Holmdel, NJ

This Holmdel colonial had a common problem: a choppy floor plan with the kitchen, dining room, and family room separated by walls that made the home feel compartmentalized and dark. The family of five...

Type

whole home

Location

Holmdel, NJ

Budget

$60,000 - $75,000

Timeline

12 weeks

Before & After

Before

After

The Challenge

What We Were Working With

This Holmdel colonial had a common problem: a choppy floor plan with the kitchen, dining room, and family room separated by walls that made the home feel compartmentalized and dark. The family of five found themselves constantly shouting between rooms, and whoever was cooking missed out on family time in the adjacent living space. The existing kitchen was small with limited counter space, and the layout made it impossible to see the kids in the family room while preparing meals. The homeowners wanted a modern, open layout that would bring the family together while maintaining distinct zones for cooking, dining, and relaxing.

Our Solution

How We Solved It

This project required careful structural engineering to safely remove the load-bearing wall between the kitchen and living room. We installed a concealed steel beam that spans the entire opening, creating a seamless 22-foot connection between the spaces. The kitchen was completely redesigned with a large peninsula that provides a natural boundary while allowing sightlines throughout the main floor. We extended the hardwood flooring from the living room through the kitchen for visual continuity. The new layout includes a designated dining zone defined by a statement pendant light fixture, while custom built-ins in the living room area provide storage and display space. The result is a cohesive great room that functions beautifully for daily life and entertaining.

The Results

What We Delivered

Created 450 sq ft of open-concept living space
Natural light increased by 60% throughout main floor
Kitchen workspace doubled with new layout
Home value increased by estimated $55,000
Family interaction during cooking and homework improved significantly

Project Features

Structural wall removal with concealed beam
22-foot open span between kitchen and living room
Extended peninsula with seating for 4
Continuous white oak hardwood flooring
Custom living room built-ins
Statement dining pendant lighting
Integrated refrigeration
Pot-filler over range
Custom pantry with pull-out shelving
Matched crown molding throughout

Materials Used

Cabinets : Custom flat-panel in matte white lacquer with walnut island

Countertops : Calacatta Nuvo quartz with waterfall edge on peninsula

Backsplash : Full-height porcelain slab in marble look

Flooring : Site-finished white oak in natural matte

Appliances : Thermador 48" range, Sub-Zero panel-ready refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, Sharp microwave drawer

Hardware : Integrated push-to-open with brushed stainless accents

“Taking down that wall changed everything about how we live. I can cook dinner while helping with homework and chatting with my husband—we're finally all in the same space. The Lopez team handled the structural work flawlessly, and you'd never know a wall was ever there. Best investment we've made in this house.”

The Chen FamilyHolmdel, NJ