own—incrementally or all at once—is rewarding. We chose this house to be our forever home, and these updates help it better suit our life while bringing some of our design dreams to life.
People sometimes ask why we didn’t buy a home that already met our needs. The short answer: this is the home we chose after being open to possibilities for years. It arrived at the right time for us and allowed us to make intentional updates. The process can be messy for a while, but it’s worth it. We feel grateful to be making this place ours.
If you live in an existing home or are considering a move, think about the possibilities a remodel or modest updates could offer. Remodeling can feel overwhelming, and it’s not always the most cost-effective choice compared to building new. But sometimes renovation is the right decision and can be the best path for your situation.
Raising header openings between rooms, removing walls, or adding and rearranging windows can transform how a home feels. Always consult an experienced contractor before altering structural elements—don’t knock down walls until you know it’s safe. In our case, lifting the headers was feasible and well worth it.
We could have removed the entire wall, but we opted to retain some separation between the kitchen and dining room. I love that the spaces feel distinct yet cozy, with better flow. They will pull back a bit more on one side, but the balance of openness and definition suits us.
Although the main floor footprint won’t increase, this new layout will function much better for our needs.
A few of you asked about the mudroom. It will remain, with minor adjustments. The garage access will stay, but the exterior door to the backyard must be removed because of the addition. Losing that direct door is a downside, but we’re gaining three new dining room windows that will brighten the view from the mudroom. Previously there was only a tiny kitchen window; soon there will be a whole wall of windows to let in much more natural light.
The windows from the previous dining room will be moved to the new dining room wall where the small window currently sits, and they’ll be flanked by narrow bookcases. There’s no special view from that side—just garden shrubs and the side of a neighboring garage—so privacy isn’t a concern, but the added windows will bring in significantly more light.
To restore backyard access, we’ll add double French doors with sidelights and a transom in the new kitchen, leading to a small landing or deck and into the backyard. While some features must change to accommodate the addition, most are being replaced or improved elsewhere in the plan.
Here’s a peek at the addition: the foundation is in place and framing begins today. I’ll post updates focused on the addition soon.
We’re also tackling some outdoor work: widening the driveway slightly to add space and an extra parking spot, and adding a walkway from the driveway to the backyard. They’re scheduled to pour concrete tomorrow, and sod has already been delivered.
Thanks for reading this progress report—I’ll share more 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!)