[GERALDINE]

I don't like the "open" kitchen in our Amarillo Ranch home (or in any home for that matter). I am considering removing the snack bar counter top and putting up a 3/4 wall leaving the top open to accomodate the vaulted ceiling. This would give privacy to the kitchen area and another wall area to the LR and DR areas.

Has anyone done this or known of it being done? If so, do you like it? I'd like to see one that's been done.

If you've done this, or seen it done, or have any comments about how it would affect the home's resale value, please send me an email: jkpowlison@embarqmail.com

THANKS

[Dirigo]

Originally Posted by Patches

I don't like the "open" kitchen in our Amarillo Ranch home (or in any home for that matter). I am considering removing the snack bar counter top and putting up a 3/4 wall leaving the top open to accomodate the vaulted ceiling. This would give privacy to the kitchen area and another wall area to the LR and DR areas.

Has anyone done this or known of it being done? If so, do you like it? I'd like to see one that's been done.

If you've done this, or seen it done, or have any comments about how it would affect the home's resale value, please send me an email: jkpowlison@embarqmail.com

THANKS

Patches,

We prefer a well defined kitchen, dining area, and living room ourselves. Please share what you discover with us.

Take a look at how this kichen was closed in: http://mfr.mlxchange.com/MFRimages/1...431_201_18.jpg
http://mfr.mlxchange.com/MFRimages/1...431_301_18.jpg

Very stylish, although the boxy look needs to be softened somehow, methinks.

I'd like to see a wide-angle shot looking toward the island.

Dirigo

[GERALDINE]

Dirigo:

Thanks for your reply. At least I know I'm not crazy all by myself for wanting a more defined kitchen area!!

Interesting idea you sent. That one is good if you want to keep the snack bar eating area. Where did you get this picture? Is it a house in The Villages?

I still think I'd rather forego the snack bar eating area and have a 3/4 wall there instead. My son-in-law, who is a contractor, suggested putting in 2 columns at each end of the wall to add "architectural appeal". I tend to agree.

I will keep you posted on what I find out and you can also follow this thread.

[Yoda]

That is a very interesting look. We had ruled out the Amarillo because of the awkward location of it's open kitchen. This gives new options. Thanks for posting it.

Yoda

[Ooper]

When we ordered our Stetson (later named an Amarillo) the open kitchen was an upgrade. The closed in kitchen was standard. When we looked at models, the closed in kitchen just seemed to make everything look so much smaller. But, hey, everybody has their likes and dislikes. If you contacted on of the realtors here, they may have an Amarillo or Stetson for sale with a closed in kitchen and then you can get a first hand look.

[senior citizen]

Those photos depict a nice alternative to the open kitchen concept.
Defining the kitchen as a separate room, yet allowing the "cook" to be in on the conversation going on in the living area.

Personally, we would like an open kitchen concept in our retirement home.........!
Coming from a huge home which we presently own, "less rooms" to clean, such as eliminating the dining room which only gets used on the holidays as is, and having one large "great room" sounds ideal. Unless one is a very cluttered type kitchen person, then I agree the walls would be better.

Islands and breakfast bars are great when serving buffet style. Islands in particular.
I've yet to see a Villages home with an island. Maybe it's a New England thing.

But, great photos.

[Cassie325]

Originally Posted by Dirigo

Patches,

Take a look at how this kichen was closed in: http://mfr.mlxchange.com/MFRimages/1...431_201_18.jpg
http://mfr.mlxchange.com/MFRimages/1...431_301_18.jpg


Dirigo

While I have always liked the "open" look these pictures are gorgeous!! Is this a home here in TV's? It gives so much extra decorating space, extra storage and just the right mix between open and closed kitchen area!
I love it!

[Whalen]

"I've yet to see a Villages home with an island. Maybe it's a New England thing".

Have you checked out the Mandevilla or the Bridgeport?
They have islands.

[Russ_Boston]

Many homes in TV have island kitchens. I could list dozens of links if you need them.

Russ

[GERALDINE]

Thanks. We have seen some of the closed-in Stetsons...BUT they squared it off, put wall all the way to ceiling (and there is NO volume ceilings in them) AND they put a small eating area in kitchen, eliminating the snack bar workspace and under counter storage. We would LEAVE the island and all it's work & storage space (NOT interested in having a eat-in space in kitchen), put up an angled wall that follows the shape of the snack bar (ie: 3 sides), only put wall 3/4 of the way up with it being open on top to show the volume ceilings and for architectural detail (can put plants, baskets, etc. up there).

I agree that the original closed-in Stetsons looked smaller...but that is, in my opinion, because of the shape of the wall, the fact it went all the way to the ceiling (which was flat to begin with) AND...had NO usable space on the kitchen side of the wall.

I think ours will look quite lovely and be very functional.

[GERALDINE]

NO...it's NOT an island kitchen we're looking to do...it's CLOSING IN our Amarillo Kitchen and not having it be open to the surrounding living room and dining room.

[GERALDINE]

n

[GERALDINE]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

Many homes in TV have island kitchens. I could list dozens of links if you need them.

Russ

NO...it's NOT an island kitchen we're looking to do...it's CLOSING IN our Amarillo Kitchen and not having it be open to the surrounding living room and dining room. Sorry...forgot to put the quote into the previous one.

[BarryB]

The Whispering Pine has completely closed in kitchen with a breakfast nook

[katezbox]

Originally Posted by Patches

NO...it's NOT an island kitchen we're looking to do...it's CLOSING IN our Amarillo Kitchen and not having it be open to the surrounding living room and dining room. Sorry...forgot to put the quote into the previous one.

Patches,

I think that Russ was referring to Senior's comment about no kitchens with islands in TV. As Whalen stated - both the Mandevilla and Bridgeport have islands. Also some Lantanas. We are building a Bridgeport and kitchen lust was one of the deciding factors. The kitchen there is semi-open.