Before and After Kitchen: Open and Inviting

Introduction

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, so it makes sense that you’d want this vital space to feel open, bright, and inviting. When a kitchen is closed off or cramped, it can make the whole house feel smaller and darker. Updating an outdated, closed-off kitchen into an open, welcoming space can completely transform the look and feel of your home.

In this article, we’ll look at some stunning before-and-after kitchen remodels that took closed, cramped spaces and opened them up to create light-filled, functional, and inviting kitchens. We’ll go over common changes made in kitchen remodels like knocking down walls, adding islands, installing new cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, floors, and lighting.

Read on for inspiring before-and-after kitchen makeovers and ideas you can use to make your own kitchen renovation dreams a reality. An open, welcoming kitchen lays the foundation for happy memories with family and friends.

Knock Down Walls to Open Up the Space

One of the most impactful changes you can make to open up a kitchen is knocking down walls. Removing walls between the kitchen and dining room or living room creates one large, open concept space. This instantly makes the kitchen feel more expansive and inviting.

Here are some ideas for opening kitchens by knocking down walls:

Kitchen and Dining Room: Removing the wall separating the kitchen and dining room brings these two spaces together seamlessly. This creates better flow for cooking, entertaining, and conversation.
Kitchen and Living Room: Taking down the wall between the kitchen and living room blends these spaces beautifully. The open layout allows whoever is cooking to still be a part of activities in the living room.
Half Walls: If you don’t want to remove walls completely, consider keeping an upper half wall as a divider. This maintains some separation while still opening sight lines.
Islands: Adding an island can provide privacy and separation between spaces without a wall. The island creates a natural dividing point.

When knocking down walls, consult with contractors and engineers to ensure the changes are structurally sound. Opening up the kitchen can make it the stunning centerpiece of your home.

Increase Natural Lighting

Dark, closed-off kitchens can instantly be brightened up with natural light. Here are some tips to infuse your kitchen with sunlight:

Windows: Strategically adding more windows or enlarging existing ones allows sunlight to pour in. Aim for windows along multiple walls or sides of the kitchen if possible.
Skylights: Skylights installed in the kitchen ceiling let sunshine directly into the space. Opt for solar-powered, energy-efficient models.
Glass Doors: Swap solid doors leading into the kitchen for French doors or doors with glass panels. This allows light to pass through.
Light Colors: Painting the kitchen in light, neutral hues like white, beige, or gray helps reflect natural light around the space.
Glossy Surfaces: Glossy finishes on surfaces like quartz counters and tile backsplashes also bounce light around, brightening up the kitchen.

Proper lighting transforms a kitchen from dreary to a bright gathering place. Consult local regulations for building requirements when adding or enlarging windows and skylights.

Upgrade Kitchen Cabinets

Dated, boring kitchen cabinets can make a kitchen feel stale and closed-off. Replace old cabinetry with new, fresh cabinet styles to give your kitchen an open, modern look. Here are some cabinet upgrade ideas:

Shaker Style: A classic look, Shaker style cabinets have a clean, streamlined design that makes kitchens feel more spacious. They have flat panels and straight lines for a light, airy aesthetic.
White Cabinets: White painted cabinets pair well with most decor and make small spaces appear larger. Different sheens like high-gloss provide visual interest.
Glass Cabinet Doors: Swapping some solid cabinet doors for glass doors opens up the look of your cabinets and allows you to display dishware. Just add lighting inside the cabinets.
Open Shelving: Eliminating upper cabinets entirely in favor of open shelving achieves an airy, unfussy look. Make sure dishes and glassware coordinate.
Under Cabinet Lighting: Installing LED lighting underneath cabinets illuminates counters and illuminates the kitchen.

When selecting cabinets, choose durable materials like wood, metal or thermoplastics for a quality, long-lasting kitchen remodel.

Install Kitchen Islands

Including a kitchen island in your remodel is one of the best ways to make the space feel more open, stylish, and conducive to entertaining. Here are some great ways islands improve kitchen design:

Seating Space: Islands with an overhang or stools provide seating room, perfect for casual dining. Choose stools with back support for comfort.
Extra Storage: Islands offer plenty of extra storage space with their own cabinets, drawers, and shelves. Optimize this for pots, pans, or glassware.
More Counters: Islands add much-needed counter space, which is especially helpful for food prep and serving when entertaining.
Divide Open Spaces: Positioning your island strategically can help divide large, open concept kitchens for better flow.
Add Texture: Varying the island finish from standard countertops adds visual appeal through contrasting colors and materials.

