Relocated Colonial Kitchen More Than Doubles in Size

Introduction

A Colonial style home is known for its classic elegance and charm. The kitchen is often the heart of such a home, a gathering place for family and friends. When a Colonial kitchen is small or outdated, remodeling and expanding it can enhance the enjoyment of the entire house. Relocating and more than doubling the size of a Colonial kitchen takes thoughtful planning, but allows for a beautiful, spacious, and modern kitchen within the traditional Colonial aesthetic.

Planning the Expanded Kitchen

The first step in undertaking a major kitchen remodel and expansion in a Colonial home is planning. Key factors to consider include:

• Layout – Evaluate the existing kitchen layout and how it connects to other rooms. Decide where the expanded footprint would ideally be situated.
• Traffic Flow – A significant expansion presents the opportunity to greatly improve traffic flow in the kitchen. Consider the optimal placement of work triangles between sink, stove, fridge, counters, and storage.
• Cabinetry – Colonial style utilizes beautiful cabinetry. Decide on locations, height, depth, and crown molding. Glass front, leaded glass, or solid doors provide different looks.
• Countertops – Butcher block, granite, marble, and quartz are popular countertop materials that complement a Colonial Kitchen. Allow for plenty of counter space.
• Appliances – Choose commercial grade appliances that can handle a large workload while fitting the Colonial aesthetic. Double wall ovens, a spacious fridge, stove with griddle, and high-end dishwasher are worthwhile upgrades.
• Lighting – Use a mix of overhead lighting, pendant lights, undercabinet lighting, and strategically placed windows to brighten the expanded kitchen.
• Flooring – Hardwood floors or stone tiles suit a Colonial kitchen. Ensure flooring flows seamlessly from existing areas into the new expanded space.

Thorough planning allows an expanded Colonial kitchen to maintain the traditional gracious, inviting feel the home’s residents cherish.

Demolition and Structural Work

Once the layout is determined, the physical work of expanding the kitchen begins. This involves:

• Demolishing the existing kitchen, taking care to protect the rest of the home from dust and debris. Appliances, cabinets and countertops are removed and recycled or disposed of properly.
• Knocking down walls as needed to accommodate the expanded footprint. This structural work is done as quickly as possible to limit disruption to the household.
• Installing new walls, floor joists if needed, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other infrastructure for the enlarged kitchen space. Structural elements are reinforced to support the weight of heavy new cabinets, counters and appliances.
• If expanding into an existing room, installing framing and finishing to convert the space into an open concept kitchen and dining area.
• Finishing drywall, mudding, sanding, priming and painting.

The structural work phase is messy and disruptive. Homeowners may need to vacate the home for a period until dust and fumes clear. But once the physical expansion is complete, exciting aesthetic work begins.

Design Elements

A beautifully expanded Colonial kitchen balances the home’s classic charm with a fresh, spacious, and functional cooking and dining space. Key elements include:

Cabinetry

• Install roomy cabinets with adjustable shelves to maximize storage. Include pantry cabinetry and plate racks.
• Crown molding and trim add elegance. Glass front doors provide a delicate touch.
• Choose a muted color palette such as cream, gray, or white to allow other accents to pop.
• Add architectural details like fluting, raised panels, and exposed hinges for depth.

Countertops

• Butcher block islands and counters provide traditional warmth. Marble or granite offer durability and timeless beauty.
• Provide plenty of counter space for food prep, baking, and serving. Use an overhang for bar seating.
• Incorporate custom details like a sculpted marble backsplash.

Flooring

• Wide plank wood floors suit a Colonial kitchen. Allow boards to flow seamlessly from existing rooms into new space.
• Alternatives like slate, travertine, or marble tiles lend old-world charm. Use large tiles and minimal grout lines.
• Area rugs add softness and visual appeal.

