The Owner was very content with their home's location and envisioned remaining here eventhough they were becoming empty nesters. They enjoyed entertaining their extended family, but they did not have a large living space for gathering.  They had also taken over their original small dining room as part of their kitchen but the layout was still not functional.

Beth's design solution was to rethink the first floor spaces to give them light and livability. 

First: She identified a need to open the front entry by simply using the existing porch foundations to create a larger front door area.  Second: The existing 1/2 bath was moved from the hall next to the stairs to create a flowing new greeting space in the entry and add a coat closet. Third: The existing narrow family room was used for the new accessible 1/2 bath, main floor laundry room, walk-in pantry, and bar. Fourth: The rear wall of the kitchen was moved out 3 feet and the existing kitchen was opened to allow for a welcoming dining space. Finally, the Great Room addition was designed to capture daylight and allow it to brighten the dark kitchen.  With its cathedral ceiling and walk-in window bay there are spaces for family gatherings as well as places for the Owners to read their favorite book.