How To Create An Open Floor Plan In An Old house

Today’s homeowners want open floor plans for better views, easy entertaining, and to create the feeling of more space. Most older homes were designed with many smaller rooms which can be complex and costly to open up. At Airy Kitchens we specialize in creating modern spaces in older homes that open floor plans without removing the character. In this post we will discuss pros and cons of open plan living, compare layout ideas for opening your home, and offer tips for creating open plans that are cohesive and practical.

This rear addition opened up the house and created a bigger kitchen and great room.

Open Plan Layout Pros and Cons

Open plan layouts are popular and functional. So let’s start with the pros.

PROS

1. More light and better views

2. Larger rooms are great for entertaining

3. It’s easy to communicate and watch the kids

4. When done properly, open plan details don’t have to ruin your old home charm.

A large opening adds light and makes for easy conversation between rooms. See more of this Two Tone Traditional in Ardmore

What are the cons of open floor plans?

CONS

1. You can’t close out the mess, the noise, the smells, or the dog.

2. Larger rooms feel colder and less intimate.

3. Less privacy

4. Load bearing walls, HVAC, and plumbing in older homes can make open plans expensive to create.

The casings on this enlarged opening match the moldings throughout the home. See more of the Ardmore Eclectic Kitchen.

Layout Ideas For Opening Up Old Houses

1) Enlarge Existing Openings and keep the feel of separate rooms.

In the home below our clients wanted to open up their kitchen and turn a butlers pantry into a wet bar. By keeping the walls and enlarging the openings we were able to create all the benefits of an open floor plan and preserve the character and intimacy of separate rooms.

Larger openings offer better light and views, but still allow for floor and wall transitions. See more of the West Mount Airy Open Concept.

Before and after floor plans from our West Mount Airy open concept project.

2) Change walls, ceilings, floors, and window locations to create one big room.

To create this mediterranean inspired kitchen we combined two rooms that had a load bearing wall and a chimney dividing them. We thickened the side walls to hide new structural columns then used new floors, ceilings, and moldings to create one cohesive space. Often when taking this approach we will change window locations to ensure that the space doesn't feel like it was two rooms combined.

Now it feels like one big room. See more of this Ardmore Mediterranean Kitchen.

Before and after floor plans from our Ardmore mediterranean kitchen.

3) Add islands and peninsulas between rooms to gain seating space.

This is a trick you will see a lot in our work. In the project below we wanted to save the floors, moldings, and add wallpaper to the dining room. We decided to enlarge the doorway and set the kitchen peninsula right under the new opening. By extending the counter into the adjacent room we added kitchen seating without taking up cooking space. This not only adds to the kitchen area, but also helps cover up unsightly floor transitions and offers additional storage on the dining room side.

Locating the peninsula below the new opening increases the kitchen size without removing the wall. See more of this Wyndmoor Transitional Kitchen.

Tips For Creating Open Floor Plans in Old Houses

1) Use cabinetry to create symmetry and make sense of odd window placements.

Changing window openings is expensive and not always possible in historic homes. A good designer can make uneven windows work. Learn more about replacing windows during your kitchen remodel.

2) Use moldings to create consistency in an awkward room.

Blue Heron moldings wrap the walls and windows to unify two spaces. See more of this Main Line Classic Kitchen.

3) No moldings to replicate? Use an arch to add a special touch between rooms.

This flipped row home had no partitions and no historic moldings left. A new arch adds a sense of separation and keeps the open floor plan. Love the counters? Read about counter options here.

4) Floor and wall color can make two rooms feel connected.

Different ceiling heights make the back room feel like an addition, but consistent wall and floor color help the spaces feel like one large room. Learn the six best floors for your kitchen renovation.

Ready to open up your old house?

Whether you want to remove interior walls or build an addition, the best way to get started is to consult a designer. Our interior design team can help you create an open floor plan that is respectful of your historic home without sacrificing the original character. Our network of local architects and structural engineers will ensure that your dream renovation is beautiful and solid. Click the button above to learn more about our process and pricing.

10 Vintage Style Kitchens in Historic Homes

Whether your taste is retro or classic these vintage style kitchens will inspire you. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite kitchen designs that create modern kitchens to fit seamlessly in historic homes. These vintage kitchen design ideas and custom cabinetry details were designed for some very special old homes right here in the USA.

