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Mequon Open Concept Kitchen and Living Room

Project Details

Project Year:  2017

Location: Mequon

Updates Included: Renovation

Rooms: Kitchen & Living Room 

Features: 

  • Oversized quartz island that anchors the main floor with ample seating, generous prep space, and full visibility to the living room TV.

  • Custom arched soffit that mirrors the island curve while cleverly concealing plumbing, ductwork, and structural support.

  • Load-bearing wall removed with all mechanicals rerouted into custom columns for a clean, open-concept flow.

  • Unified aesthetic that visually connects the kitchen, dinette, and living room through cohesive finishes and modern lines.

A Home Designed to Live Together

This Mequon home had charm but lacked connection. The original layout separated the kitchen, dinette, and living room, making it hard for the family to cook, gather, and move comfortably through the space.

They envisioned a more open main floor where everyday life could unfold naturally, from dinner prep and homework to movie nights and time with the family dog.

The goal was simple: a kitchen that could do it all, with light, flow, and modern style.

Creating Flow Without Losing Function

By removing multiple walls and reimagining the floor plan, the once-compartmentalized layout was transformed into a seamless, open-concept living space. The kitchen, dinette, and living room are now visually and functionally connected, allowing the entire family to share the space comfortably.

At the center of it all is a new oversized island. It serves as a hub for food prep, casual meals, schoolwork, and relaxed gatherings with guests. With a clear view of the TV from the island, the homeowner can watch her favorite cooking shows while preparing dinner.

Modern kitchen with granite island, pendant lights, and upholstered chairs. Fruit bowl centerpiece. Bright, airy space with white cabinets and hardwood floor.

Engineering Hidden Genius

Behind the effortless beauty of the space lies some serious craftsmanship. A load-bearing wall containing plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems was removed, and all mechanicals were rerouted into custom columns flanking the island.

Overhead, a new arched soffit mirrors the island’s curve. It is not just decorative. It conceals a complex network of plumbing and ductwork that serves two upstairs bathrooms. Tolerances were tight, but the solution is both structural and visually striking. It is a clear example of design meeting precision.

From Compartmentalized to Connected

The remodeled space now offers broad views of the backyard and allows natural light to travel from wall to wall. Furniture flows freely, and guests naturally gather around the island, creating an easy, circular pattern of movement throughout the main level.

The aesthetic transformation is just as striking. A clean, modern look with cohesive finishes now ties every zone together. The result is bright, functional, and welcoming; a complete departure from the closed-off layout that came before.

From Start to Finish

Before

  • The first floor layout felt tight and disconnected, with walls dividing the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
  • A load-bearing wall blocked sightlines, making it hard to cook and keep an eye on the kids.
  • Hidden inside that wall were HVAC runs, plumbing lines, and electrical, all needing creative rerouting.
  • The dated finishes and layout lacked flow, style, and functionality for a growing family.
Before

After

  • The new open-concept design connects the entire main floor, creating a seamless space to cook, gather, and relax.
  • A custom island with flanking columns conceals rerouted mechanicals while adding architectural interest.
  • Bronze pendant lights with Edison bulbs add rustic charm and visual rhythm above the island.
  • Natural light now travels freely across the kitchen and living spaces, making the home feel brighter, larger, and more welcoming.
Modern kitchen with granite island, pendant lights, and upholstered chairs. Fruit bowl centerpiece. Bright, airy space with white cabinets and hardwood floor.
After

Before

  • The original dining room felt too formal and disconnected from the kitchen, making it impractical for everyday use.
  • The carpet throughout the main floor wasn’t ideal for a busy family with a child and a dog.
  • Navigating the living room felt like a maze. The compartmentalized layout and furniture placement made it hard to gather comfortably or move between rooms.
  • The homeowners wanted a space that felt open, easy to clean, and more natural to use for conversation, meals, and family time.
Cozy living room with a gray sectional sofa, wooden coffee table, and wall collage of photos. Dining table visible in the background.
Before

After

  • A generous 12’ x 5’8” island with engineered quartz in a Pebble finish now anchors the kitchen, offering space for prep, dining, and connection.
  • The sink was relocated to the island, featuring a Blanco Silgranit undermount in a Truffle tone and a Delta pull-down faucet in Venetian Bronze to match the lighting and hardware.
  • Wide-plank wood flooring ties the space together with warmth and character, offering a low-maintenance surface perfect for pets and kids.
  • The new layout offers a comfortable, informal setting with clear sightlines, a natural traffic flow, and plenty of room to gather.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, large granite island, patterned chairs, pendant lights, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floor, and a window view of greenery.
After

