This 80’s Bellevue home layout was not working for the large family of 7, despite the home’s generous square footage. A closed off stair, tight and closed off kitchen, and small family room did not allow for the large gatherings they preferred or day to day functioning of such a large family. The project scope included closing in a sunroom to make the family room larger, removing a wall between the kitchen and family room, a complete floorplan change of the kitchen, and replacing the drywalled stair with an open steel staircase. The sunken living room floor was raised for better flow and all the flooring was replaced with a wire brushed rift oak. The newly open kitchen plan allowed for an island and peninsula with bar seating, keeping the many kids and guests out of the workspace.  Three distinct work zones in the kitchen help this family with their day to day cooking. The combination of the warm walnut wood in the kitchen and family room built-ins, with the grey and white stones and light floor, keep this space feeling bright and fresh without being cold and modern.