Consider a Pass Through

Click here to see more of this Philly Contemporary Kitchen.

Pass throughs were popular in older homes and we think they’re a worthy addition even if not original. A pass through can open up rooms in your house for better light or conversation while keeping sounds, smells, and messes hidden in the kitchen. In this Philadelphia row home the homeowners created a contemporary kitchen, but used a traditional hutch facing the dining room. The pass through was not original, but fits the historic style.

Save the Old and Embrace the New

Click here to see more of this Ardmore Eclectic Kitchen

For a kitchen renovation in Ardmore, PA we relocated a vintage hutch from the kitchen to the dining room. The homeowners asked us to incorporate a beverage refrigerator here too. Our answer? Of course! If a fridge will make the hutch more useful for the homeowners then it’s worth incorporating. Any preservation is better than none.

Classic White Kitchens Go With Everything

Click here to see more of our Delancey Fancy Kitchen.

For this stately townhouse on Delancey Street the homeowners wanted a kitchen that fit the look of their home and would be a good investment for potential resale. Warm White cabinetry was designed with classic detailing to appeal to most buyers and match the posh Rittenhouse surroundings. If you’re considering adding contemporary materials or details to your kitchen, a white base color will help it coordinate with your classic architecture.

Add Vintage Pattern Wallpaper to Your Kitchen

Click here to see more of this Philly Rowhouse Kitchen.

For this South Philly row home we added color, pattern, and history with William Morris wallpaper. Using vintage style wallpaper ensures your colors and patterns are historically appropriate for an older home. Wallpaper also offers a more formal feel if your kitchen is open plan style.

Choose the Right Windows

Click here to see more of this Kitchen and Bath in Chestnut Hill.

You don’t have to keep old drafty windows in your historic home, though you may want to consider restoration if they are in good shape. For our projects we always use wood windows with mullions on the outside of the glass. This allows us to paint the windows inside and out. We advise that homeowners match the original window style in their home or consider other period appropriate styles. Read our blog post on windows here.

Incorporate Historic Materials

Click here to see more of this Chestnut Hill Shaker Modern Kitchen

This kitchen in Chestnut Hill incorporates rustic beams to offer a feeling of history and age. Even contemporary kitchens can feel older when historic materials are mixed with new.

Pour On the Charm

Click here to see our Cabinet Possibilities in Philadelphia Kitchen

Old houses are known for charming built-ins with handmade details. When designing a new kitchen for a historic home consider detailing cabinets with corbels, feet, and leaded glass inserts. For this kitchen in Fairmount we used a vintage fireback behind the range too.

Add a Vintage Style Range

Click here to see this Ardmore Mediterranean Kitchen.

This mediterranean style kitchen exudes old world style with a colorful La Cornue range. Airy kitchens designer Sean Lewis picked a range with antique style brass knobs to make the whole kitchen feel older.

Use Furniture Pieces

Click here to see more of this Mount Airy Kitchen Remodel.

In Mount Airy we upcycled a vintage hutch to fit a tight space and add charm. Historic homes usually had multiple furniture pieces in the kitchen, so incorporating one will help the kitchen feel authentic in your historic home.

Moldings and Bead Board Save the Day

Click here to see more of this Main Line Classic Kitchen.

Many historic homes have been renovated in ways that make it hard to bring back that historic charm we love. Opening up rooms may result in awkward window placement, unsightly pipe chases, or funny ceiling height changes. We use moldings to unify old and new spaces. Try to match the style and size of the original trim in your home, but don’t worry about a perfect match, it’s probably not available. Adding wainscoting creates a consistent horizontal line in the kitchen which will distract from strange window or ceiling heights. Bead board was used regularly in historic homes and is an easy way to add texture and durability.

Now that you have ten tips for creating a new kitchen in your historic house, what are the next steps? First, check out our pinterest for more kitchen design inspiration. Then, fill out our contact form to start your renovation with Airy Kitchens.

Tech in the Kitchen: Designing the Future of Culinary Spaces

Technology has permeated every aspect of our lives, transforming the way we communicate, work, and even cook. The once humble kitchen has evolved into a playground for innovation and creativity, where cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing the way we prepare and enjoy our meals. From smart appliances to advanced cooking techniques, the marriage of technology and culinary artistry has unlocked a whole new world of possibilities. In this blog post, we will consider "Technology in the Kitchen" and explore how it is reshaping the way we approach cooking, communication, and interior design.

