Making Room for Everyday Life

With three growing children, the original kitchen was no longer working well for this family. They needed more storage and better function, but they also wanted the kitchen to support homework, household organization and the everyday activity of a busy family.

Creating a stronger connection between the kitchen and dining room was also important, particularly when hosting larger family gatherings. Rather than removing the wall completely, we found ways to make it work harder.

The existing opening between the two rooms was made wider and taller to improve flow and create a greater sense of openness. A second opening was then created to provide another connection between the spaces—and an opportunity to add function.

Working within a tight budget, the new kitchen provides more storage, better flow and spaces designed around the way this family actually lives.

Designed for More Than Cooking

The new opening between the kitchen and dining room was finished with a custom live-edge maple counter. For everyday family life, it provided a second homework station where the children could work while remaining connected to activity in the kitchen. When the family hosted larger dinners, the same counter provided additional seating for two.

A separate desk and home command centre created another dedicated place for homework, paperwork, schedules and the day-to-day organization of a busy household, while the new cabinetry provided the additional storage the family needed.

It was also important that both homeowners had a voice in the finished design. Each brought their own priorities and preferences to the project—including the husband's choice of the accent tile behind the stove.

The result is a kitchen that feels more connected to the dining room without becoming completely open concept, with every change designed to give this growing family more function from the space they already had.