At this point, I’m sure you are wondering what I mean by “wide open spaces.”  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.  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.  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.  Many of the older homes he looks at have a “galley style” kitchen, and owners want more room.  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.  If you are going to gut your kitchen and do a total remodel, look at the space as a blank canvas.  Don’t limit yourself on where the refrigerator “used to be” or where the stove “has always been.”  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.  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.”

Our children in the Courtyard. Justin Penn, center, is a Project Manager at Penn Homes.

At  Penn Homes, we consider it an honor and privilege to be invited into your home.   What do I mean by ‘invited’ into your home?  You know…’invited.’ Invited to come and look at your home to discuss remodeling, renovation or a home addition.  I get an adrenaline rush when I walk in the front door — endless possibilities.  I love it!  Mike is the more analytical one who can turn the dream into reality, but I love the creative side.

For the first 15 years of our marriage, Mike and I lived in two new homes built by Penn Homes.  I loved them both, but I was interested in the challenge of taking an older home and customizing it for my family’s specific needs.  As I type this blog, I’m sitting at my kitchen table (the hub of every home) looking out a beautiful window into a koi and goldfish-filled pond.  The pond is situated in a beautiful courtyard with mondo grass nestled between blue stone pavers.  The iron fence and gate surrounding the courtyard were re-claimed from an estate down the street.  It’s the quiet place you’ll find us most afternoons after a long day at the office.  Simply beautiful…

I’ve often been asked how did we decide what to do.  What can you do to a home that gives  the most return on your investment?  What is the most value-added enhancement to a home?  How did we have the vision?  Over the next few weeks, I’ll blog about the renovation of our home and different remodeling and home addition projects for others that have been crafted by Penn Homes.  I’ll have comments from some of our remodel customers about the projects…and, hopefully, you’ll be inspired and see the potential in your home and ‘invite’ us over.