Apple Valley Kitchen Remodel
A Brighter, More Connected Home
Opening a 1980s Floor Plan Without Losing Character
The homeowners loved their home in Apple Valley overlooking the lake, but the main floor no longer fit the way they lived. Like many homes built in the late 1980s, the kitchen was separated from the dining room, the adjacent living space sat a step below the rest of the main floor, and the finishes made the home feel darker than it really was.
The goal wasn’t simply to update the kitchen, but to create one bright, connected space where family and friends could naturally gather.
Before: A Closed-Off Floor Plan
Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and raising a sunken down living room were key design decisions that were going to deliver what the clients envisioned.
Together, these changes would:
- Improve sightlines across the main floor.
- Bring more natural light deeper into the home.
- Create better flow between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces.
Removing the Wall: Is It Structural?
One of the biggest questions before removing any wall is whether it’s carrying the weight of the house.
During planning and preconstruction, the team researched and identified that this wall was indeed, non-load-bearing.
Wondering if your wall is load-bearing? There are a few telltale signs, but every home is different. Here’s how to better understand what you’re looking at before making plans to remove a wall.
Raising the Sunken Floor
Sunken rooms were a defining feature of many homes built in the 1980s, but today they often interrupt the flow of everyday living.
To create one continuous main floor, the office floor was framed up to match the surrounding rooms. That also meant relocating HVAC supply vents that had originally been built into the step-down. While it’s the kind of work you’ll never see, it was essential to creating a home that feels more cohesive and functions better every day.
Now: A Brighter, More Connected Kitchen
The new layout provides significantly more workspace, additional storage, and an island with seating that naturally becomes a gathering place for family and guests.
Framing the Lake View
One of the biggest changes in the kitchen was the window above the sink. The original window sat above a 12-inch ledge that blocked part of the view and interrupted the countertop. By reframing the wall, the team was able to lower the new window so the countertop extends all the way to the glass, creating a cleaner look and a much better view of the lake. An awning window was chosen to eliminate center dividers, and flat window trim allowed the full-height quartz backsplash to end neatly at the window. It’s a detail that makes a big difference in how the kitchen feels.
A Kitchen Designed for Everyday Living
A beautiful kitchen is important, but a functional one changes how you use your home every day.
The expanded island offers generous prep space and seating, making it easy for family and friends to gather without getting in the cook’s way. Additional storage, including a pantry, helps keep everyday items organized, while the open layout creates a natural flow between cooking, dining, and relaxing. The result is a kitchen that doesn’t just look better, it works better.
