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.

Cincinnati, OH kitchen remodel with window behind sink by Legacy Builders

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 Divided by a wall, both spaces felt small and closed off, with limited natural light and an outdated layout.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:

  • Open Concept: Remove the wall dividing the kitchen and dining room to create a seamless, open layout.
  • Updated Kitchen: Add more counter space and storage, and improve functionality with thoughtful features like roll-out trays and a mixer lift.
  • Matching Floors: Install cohesive red oak hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas.
  • 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.

Mixer lift cabinet in Cincinnati kitchen remodel by Legacy Builders

Glass-Front Upper Coffee Bar Cabinets

These are ideal for displaying dishware or decor while maintaining a clean and sophisticated look.Beverage station and glass front cabinets by Legacy Builders

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.

Pass-through awning window in Cincinnati kitchen remodel by Legacy Builders

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.

Farmhouse-style sink with brass hardware and pass-through awning window in Cincinnati kitchen remodel by Legacy Builders

Beverage Station

A dedicated beverage area features a mini fridge, glass-front cabinets, and an accent tile backsplash that ties the design together.

Beverage station with sink and mosaic backsplash by Legacy Builders

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.

Family room remodel in Cincinnati with stone fireplace by Legacy Builders

Family room remodel in Cincinnati with stone fireplace by Legacy Builders

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.Front living room remodel in Cincinnati with stone fireplace by Legacy Builders

Front living room remodel in Cincinnati with stone fireplace by Legacy Builders

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.

Red oak hardwood flooring in foyer of Cincinnati home remodel by Legacy Builders

Foyer Railings and Newel Posts

The foyer was updated with new railings and posts, carefully stained to match the hardwood flooring.Foyer staircase with new railing and posts by Legacy Builders Group in Cincinnati, OH

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.

Kitchen remodel with beverage station and glass front cabinets by Legacy Builders

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.

Exterior view of pass-through awning window in remodel by Legacy Builders

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!