Open a Closed Kitchen: Design Ideas and Cost Tips

Kacie and Kyle’s Open-Concept Kitchen Remodel

Since we’re in a kitchen mood, we had to share Kacie and Kyle’s beautiful remodel. With family help, they took advantage of their home’s open floor plan to create a brighter, more functional cooking space. Their transformation turned a cramped, closed-in kitchen into the centerpiece of the home — perfect for family breakfasts and everyday cooking.

Before: A Closed, Inefficient Kitchen

When Kacie and Kyle moved in a year ago, the kitchen was completely closed off from the rest of the house. Cabinet layout was poor and there was only one usable drawer. For someone who loves to cook, that layout simply didn’t work. They set out with a clear goal: open the space so the kitchen would be the first thing you see when you walk in the front door and make it genuinely usable for everyday cooking.

The Remodel: Timeline and Scope

With help from their in-laws, they completed the major work in about six weeks. The project included removing walls to open the kitchen to adjacent rooms, installing new cabinetry, fitting a large island, replacing countertops and the sink, adding floating shelves, updating hardware, and installing new flooring throughout the main living area. The result is an open-plan kitchen that feels cohesive with the rest of the home and supports better flow and socializing while cooking.

Materials and Appliances

Kacie and Kyle sourced many items from accessible, budget-friendly retailers. They purchased all cabinets, the countertop, the island, the sink, floating shelves, and hardware from IKEA, which provided a cohesive look and flexible component options. For appliances, they chose Kenmore units from Sears, balancing performance and value. The new flooring is Westminster Rosewood laminate from Lumber Liquidators, a durable surface that visually ties the kitchen and adjoining spaces together.

Small details were thoughtfully selected: the faucet came from Costco, and they picked paint colors—Benjamin Moore Providence Olive and Richmond Gray—from Home Depot to create warmth and contrast. A standout decorative choice is the chandelier over the island, sourced from Anthropologie, which adds character and a focal point above the cooking and gathering area. They purchased bulbs for the fixture from Amazon.

Design Choices That Work

The couple prioritized functionality and visual openness. The large island provides workspace, storage, and seating, making it ideal for meal prep and casual meals. Floating shelves add accessible storage while keeping the space airy. The combination of warm paint tones, wood-look flooring, and modern cabinetry creates a balance between cozy and contemporary. These choices improve workflow for cooking and offer guests a welcoming environment.

Results and Reaction

Kacie and Kyle are thrilled with the outcome. The kitchen now invites cooking and socializing rather than discouraging it. Opening the room to the front entry lets the kitchen serve as a focal point and gathering area, and the layout changes have made daily tasks far easier. Their excitement is evident — they can’t wait to start cooking regularly in their new space.

Inspiration and Sharing

They thanked the blog team for inspiration, and that sentiment is mutual: seeing finished kitchen remodels like this encourages others who are planning upgrades, especially when tackling details like backsplash tile, lighting, and layout. The chandelier above the island is a striking touch that demonstrates how a single decorative piece can elevate the whole design.

If you have a makeover to share, the original message invites submissions to [email protected]. There’s joy in seeing how homeowners transform their spaces, and Kacie and Kyle’s project is a great example of how an open-concept kitchen remodel can dramatically improve both function and curb appeal.

Their story highlights practical takeaways for anyone planning a similar project: prioritize layout for cooking workflow, choose durable flooring that flows through open spaces, invest in a functional island, and include a few standout decorative elements to give the room personality. With careful planning and some help from family, a closed-off, inefficient kitchen can become the heart of the home.