With help from my design-savvy client, I was able to create a stylish yet practical solution to her functional problems in the existing kitchen. The space was dark, cramped, and disorganized. While making dinner, she ran back and forth through a two-way door to communicate with her children in the family room. Backpacks and homework spilled into the kitchen and lights were on regardless of the time of day. To solve these issues, we opened up the wall between the family room to improve communication and bring in more natural light. A mud room was defined by adding walls near the back door. We raised the ceiling to the original height and the new opening was trimmed to match all existing openings for a seamless design. Making dinner has a whole new outlook with a custom island that faces the family room and the warm southern sunlight. We finished it off embracing current trends with grey cabinets, marble counters with backsplash, brushed brass hardware and open shelving.