Before: Three separate rooms, and none of them working hard. The kitchen was tiny, with old appliances and no real function. The dining room was a decent size but did nothing except hold a table. The sunroom had been the kids' playroom, and they'd outgrown it.

What we changed: We took down the walls between all three rooms to create one large, open kitchen, then added arches to give the space architectural character. A built-in banquette makes the most of the seating, and custom cabinetry with marble countertops ties it all together. A dedicated side area works as a coffee station, a serving spot for parties, or extra prep space, whatever the day calls for. We also replaced every window and added a new sliding door, filling the room with light.

How they live now: A dream kitchen come to life. The family finally has room to function day to day, and the house has become the place everyone gathers, from holiday dinners to friends dropping by.