RSVP: Wide Open Spaces – Part III
Categories: Custom Homes, Real Estate Shreveport, Remodeling, Shreveport & Bossier City LouisianaAt this point, I’m sure you are wondering what I mean by “wide open spaces.” Â I’m talking about “wide, open floor plans.” Like most families, we lead a pretty busy life and when we are home — we like to be connected. Â So, an open floor plan is the perfect way for me to cook dinner, the kids to do their homework and dad to catch up on the evening news…all within earshot of each other.
Kitchen opens to Breakfast Room with added cabinet storage and a window seat.
Since this series is primarily talking about remodeling and renovating homes, let’s talk a few minutes about your kitchen. Â When Mike is consulting on a remodel, he is often asked about knocking down walls and taking several of the smaller rooms and opening things up. Â Many of the older homes he looks at have a “galley style” kitchen, and owners want more room. Â Let’s be realistic – we don’t just “cook” in out kitchens anymore…kitchens are where we live and entertain!
So, what are your options:
- take down some walls, maybe add some columns to create more space
- new cabinets or at least put new doors and cabinet knobs on existing cabinets (if they are in good shape)
- countertops – make sure you research this one…lots of options!
- how about new appliances —
- lighting is very important – both task lighting and ambiance lighting
- need space for your computer and printer? include a home tech area right next to the kitchen…monitor the kids computer activity while preparing dinner
- add an island – creates more storage and gives more  counter space
If I’ve learned one thing from working at Penn Homes, it is to think out of the box when remodeling your kitchen. Â If you are going to gut your kitchen and do a total remodel, look at the space as a blank canvas. Â Don’t limit yourself on where the refrigerator “used to be” or where the stove “has always been.” Â Remodeling your kitchen is probably the most expensive project you will do – it’s also #1 in popularity and has the most impact on resale. Â So, here’s my 1-2-3 on wide open spaces:
- Take time planning.
- Look for affordable alternatives.
- Hire a licensed contractor.
Mike Penn finds that families want to spend time together – they want to reconnect after a day of work and school.  If you are looking to remodel your home, we’d love to help with your project…or…if you are interested in new home plans, we have a large selection of floor plans that feature an open floor plan. At Penn Homes, we want you to have a pleasant experience and love your kitchen…your new “wide open spaces.”
August 4th, 2010 at 11:29 am
Such a well written post.. Thnkx for sharing this post!
August 4th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
August 5th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
This is an interesting topic. I’m always looking for great resources to send to clients and my colleagues, and your post is certainly worth sharing!
August 5th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
This site is a walk-through for all the information you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Look here, and you’ll definitely find it.
August 11th, 2010 at 10:18 am
I recently moved into a new house and got the entire house remodeled. I love my new place, I had always dreamt of having a sunroom and I finally got one!!!
August 11th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
I really liked this post. You write about this topic very well. From start to finish, your home builder should be working with you to make the home of your dreams come true. Throughout the home-building process, you should always find them available to answer any question you may have. They should be able to help you as much as you feel necessary in the decision-making processes. They should offer you several plans of all sizes or modify them to your unique requirements. They should be able to even build to your own architectural specifications, no matter the extent or range.
August 11th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in composing this article. I am going for the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your fanciful writing abilities has prompted me to start my own blog now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it.
August 18th, 2010 at 11:35 pm
Hi! I simply wanted to say your web site is one of the nicely laid out, most inspirational I have come across in quite a while. Thx!
August 24th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Thank you soooooooooooooooooo much for this great post, This is just what I needed today.
August 25th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Pretty impressive post. I just stumbled upon your site and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your opinions. Any way I’ll be coming back and I hope you post again soon.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
I love entertaining in my home. Thank you for posting this article. I bookmarked you and will be back again soon. Keep up the great work