Renovation Solutions: Four examples of how to remodel for gathering spaces

Before: This remodel transformed the existing space to create a comfortable gathering space,

Jeff Close, Renovation Design Group

Editor's note: Portions of this column were previously published on deseretnews.com and their blog at renovationdesigngroup.com.

As we enter the entertaining season, starting with Thanksgiving next week and moving into the party season of Christmas, New Year's and the Super Bowl, we are reflecting on the many gathering spaces we have helped create for our clients over the years.

The great room concept is a must-have for many clients these days. They want the space for different reasons and find it in different ways depending on their home layout and style. Here are four different examples of past clients with varying life circumstances and homes who all discovered gathering space.

Creatively reconfiguring space

Pat and Kathie Debenham had the classic problem of many grandparents in Utah: Their grown children were making family gatherings bigger by adding spouses and grandchildren by the year. They decided it was time for a gathering space expansion.

They had a small great room off the kitchen, but it could only seat a few people. Their budget wouldnt allow for an addition to expand the great room, so we reallocated the space in their existing floor plan by removing a pantry and remodeling the kitchen.

Losing the pantry was a hard decision, but they compromised by adding taller cabinets to add storage space back into the kitchen design. We also removed a small, rarely used half bathroom that sat between the laundry room and the great room. The renovation improved the gathering space dramatically without adding any square footage to the house.

Taking down walls; adding beams

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Renovation Solutions: Four examples of how to remodel for gathering spaces