When designing your island, make sure it has sufficient clearance on all sides so multiple people can work around it comfortably. Islands lend beauty and purpose to modern kitchens.

Install New Countertops

Nothing updates a tired, dated kitchen faster than installing new countertops. Popular countertop materials like quartz and granite elevate the look and feel of kitchens. When selecting new countertops, consider:

Durability: Choose a hard, non-porous material like quartz that withstands daily use, stains, scratches, and heat. Avoid softer surfaces like real wood or laminate.
Appearance: Select a stylish pattern or color that complements your cabinetry and flooring. Understated white or gray quartz blends well in many kitchens.
Maintenance: Look for countertops like quartz or ceramic tile that are low maintenance and easy to clean. Avoid surfaces like butcher block that need frequent sealing.
Budget: Know how much you can spend and what different countertop materials cost installed per square foot. Balance style and affordability.
Edges: Decorative edges like beveled, ogee, or eased add detail. Full bullnose edges have a curved profile.

Installing new countertops makes a huge visual impact and gives your kitchen high-end style. Carefully measure existing counters so new ones fit perfectly.

Refresh the Backsplash

Along with the countertops, replacing an outdated, broken, or missing backsplash instantly modernizes a kitchen. New backsplash tile patterns and colors establish visual interest and personality. Ideas for backsplash upgrades include:

Subway Tile: Classic white 3×6 subway tiles arranged in a brick pattern suit both contemporary and vintage kitchen styles.
Mosaic Tile: Small mosaic tiles in varying shapes, colors, and materials create a beautiful patchwork look when arranged in patterns.
Marble Tile: Elegant marble tile adds a luxe, timeless look. Pair with countertops that have veining for a coordinated look.
Metal Tile: Metallic backsplashes add modern style and a hint of industrial flair. Copper and stainless steel are popular choices.
Stone Tile: Stacked stone tiles infuse rustic charm. Modern takes include sleek slate or textured porcelain.
Colorful Tile: Bold or saturated-hued tile packs a punch. Try deep blues, emerald greens, or sunny yellows.

Always seal porous tile like natural stone before installation to prevent staining and discoloration over time. The right backsplash tile choice can make a simple kitchen look spectacular.

Update Kitchen Flooring

Along with countertops and backsplashes, replacing worn and dated kitchen floors is key in opening up the space. New flooring instantly refreshes the look and feel underfoot. Kitchen flooring options to consider include:

Wood Look Plank: Wood-look porcelain or laminate planks add warmth and texture. Opt for a distressed or wire-brushed look for character.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: Waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring resembles wood but is more affordable and scratch resistant.
Stone Look Tile: Natural stone-look porcelain tiles are durable and elegant. Install in a classic brick pattern or angled design.
Concrete Look Tile: Industrial style concrete-look tiles have tons of visual texture. Gray tiles suit modern kitchens.
Glossy Tile: For bright, lively kitchens, try glossy white or bold colored ceramic or porcelain tiles. Durable and easy to clean.
Sheet Vinyl: Budget-friendly sheet vinyl comes in wood, stone, and abstract prints. Choose slip-resistant embossed textures.

For safety, always use slip-resistant flooring in kitchens prone to spills. Waterproof flooring is a smart choice for kitchens as well. New floors bring style underfoot.

Install New Lighting Features

Strategically updating lighting makes any kitchen brighter, more useful, and more stylish. The right lighting transforms how people interact and move through the space. Kitchen lighting ideas include:

Pendant Lights: Hang island pendant lights or pendants over the kitchen sink for on-trend style and task lighting.
Under Cabinet Lights: Strip lighting under upper cabinets brightly illuminates countertops and work zones.
Track Lighting: Versatile track lights shine spotlighting over prep areas or dining zones. Adjust angles as needed.
Recessed Lighting: Recessed can lighting in the ceiling offers general ambient light. Space evenly for uniform light.
Statement Light: For drama, add a bold modern chandelier or linear fixture as a focal point over the dining table.
Natural Light: Supplement fixtures with ample windows and skylights to allow sunshine in and make the kitchen glow.

Layering different lighting types creates dimension and enables the kitchen to function for cooking, dining, and relaxing. Consult electricians for proper installation.

