Simple Open-Concept Pied-a-tier

This open concept living room and kitchen started as an unwelcoming, underused space. The owners hated the dated reddy-brown brick fireplace and found the layout of the kitchen awkward. We spent the bulk of their budget solving the layout problem: an island replaced the peninsula, we relocated the over-sized fridge, and removed a railing that divided the kitchen from the sitting room.

Connecting the two spaces with unified hardwood flooring, paint and window treatments made the space feel larger. White brick paint and decorations completely transformed the fireplace, which is now the focal point of the room. With only a small budget left for furnishing, we created a functional, welcoming room out of pieces available at local retailers like Homesense and Ikea.