Before

  • The living room corner felt closed off and dim, lacking both natural light and a functional layout.
  • Obstructive walls divided the space, making it difficult to see or interact between rooms.
  • Poor lighting and the absence of recessed fixtures made the room feel darker than it needed to be.
  • This area was underutilized due to its disconnect from the kitchen and lack of cohesion with the rest of the home.
Cozy living room with gray couch, patterned cushions, white curtains, and toys by the window. Soft natural light illuminates the space.
Before

After

  • Removing the structural wall transformed the space into a bright, unified living area with clear sightlines.
  • Layered lighting schemes, including recessed lights and pendants, now bring warmth and clarity throughout.
  • The Moody Blue island cabinetry is complemented by crisp white trim and soft-close Craftsman-style doors, blending style and function seamlessly.
  • A Sharp microwave drawer and Bosch dishwasher are tucked into the island for a clean, integrated look.
After

Before

  • The flat ceiling lacked visual interest and left the room feeling plain and low in character.
  • Poor lighting made the space feel dim, especially over the sink and prep areas.
  • Mechanical elements like HVAC and plumbing needed to be rerouted in a way that wouldn’t disrupt the new open layout.

After

  • A tray ceiling with painted woodwork and a custom soffit gives the room depth and architectural charm.
  • Layered lighting, including recessed LEDs and vintage-inspired pendants, makes the space feel warm and bright.
  • Painted columns now conceal vital mechanicals, proving that function and beauty can go hand in hand.
Modern kitchen ceiling with exposed beams, hanging lights, recessed lighting, and adjacent wall shelves. Window view of brick building outside.
After

Before

  • The kitchen was boxed in by peninsula walls, dated cabinets, and a tight layout that made the space feel cramped.
  • Disconnected flooring and laminate countertops made the space feel outdated and segmented.
  • An underused office nook and bulky soffits created visual clutter and blocked flow.
A cozy kitchen featuring wooden floors, ceiling fan, countertop with seating, and soft lighting, decorated with paintings and hanging lights.
Before
A home kitchen features beige cabinets, a small desk with a chair, colorful wall calendar, countertop items, and a coffee maker.
Before

After

  • A bright, open concept kitchen invites movement and connection from one end of the home to the other.
  • The peninsula was replaced by a spacious island, allowing for better flow and natural conversation.
  • Fresh finishes and warm hickory floors tie the space together with modern style and comfort.
Bright kitchen with granite countertops, white cabinets, and wooden floors. Dining area features a table with benches, flower centerpiece, and framed artwork.
After

Before

  • The original kitchen felt closed off with bulky soffits, outdated cabinetry, and limited prep space.
  • A U-shaped layout with a peninsula created tight corners and disrupted flow between the kitchen and dining areas.
  • White and brass light fixtures, paired with a darker wall color, made the space feel dim and dated.
  • Poor traffic flow and a visual disconnect between the dinette and kitchen made entertaining a challenge.
A cozy kitchen with brown walls, white cabinets, and wooden flooring. Includes a dining table, ceiling lights, and modern appliances.
Before

After

  • Walls and soffits were removed to create a true open-concept kitchen with clean sightlines and better movement.
  • A lighter color palette, stainless steel appliances, and fresh white cabinetry brightened the entire space.
  • The Blue Crystile herringbone backsplash adds personality and ties in with the Moody Blue island cabinetry.
  • Hidden mechanical rerouting allows uninterrupted cabinetry and clean ceiling lines without compromising function.
Modern kitchen featuring white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, open shelving with decor, wooden dining table with flowers, and large window overlooking greenery.
After
Ready for a remodel that reflects you? Let us help you create it. When your space flows, life does too.
Outcome & Client Impact

This remodel gave the homeowners exactly what they were hoping for: space to cook, relax, watch TV, and spend time together. The new open-concept design has become the heart of their home, serving as a multi-functional hub for both everyday living and effortless entertaining.

Modern kitchen featuring white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, open shelving with decor, wooden dining table with flowers, and large window overlooking greenery.
Bright kitchen with granite countertops, white cabinets, and wooden floors. Dining area features a table with benches, flower centerpiece, and framed artwork.
Leroy5
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, large granite island, patterned chairs, pendant lights, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floor, and a window view of greenery.

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.

S.J. Janis Company stands ready to bring your vision to life with unparalleled expertise and a commitment to excellence. Contact us today to discover how we can turn your dream home into your real home.
Modern kitchen with granite island, pendant lights, and upholstered chairs. Large windows offer natural light. Fruit bowl and floral decor enhance warmth.

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.