Lighting

• Wrought iron or bronze fixtures work well. Go for several smaller lights rather than a single large fixture.
• Use recessed lighting to brightly illuminate key work areas.
• Place windows to capitalize on natural light. Simulated divided light windows maintain colonial character.
• Add adjustable pendant lighting over a kitchen island or dining table.

Appliances

• Choose commercial grade appliances designed for frequent use. Prioritize cooking over flashy tech.
• Opt for classic style and muted colors like slate blue or matte white to blend seamlessly into cabinetry.
• Include a spacious fridge, gas cooktop with griddle, double wall oven, quiet dishwasher, and warming drawer or beverage cooler.

Finishing Touches

• Open shelving, glass front cabinets, plate racks and wine storage provide visual appeal.
• Incorporate architectural salvage like an antique farmhouse sink, clawfoot tub converted to sink, or reclaimed wood shelves.
• Add a kitchen desk area for meal planning, cookbooks, bills, and homework. Include a charging station.
• Display favorite dishware. Framed art, plants, and baskets add warmth.
• Comfortable barstools and gather-around dining table make the expanded kitchen a favorite space.

The details come together to create a kitchen that honors the Colonial home while providing modern upgrades families need.

Enjoying an Expanded Kitchen

Completing a major kitchen renovation and expansion in a Colonial home is a lengthy process requiring vision and commitment. But the payoff of additional space, convenience, beauty, utility, and added home value make it worthwhile. An expanded kitchen becomes the highlight of the home.

Some key advantages of gaining extra square footage include:

• Entertaining – Host gatherings easily with ample room for multiple cooks and guests to gather.
• Homework – Set up a homework station so kids can study while you cook.
• Value – An upgraded kitchen offers one of the best returns on investment for renovations, recouping over 70% at resale.
• Flow – Eliminate crowding and congestion even at busy meal times.
• Organization – Larger kitchens allow for roomy pantries, extra cabinetry for storage, and space to keep everything in its place.
• Fun – Cooking and baking become a joy instead of a chore in a well-designed kitchen with all needed tools easily accessible.
• Cleaning – More counters, cabinets, and appliances mean each gets used less often and requires less frequent deep cleaning.
• Utility – Multiple sinks, the latest appliances, and lots of prep space allow you to get creative in the kitchen.

Doubling the size of a small, dated Colonial kitchen dramatically upgrades form and function. The project requires time, cost, and living through a renovation. But the opportunity to blend classic charm with a fresh, inviting kitchen design makes the effort worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a major Colonial kitchen renovation cost?

For significant layout changes, new cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances, new finishes, and doubling the size, expect costs from $50,000 to $100,000 or even more. Budget 20% extra to cover overlooked costs.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

From start to finish, expect a major kitchen overhaul to take 4-6 months with professionals handling the work. The demolition phase is about 2-3 weeks. Installation of new systems and finishes can take 2-3 months. Avoid renovating around holidays.

What permits are required to knock down a kitchen wall?

Any structural changes like removing walls require building permits. Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work done during the renovation also need permits and inspections. Ensure all licensed contractors obtain proper permits.

Should you go open concept when expanding a kitchen?

Open concept improves flow but also spreads noise and clutter. Using an island or peninsula to partially separate the kitchen helps define spaces while still allowing conversation. Strategic walls or columns maintain some separation.

How do you blend new and existing kitchen areas seamlessly?

Use matching flooring, trimwork, lighting and colors in the existing kitchen and expanded areas. Remove dated wallpaper or paint. Repeat cabinetry style and finishes. Use transitional spaces like an island to join old and new.

Conclusion

Expanding and remodeling a Colonial kitchen is a major undertaking but worth the investment. A kitchen reimagined as the spacious, functional heart of your home will bring your family joy for years to come. Careful planning and high-quality finishes allow you to honor the traditional Colonial style while installing your dream kitchen. With an excellent design team, patience, and a vision for how you want to cook, entertain, and live, your remodeled kitchen will exceed your highest expectations.