This relatively new home built in 2003 still needed some tweaking to fit the bustling lifestyle of this very busy family of six. With four little girls that are very active in various hobbies and school they needed to make their living space more “family friendly”. An open concept was decided including the removal of an obtrusive staircase. See Staircase Design Ideas.
The first floor was first on the list. A sunken family room is not conducive to open floorplans nor is a very awkward staircase to the second floor. Walking in the front door guests were greeted by a set of stairs with landing that just didn’t make sense. Very close by this staircase was the drop-off into a sunken family room. Another obstacle to an open concept was a partial wall separating the family room from the kitchen. This inhibited the family from socializing and communicating when everyone was home. Between the semi wall dividing the two spaces and the sunken design you weren’t able to see one another.
What was Owings solution?
Raise the floor in this space to be level with the floors in every other part of the first floor. This was more easily doable because of the raised hearth fireplace in the family room. The heart was removed and replaced with flat slate stone allowing the firebox and surrounding stone to stay at the exact level it was built. Then we framed and raised the entire floor to one level removing the partial wall separating the kitchen. The windows were too tall for the new raised floor so new windows were purchased and installed. By opening the first floor to one level and installing new wood flooring the home has an entirely new look. Our homeowners love it!
The kitchen was the next room that needed updating. And the main attraction is the island! Our homeowners wanted a working island that would enable them to sit around for meals. The 7-foot by 7-foot cabinet configuration in addition to the three-inch thick Super White, quartzite top answered all their needs. This beautiful hard surface coordinates very well with the Absolute Black Leathered granite on the new perimeter countertops. Removing an unused desk area for a new beverage center was a perfect design change for their family’s needs.
Repurposing the old island cabinets and top for the kids craft room. The design change was to the formal living room into this very functional craft and homework area. Brilliant idea keeping the kids on the same level as mom while she prepares the evening meal. This allows for the parents to aid the children with homework projects as well as join in the fun of creating unique crafts which is a favorite hobby for the whole family.
Staircase Before & After Photos
