These Bridgewater, New Jersey homeowners needed more space. The clients really wanted to create an “open concept” kitchen, but needed help visualizing it. They hired Design Build Planners to create their remodeling designs for their new open kitchen.

At the top is a dollhouse overview of the project. Below are a couple of before photos of the existing space. Also below are the final computer designs created by Jason Parsons, a Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler.

Below are the three open kitchen design packages and their associated scope of work.

Plan 1 – Robust

• Open wall between the kitchen and living room with a dropped header
• Close the doorway from the dining room to the kitchen
• Close in the wall from the living room to the dining room and add a new doorway per plan
• Remove the closet from the kitchen
• Convert bay to 2-section casement
• Redesign kitchen per plan
• Appliance package: existing refrigerator and dishwasher, 36” range, under counter microwave, and stainless hood, beverage center
• Farm sink at window
• Add L-shaped island with seating for four and a baking area
• Add built ins on bedroom wall with craft display
• Add a closet to the living room, lay out furniture per plan
• Add wine storage and cabinet to the dining room closet
• Patch and refinish floors as needed
• Oversized tile in kitchen area
• Lighting package in kitchen, eating, and living rooms

Plan 2 – Modest

• No work to living room or dining room
• Remove closet in kitchen to reconfigure space
• Appliances: 30” range, no beverage center
• Peninsula with seating for four
• Basic island
• Extend hardwood into kitchen and refinish

Plan 3 – The WOW Package

• Move kitchen wall opening down towards hall
• Shift kitchen to add a mud room
• Mud room to have seating with storage
• Convert bay to 3 section casement and relocate
• Redesign kitchen per plan
• Move beverage center into dining room
• Dog leg island
• Replace built ins with corner craft storage cabinet
• Open closet wall in dining room with flush header
• Plank tile across the rear
• Add under cabinet lighting

The homeowners style preferences were for a contemporary look and finishes. They drew their inspiration from kitchen projects featured on Houzz.com. The design options are a result of homeowners online research combined with an in-home consultation with Design Build Planners. There is also a proprietary profile checklist that homeowners fill out that depicts their lifestyle and kitchen use. After compiling this information, Design Build Planners incorporates their construction knowledge and design creativity for the space with a focus on the budget and overall investment.