Within their efficient mid-century brick Tudor, my clients boldly imagined a new life for their young and lively family. The first floor rooms were stifled by archaic notions of separation and containment, and the overall layout lacked modern functionality. No mud room. No work space. No flow.

Our design goals were clear:  Open up the layout's potential, marry functionality with modern comfort, and create better circulation flow.  Inherently, walls would be removed to enable a seamless expanse among all rooms. But the original horse-shoe shaped galley kitchen wasted space. And the old service back door made for an abrupt entrance upon anyone prepping food. Pondering these issues, my new design solution took an unconventional turn. Swapping the kitchen and dining room would bring everything into alignment. Within this new orientation, we were able to relocate the back door to open onto a mud room and create an office area next to it. This allowed the kitchen to become the center between the living and dining areas for a 21st Century open plan concept.

The final result combines location, symmetry, and natural light to make the kitchen the harmonious focal point for the family. The vertical cabinets and refrigerator frame the wall in perfect balance with the two small windows on either side of the range. Directly in front of the range, the island anchors the counter space with the sink at its midpoint. Replacing two side windows, French doors bring in more light and provide direct access to the outdoor deck for entertainment.