Remove the Archway?

10 years ago

Hi there. I am not sure whether to remove this wall. It separates the kitchen / lounge, which is otherwise open-plan. The wall is stud, so not load-bearing.

By removing it, it will bring in more light (from windows at both ends) and will create a greater sense of space. However, I would if this is a feature and should remain.

Please help!

Many thanks,

Featured Answer

PRO

The Long Gallery

10 years ago

I know the current design trend would call for you to remove the arch, but before doing this, I would ask - is there any sort of natural traffic passageway (I see a door on the right) across the opening (from right to left) between the kitchen and the lounge?

If so, the slight separation that the wall would provide might feel slightly more natural. Also, the opening is reasonably wide, so there remains a pretty fair view from room-to-room.

If you had a kitchen large enough to accommodate an island in the space, I'd recommend removing the arch, but with the layout you have, I find the current opening sufficient; plus I rather like arches as an architectural feature. :-)

What matters most is how you personally feel about the space; if you are really after a more open feeling, then I would not feel too guilty about removing it.

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Comments (12)

PRO
LMW Design
10 years ago
I would recommend retaining some separation between the kitchen and living area, but the arch could be updated with something less dated. How about a glazed wall / door, or some full height sliding pocket doors.
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cazzajo
10 years ago
how about squaring it off? would probably be cheaper and look more modern yet still retaining some separation between kitchen and lounge. I personally find it too stressful to see the kitchen when chilling on the sofa.
PRO
Patience Designs Studio Ltd
10 years ago
I quite like it personally, I wouldn't be desperate to open it out any more myself.

Best Wishes,

Sam
Abi Nuchi
10 years ago
I would not get rid of it but I would make it rounder
Fiona Tamplin
10 years ago
I'd square it off and make it higher so the horizontal bit isn't as deep and make the right hand side narrower so it matches the left hand side
arrieleder
10 years ago
While the arch does assist in creating a sense of separation I would still try to remove the arch and make the transition between the rooms as seamless as possible. Removing the arch would improve light distribution, provide uninterrupted sight lines and increase usable floor and wall space. The room would feel larger, brighter and wider.
obo1
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for all your comments!

I am a little surprised actually that the general response is to retain the arch. Perhaps I should have been more descriptive – the doorway behind the arch is the only entrance into the kitchen / living area and leads onto the landing. As you walk into the rooms, the archway creates a dark corridor-like environment – by removing the arch, it would open up this space?

Also, between the kitchen and the living area there is a ‘dead-space’ area, which with the archway still there, creates a barrier. By removing the arch, perhaps we can use this space? Any suggestions?

Many thanks
Lisa Burdett
10 years ago
I would say that you know your own answer from your second post, but your lacking confidence to do it. Your never going to regret removing the wall because if that were the case a good contractor could reinstate it very easily. However you may regret never giving it a try in the first place. Go for it.
arirosenblum
9 years ago
You should definitely remove it. It looks awful. Where did you get that yellow chair?
PRO
Malrose
9 years ago
The first thing I would say is if you decide to remove the wall you will then be now seeing your book case and sofa.. from your kitchen, if you are ok with that? and need to have a feeling of more space and light then remove.. but as it's a stud wall, maybe you could do some measurements and see if it works just making the opening bigger?
obo1
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for your comment, Ari - you'll be pleased to know the arch was removed! The chair is actually from eBay!

Remove the Archway?

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Remove the Archway?

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