For over three decades, Larry Hopkins, owner of Five Star Home Remodeling in Bridgewater, has been helping families redefine their spaces to suit their changing needs. He was recently approached by a neighbor to reimagine their kitchen with a more open floorplan and bathed in natural light.
“They had three adult children, two of whom were still at home, and a large, extended family they often entertained,” Hopkins says. “This couple, like many residents today, were looking for an open concept and a kitchen anchored by an island around which people could gather.”
To open the space, Hopkins removed a wall and expanded the window above the sink to provide a sweeping view of the backyard, which includes 150 acres of preserved land and an in-ground pool. He also expanded an existing walkthrough from the dining room into the living room to create more openness and to allow for a barn door, if the homeowner later desired some separation.
“The biggest challenge is you don’t know what you will find after a demolition—and that is where experience comes in,” Hopkins says. He cut open the walls before ordering cabinets—a practice he recommends to all homeowners. “If you order cabinets and then find that you can’t move what is behind the wall, you’re stuck with a custom cabinet that will not fit.”
Hopkins recommended the family consider a larger island for entertaining. To see if the size worked, he moved a table into the space where the island would be so they could live with the configuration for a few weeks.
While the kitchen was gutted, Hopkins had it wired for technology—Bluetooth speakers, outlets with USB ports, outlets for a TV and a cable line—even if the family would not be using them immediately. “That gives them the flexibility to upgrade without having to pull the kitchen apart,” he says.
When looking for a contractor, Hopkins recommends homeowners ask how they will manage the workflow. “You need to know if they have a plan or will be just winging it,” he says.
By using his own contractors, Hopkins is able to provide detailed project management, from demolition and inspections to plumbing, electric, flooring and Sheetrock installation. “I do not start a job until everything is physically at the job site and inspected for damage,” he says. “This keeps the schedule on track.”
Learn more about remodeling options at fivestarhomeremodeling.com.
Before Versus After
An open concept is the No. 1 kitchen trend.
Greige—a mix of gray and beige—is popular in kitchens. Here, a light gray with a hint of brown pulls highlights from the floor.
A larger island allows for more flexibility. The ideal length is at least 36 inches.
Paneling can give contrast and depth and lends a classic look to cabinets.
While you’re renovating, consider adding a wine cooler for added convenience.
Wiring WiFi Bluetooth speakers into the ceiling gives homeowners control over sound.