Smart Appliances for Smarter Cooking

Gone are the days when a stove and a refrigerator were the primary tools of a kitchen. Today, we are witnessing the rise of intelligent appliances that not only simplify our culinary endeavors but also enhance our cooking experience. From smart refrigerators that keep track of our inventory and suggest recipes based on available ingredients to Wi-Fi-enabled ovens that can be controlled remotely, technology has taken kitchen appliances to the next level. Imagine preheating your oven while still at work or receiving alerts when your food is cooked to perfection—all thanks to the power of connectivity and smart technology. Here are the five most popular tech features in appliances:

Precision Cooking: Elevating everyday chefs

In the pursuit of culinary excellence, precision cooking techniques have taken center stage, aided by the advancements in technology. From induction cooktops that offer precise temperature control to convection ovens with advanced airflow systems for even baking, the modern kitchen is equipped with an arsenal of tools that enable home cooks to achieve remarkable results. Furthermore, innovative devices like combination ovens, which combine the functionalities of steam, microwave, and convection cooking, have become more accessible, allowing culinary enthusiasts to effortlessly create dishes with unparalleled textures and flavors. With technology as their ally, aspiring chefs can explore a myriad of cooking techniques, including low-temperature cooking, pressure cooking, sous vide, and air frying, all of which elevate the art of cooking to astonishing new heights.

Click here to see more of this colorful kitchen.

The rise of smart kitchen gadgets

In addition to smart appliances, an array of innovative gadgets has emerged, transforming the traditional kitchen into a high-tech haven. From smart scales that accurately measure ingredients to intelligent coffee makers that can be programmed to have your brew ready when you wake up, these gadgets bring convenience and efficiency to the culinary process. Furthermore, voice-controlled digital assistants have found their way into the kitchen, allowing us to access recipes, set timers, and even order groceries with a simple voice command. These advancements not only streamline our cooking routines but also inspire creativity and experimentation in the kitchen.

Enhanced connectivity and recipe sharing

Technology has also fostered a sense of community and collaboration within the culinary world. Online platforms and recipe-sharing apps have become a treasure trove of culinary inspiration, enabling home cooks to discover and explore a multitude of recipes from around the globe. With just a few taps, you can access detailed cooking instructions, helpful videos, and user reviews, empowering even the most novice cooks to expand their culinary repertoire. Additionally, social media platforms have become hubs for food enthusiasts, encouraging the exchange of ideas, techniques, and beautiful food photography.

Blending Technology with Classic Design

Technology has become a driving force in kitchen design, transforming both the aesthetics and functionality of modern culinary spaces. Although modern appliances have mastered looking sleek, it’s still easy to find classic and vintage style fixtures and appliances that boast modern tech features. Advanced materials and finishes, such as brushed metals and matte textures offer a new contemporary look that’s also fingerprint free. Touch-sensitive faucets provide effortless control for messy chefs. LED lighting systems offer sleek and efficient lighting details. Furthermore, innovative storage solutions with charging stations, lighting, and smart organization systems maximize space and efficiency. So, what’s our favorite kitchen tech?

At Airy Kitchens, our interior designers and project managers stay educated on all the latest kitchen technological advances. We regularly host product representatives, visit trade shows, and pursue continuing education so our entire staff can understand how to design, purchase, instal, and maintain new products for our clients. We believe that tech advances that keep you and your family safe, healthy, and happy are worth the cost and time to engineer. Thinking of building a tech-savvy kitchen? Visit our Contact Page to start your design.

Induction Cooking vs. Natural Gas

Many of our customers want an eco friendly kitchen that is safe, efficient, and beautiful. When shopping for appliances we suggest they consider induction cooktops and ranges. Our Philadelphia kitchen designs are known for their historic charm, but when it comes to appliances we gravitate to newer technologies that are smarter, faster, and better for our environment. Does induction cooking perform better than gas? Is induction different than electric? In this post we will explain how induction cooking works, review the latest induction cooktop options, and find out if induction is the right choice for your kitchen.

How does induction cooking work?

