When a trusted architect referred their clients to Legacy Builders Group, we knew this project had the potential to be extraordinary. Did we deliver? You be the judge.
Our clients came to us with a dark and cramped kitchen and dining room, ready for a new lease on life. The homeowners had a clear vision: create an open, inviting space for their treasured family home.
This project showcases incredible transformations, from knocking down walls to adding and upgrading two fireplaces. With unique features like a pass-through awning window, a dedicated beverage station, and updated flooring and finishes, the home feels brighter, warmer, and completely reimagined.
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Before: The Challenges
The original kitchen and dining room were far from functional. Divided by a wall, both spaces felt small and closed off, with limited natural light and an outdated layout. The kitchen lacked counter and cabinet space, and bulky soffits capped the cabinets, reducing storage capacity and making the room feel even smaller.
Beyond the kitchen, the family and front living rooms also needed attention. The existing fireplace in the family room was dated and lacked the warmth the homeowners envisioned, while the front living room felt underutilized and uninspired. To top it off, mismatched flooring throughout the home added to the disjointed feel of the spaces.
The homeowners had clear priorities for the renovation:
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Open Concept: Remove the wall dividing the kitchen and dining room to create a seamless, open layout.
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Updated Kitchen: Add more counter space and storage, and improve functionality with thoughtful features like roll-out trays and a mixer lift.
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Matching Floors: Install cohesive red oak hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas.
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Fireplace Updates: Add a gas fireplace to the family room and create a statement feature with a stone electric fireplace in the front living room.
The Transformation
Custom Storage Solutions
The kitchen transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was designed with the homeowners’ needs in mind, ensuring every inch of space was used efficiently.
Roll-Out Trays and Spice Racks
These maximize accessibility and organization, making it easy to keep the kitchen neat and functional.
Mixer Lift Cabinet
Perfect for bakers, this feature keeps bulky appliances stored out of sight while providing easy access when needed.
Glass-Front Upper Coffee Bar Cabinets
These are ideal for displaying dishware or decor while maintaining a clean and sophisticated look.
Kitchen and Dining Room
The heart of this renovation was opening up the kitchen and dining room to create a seamless, light-filled space.
Pass-Through Awning Window
We added a unique awning window with an outdoor countertop, perfect for entertaining and connecting the indoors with the backyard. This expansive window floods the kitchen with natural light and provides a stunning panoramic view.
Countertop Upgrade
Installed white granite countertops, providing a durable and elegant surface that complements the bright kitchen design.
Understated Color
The new two-tone island, painted gray and surrounded by white shaker cabinets, is as stylish as it is practical.
Hardware Details
Brass cabinet hardware adds a subtle touch of sophistication, tying together the kitchen’s modern design.
Beverage Station
A dedicated beverage area features a mini fridge, glass-front cabinets, and an accent tile backsplash that ties the design together.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces were key in transforming living spaces and adding warmth and character to the home.
Family Room Fireplace
We updated the existing fireplace to a gas unit, adding a custom mantle, built-in base cabinets, and floating shelves. This became the family room's focal point, perfectly complementing the vaulted ceiling.
Front Living Room Fireplace
We installed a stone electric fireplace to enhance the previously underutilized front living room. This added visual interest and made the space more inviting for quiet evenings or entertaining guests.
Cohesive Flooring and Foyer Updates
The homeowners prioritized creating a cohesive interior, and matching the flooring throughout the main living areas was a key part of the renovation.
Red Oak Hardwood Flooring
We installed 2 1/4" red oak hardwood throughout, staining it to perfectly complement the home’s updated design. This consistent flooring ties the rooms together, creating a unified, open feel.
Foyer Railings and Newel Posts
The foyer was updated with new railings and posts, carefully stained to match the hardwood flooring.
Addressing Challenges
No project is without its hurdles, but with the right design-build expertise, challenges can lead to creative solutions.
Load-Bearing Wall Expansion
The homeowners wanted to significantly expand the opening between the kitchen and family room. Since this was a load-bearing wall, we collaborated with a structural engineer to ensure safety and compliance. This allowed us to deliver the open concept the clients envisioned without compromising the home’s integrity.
Awning Window Installation
Incorporating the awning window was a first for our team. It required meticulous planning to achieve the perfect counter height and outdoor countertop alignment. This attention to detail ensured the feature worked seamlessly within the overall design.
Ceiling Integration
Removing the soffits required careful planning to ensure the extended cabinetry aligned perfectly with the existing ceiling height.
Cincinnati Remodeling Done Right, Just For You
Ready to bring your vision to life? We’d love to plan and execute a beautiful remodel like this on your behalf. Contact Legacy Builders Group today to start down the road to your dream renovation!