Style Your Kitchen to Feel Open

Beyond construction changes, styling your kitchen decor in certain ways helps cultivate an airy, uncluttered ambiance. Avoid a closed-off feeling with these tips:

Minimal Accessories: Limit decorative accents to avoid visual clutter. Let architectural features and finishes stand out.
Hidden Appliances: Tuck small appliances like mixers and toasters in cabinets or drawers to keep counters clean.
Clear Off Counters: Only keep essential items like a cutting board, bowl, and fruit basket permanently on counters.
Light Fabrics: Sheer curtains and linen towels feel open and breezy. Use woven blinds for window treatments.
Green Plants: Strategically placed green plants bring life and freshness to the space. Greenery instantly livens up any area.
Scent Diffuser: A subtly scented reed diffuser with light, refreshing scents enhances the inviting ambiance.
Fruit Bowl: Always keep a bowl of fresh fruit visible on a counter or island. This shows off the kitchen’s vibrancy.

By taking a minimalist approach to decor and styling, your renovated kitchen maintains that clean, breezy feel. Every detail contributes to the overall open atmosphere.

Before and After Kitchen: Open and Inviting

With some strategic remodeling and design decisions, you can utterly transform a closed-off, cramped kitchen into an open, welcoming space for gathering. Here is a recap of key changes to implement when striving for an open, inviting kitchen:

Knock down walls to open sightlines and bring in natural light. Removing barriers makes the kitchen feel more expansive and unified with other living spaces.
Add more windows or enlarge existing ones to welcome sunshine in. Skylights and glass doors also allow light to stream in from all angles.
Replace old, boring cabinets with fresh, contemporary cabinetry. Glass doors, open shelving, and undercabinet lighting give an airy aesthetic.
Incorporate a thoughtfully positioned kitchen island to provide more prep space, seating, and visual appeal through color and material contrasts.
Install updated countertops and backsplash in current styles. This elevates the whole look of the kitchen instantaneously.
Change outdated flooring to choices like wood or stone-look luxury vinyl plank. This brings warmth and texture underfoot.
Update lighting elements for brightness and style. Pendants, recessed lighting, and abundant natural light banish gloominess.
Style with minimal accessories, clears surfaces, light fabrics, plants, and aromas. Every detail comes together to create a light, refreshing feel.

With strategic structural changes and purposeful decor decisions, your dream kitchen can go from dated and closed-off to open and full of life. An inviting kitchen improves how households interact and uplifts day-to-day life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Open and Inviting Kitchen Remodels

What is the most cost-effective way to open up my kitchen?

The most budget-friendly option for opening up a kitchen is usually removing walls and opening sight lines between existing rooms. This requires construction labor but avoids major costs of moving plumbing or electrical. Consult engineers first.

How can I add more natural light to my interior kitchen?

To maximize natural light without adding windows, use highly reflective paint colors, glossy surfaces like tile backsplashes, and strategically placed mirrors. Consider adding a sun tunnel skylight to funnel sunshine in through the roof.

What size island is best for an open kitchen?

To feel open, islands should be no more than 9-12 feet long and leave at least 42 inches of clearance on all sides. Size islands based on your existing layout and traffic flow. Have seating space for at least 2-3 stools.

Should I get rid of upper cabinets for an open concept?

While removing upper cabinets achieves a very open, uncluttered look, it also sacrifices storage space. A compromise is replacing some upper cabinet doors with glass for a partial open shelf effect. Only remove uppers if you have sufficient storage elsewhere.

How do I choose flooring to make my kitchen look bigger?

Visually enlarging a kitchen starts with flooring. Use large-scale tiles or planks to create the illusion of expanded space. Light colored floors also impart an airier, more open feeling. Avoid dark, isolated patches in floor patterns.

What small touches make a kitchen more welcoming?

It’s the details that give a kitchen that welcoming, inviting factor. Add a fresh floral display, scented candles or diffuser, a bowl of fruit on the counter, and a coffee station. Use light, breezy window treatments and accent lighting.

How can I get an open look with closed cabinetry?

To make closed cabinets look more open, use glass-paneled doors on upper cabinets and drawers. Glass fronts allow display and visibility. For lowers, incorporate large roll-outs and pull-outs to avoid a cluttered look when cabinet doors are closed.

Conclusion

Transforming a cramped, compartmentalized kitchen into an open, inviting space requires creativity and purposeful design. By knocking down walls, adding light, updating surfaces, and styling minimally, you can completely change how your kitchen looks and feels. An open, welcoming kitchen improves function and brightens the feel of the whole house.

Approach your kitchen remodel thoughtfully, keeping an open floor plan in mind from the start. Work with qualified contractors and designers to execute structural and layout changes properly. With strategic remodeling and design, you can enjoy an open, contemporary kitchen perfect forgathering for years to come. Make your kitchen the vibrant, welcoming heart of your home.