This 1960s home was in original condition and badly in need of some functional and cosmetic updates. We opened up the great room into an open concept space, converted the half bathroom downstairs into a full bath, and updated finishes all throughout with finishes that felt period-appropriate and reflective of the owner's Asian heritage.

кухня столовая в современном доме
This is an example of a small industrial kitchen/dining combo in Yekaterinburg with grey walls, porcelain floors, grey floor, recessed and brick walls.

A new small addition on an old stone house contains this breakfast room or casual dining room leading to a renovated kitchen, plus a mudroom entrance and a basement-level workout room. Photo: (c) Jeffrey Totaro 2020

Small traditional kitchen/dining combo in Phoenix with beige walls, no fireplace and porcelain floors.

We were commissioned by our clients to design a light and airy open-plan kitchen and dining space with plenty of natural light whilst also capturing the views of the fields at the rear of their property. We not only achieved that but also took our designs a step further to create a beautiful first-floor ensuite bathroom to the master bedroom which our clients love! Our initial brief was very clear and concise, with our clients having a good understanding of what they wanted to achieve – the removal of the existing conservatory to create an open and light-filled space that then connects on to what was originally a small and dark kitchen. The two-storey and single-storey rear extension with beautiful high ceilings, roof lights, and French doors with side lights on the rear, flood the interior spaces with natural light and allow for a beautiful, expansive feel whilst also affording stunning views over the fields. This new extension allows for an open-plan kitchen/dining space that feels airy and light whilst also maximising the views of the surrounding countryside. The only change during the concept design was the decision to work in collaboration with the client’s adjoining neighbour to design and build their extensions together allowing a new party wall to be created and the removal of wasted space between the two properties. This allowed them both to gain more room inside both properties and was essentially a win-win for both clients, with the original concept design being kept the same but on a larger footprint to include the new party wall. The different floor levels between the two properties with their extensions and building on the party wall line in the new wall was a definite challenge. It allowed us only a very small area to work to achieve both of the extensions and the foundations needed to be very deep due to the ground conditions, as advised by Building Control. We overcame this by working in collaboration with the structural engineer to design the foundations and the work of the project manager in managing the team and site efficiently. We love how large and light-filled the space feels inside, the stunning high ceilings, and the amazing views of the surrounding countryside on the rear of the property. The finishes inside and outside have blended seamlessly with the existing house whilst exposing some original features such as the stone walls, and the connection between the original cottage and the new extension has allowed the property to still retain its character. There are a number of special features to the design – the light airy high ceilings in the extension, the open plan kitchen and dining space, the connection to the original cottage whilst opening up the rear of the property into the extension via an existing doorway, the views of the beautiful countryside, the hidden nature of the extension allowing the cottage to retain its original character and the high-end materials which allows the new additions to blend in seamlessly. The property is situated within the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and our designs were sympathetic to the Cotswold vernacular and character of the existing property, whilst maximising its views of the stunning surrounding countryside. The works have massively improved our client’s lifestyles and the way they use their home. The previous conservatory was originally used as a dining space however the temperatures inside made it unusable during hot and cold periods and also had the effect of making the kitchen very small and dark, with the existing stone walls blocking out natural light and only a small window to allow for light and ventilation. The original kitchen didn’t feel open, warm, or welcoming for our clients. The new extension allowed us to break through the existing external stone wall to create a beautiful open-plan kitchen and dining space which is both warm, cosy, and welcoming, but also filled with natural light and affords stunning views of the gardens and fields beyond the property. The space has had a huge impact on our client’s feelings towards their main living areas and created a real showcase entertainment space.

A small enclosed kitchen is very common in many homes such as the home that we remodeled here. Opening a wall to allow natural light to penetrate the space is a must. When budget is important the solution can be as you see in this project - the wall was opened and removed but a structural post remained and it was incorporated in the design. The blue modern flat paneled cabinets was a perfect choice to contras the very familiar gray scale color scheme but it’s still compliments it since blue is in the correct cold color spectrum. Notice the great black windows and the fantastic awning window facing the pool. The awning window is great to be able to serve the exterior sitting area near the pool. Opening the wall also allowed us to compliment the kitchen with a nice bar/island sitting area without having an actual island in the space. The best part of this kitchen is the large built-in pantry wall with a tall wine fridge and a lovely coffee area that we built in the sitting area made the kitchen expend into the breakfast nook and doubled the area that is now considered to be the kitchen.

Swalling Walk Architects
Small scandinavian open plan dining in Seattle with white walls, porcelain floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Large Built in sideboard with glass upper cabinets to display crystal and china in the dining room. Cabinets are painted shaker doors with glass inset panels. the project was designed by David Bauer and built by Cornerstone Builders of SW FL. in Naples the client loved her round mirror and wanted to incorporate it into the project so we used it as part of the backsplash display. The built in actually made the dining room feel larger.

Design ideas for a small traditional kitchen/dining combo in New Orleans with blue walls, porcelain floors, beige floor and recessed.

Dining Room, Custom dining table in Wenge, Camerich Edge arm chairs, Floral silver wallpaper
Photo of a small contemporary open plan dining in Miami with white walls and porcelain floors.

The breakfast nook features built in cabinetry with drawer storage underneath. Custom Pillows, window seat cushion and tailored roman shades coordinate together to create a stylish seating area.

Small transitional open plan dining in Dallas with grey walls, porcelain floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Mike Sage photography
This is an example of a small modern kitchen/dining combo in Orange County with beige walls, porcelain floors and no fireplace.

Photography by Lucas Henning.
Small modern kitchen/dining combo in Seattle with white walls, porcelain floors and beige floor.

Crédits photo: Alexis Paoli
This is an example of a small contemporary dining room in Paris with porcelain floors, multi-coloured floor and green walls.

Philip Lauterbach
Small scandinavian kitchen/dining combo in Dublin with white walls, porcelain floors, no fireplace and white floor.

"A Kitchen for Architects" by Jamee Parish Architects, LLC. This project is within an old 1928 home. The kitchen was expanded and a small addition was added to provide a mudroom and powder room. It was important the the existing character in this home be complimented and mimicked in the new spaces.

Gorgeous dining room with antique brass chandelier and fun black and white banquettes. Accent on wall with 3x8 ceramic tile provides depth and charm to this lovely room.

Иван Сорокин
Small transitional dining room in Saint Petersburg with beige walls, porcelain floors and brown floor.