While induction cooking technology has actually been around for several decades, it is only recently finding its way into American kitchen design. Induction is an electric based technology that heats using magnetic currents. These currents heat your cookware directly, unlike a gas stove that wastes a lot of heat with open flames. Older style electric cooktops heat a metal coil, which is slow to adjust. The magnetic currents of induction are fast to adjust and can be set at exact teperatures. In fact, when we tested our gas range vs. induction cooktop by boiling a pot of water, the induction was faster by four minutes!

This Thermador ‘Freedom’ cooktop senses pans and moves the heat source when you move the pan.

Will my pots and pans work with an induction range?

Try the magnet test. The best way to find out if your pots and pans will work is to use a small magnet. If it sticks to your pans you’re good to go. Cast iron, steel, and most stainless steel pans will work with induction. Aluminum, copper, and glass will not. Some aluminum and non-stick pans are made with a magnetic metal base so that they will work with induction. Look for an ‘induction ready’ label on any new purchases. Induction may cause a gentle shaking with pans, so heavy lids are best to stop rattling. Our favorite brands to use on the induction range are Le Cruset and All Clad.

Gas ranges create excess heat and need stronger ventilation. See more of this kitchen here.

Is induction cooking better for the environment?

For decades the natural gas industry has been promoting gas cooking for its ease of adjusting temperature and even cooking. No one likes to talk about the air pollution gas cooking causes inside your home and outside in the air we all breath. Induction cooking offers the same speed and even cooking surface, but removes the air pollution. Less energy is used, less time is spent cooking, and less ambient heat is created with induction. Because of this, induction cooktops require less powerful ventilation hoods - another energy saving component! 

Are Induction cooktops safer than gas or electric? Are they easier to clean?

Induction cooktops use magnetic currents that only heat the correct cookware. That means a burner that is left on will start to cool as soon as the pan is removed. Induction cooking is less likely to burn people, pets, and that plastic container you accidentally set on the range. Some people even put thin silicon pads down between the burner and pot to catch spills and splashes. Similar to electric cooktops, induction has a smooth glass top that is easy to clean and provides a sleek look. Quick temperature control means less boiling over and burning food. Our interior designers always consider cleanability when choosing kitchen appliances and induction cooktops are a favorite.

A Bosch induction range with electric oven.

What about electric ovens? Are they better than gas?

Most bakers agree that electric ovens are preferred for their even temperatures. Electric ovens can maintain an even heat while gas ovens have to turn on and off to keep a consistent temperature. That’s why many appliance manufacturers offer ‘dual fuel’ which means a gas range with an electric oven. Induction ranges have the same ovens as electric and dual fuel ranges.

This Gaggenau cooktop combines gas and induction burners.

What are the best induction cooktops?

Currently there are a lot of options and price ranges for induction cooking. At the top, brands like Wolf and Gaggenau offer fully induction units along with combined units that offer gas and induction. Our favorite cooktop is this Thermador that senses the pots you are using and creates a new burner anywhere on the unit, sized to fit the pot. That means you can move your pot around and the cooktop heats wherever you need it. Some less expensive brands include the Bosch induction range and Frigidare cooktops. When shopping, consider whether you’re comfortable using a touch screen to cook or if you prefer knobs to control heat.

What are the cons to induction cooking?

Most induction cooktops and ranges are more expensive than standard gas equivalents. If your home is already plumbed for gas, a new induction unit will need new dedicated wiring. Some pots and pans may not work with induction, so that could be an additional cost to factor. Visually, induction cooktops are sleek and simple, but some home owners want the vintage look of a gas stove. While most cooks get used to induction within a few days, there is a learning curve. Some people miss the glow of the open flame.

A sleek cooktop in a classic white kitchen.

Is induction the right choice for me?

It’s currently legal to use natural gas appliances in Philadelphia kitchens. However, more and more cities across the USA are banning them. If electric is your only option, then induction is far superior to typical electric ranges. In many Philadelphia row homes it can be difficult or impossible to vent hoods to the exterior. If good ventilation is not an option then induction is a good solution. Finally, some homeowners want the sleek look and easy cleanability of an electic cooktop. We recommend closing appliances based on ease of use, not just looks. Our interior design team loves to create simple classic kitchens with efficient and eco friendly appliances.

For more opinions on induction technology, we enjoyed these articles from the New York Times and Consumer Reports.