Many Edmonds-area homes were built with compartmentalized kitchens designed for a different era—spaces that feel closed off and struggle to support today’s family life. Between meal prep, homework at the counter, casual gatherings and entertaining, modern families need kitchens that do more than just cook. In this post, we’ll explore kitchen layout ideas that balance style, function and real-life needs, showing you how thoughtful design can transform the heart of your home. At VanderBeken Remodel, our design-build approach brings smart planning and practical construction together to create kitchens that fit how families live today.
Layout Idea #1: Open-Concept Kitchen Remodel—Kitchen, Living & Dining Flow Together
BEFORE
Before
This Edmonds, WA family home featured mismatched appliances, cabinets and countertops, and the homeowners wanted a fresh, new design to improve the flow, maximize the natural light and create a welcoming environment. They envisioned dining and socializing with family and friends in their updated kitchen.
After
To create a seamless flow between the kitchen and living room, our team first had to remove the dividing wall, replacing it with a Gulam support beam, raising the ceiling and creating a long island were the wall once stood.
This reimagining of the space works for this family to keep everyone connected: the parents are cooking while the children do their homework on the island. It also offers seamless options for entertaining, more natural light and an overall better flow.
View this Open-Concept Kitchen Remodel project.
“When we opened up that old, closed-off kitchen to join the living room and dining area—and dropped in that oversized island—I knew we weren’t just creating a prettier kitchen, We were giving that family a new center for daily life, where meals, homework and conversations happen side by side,” says Jennifer VanderBeken, Owner & Director of Operations at VanderBeken Remodel.
Layout Idea #2: Large Multifunctional Kitchen Island Renovation—Workspace, Seating, Storage & More
A kitchen island is no longer just an extra countertop—it’s a central feature that brings functionality, flow and family life together. When designed correctly, a large, multifunctional island supports everyday routines while enhancing how the kitchen connects to the rest of the home.
Multiple Seating Options
Multiple Seating OptionsIslands can include bar seating for quick breakfasts, homework sessions or hosting friends during meal prep. This casual seating keeps everyone connected without crowding the main work areas.
Extra Prep Space
With a wide countertop, families gain valuable room for chopping, baking, organizing groceries or spreading out ingredients. This added space is especially helpful when multiple people are cooking at the same time.
Appliance Integration
Many kitchens benefit from placing a microwave drawer, beverage fridge or prep sink directly in the island. This setup frees up wall space, improves workflow and keeps frequently used appliances within easy reach.
Hidden Storage
Deep drawers built into the island provide storage for pots, pans, small appliances, food containers or overflow pantry items, helping the rest of the kitchen stay clean and uncluttered.
Entertaining-Friendly Design
During gatherings, the island naturally becomes a buffet zone or drink station. Its central location keeps traffic moving smoothly while allowing the hosts and guests to stay engaged.
Zoning Without Walls
A well-designed island helps define the kitchen from nearby living or dining areas without closing off the space. This subtle separation is ideal for modern Edmonds, WA families who want openness and organization.
Kid-Friendly Features
Lower drawers can be designated for baking tools, crafts or kid-safe cups and plates, empowering children to help themselves while keeping everything accessible and safe.
View our Large Kitchen Island project.
“That island becomes the heart of the home,” says Ron VanderBeken, Owner & General Manager of VanderBeken Remodel. “I’ve seen families gather there for breakfast, do craft projects with the kids, and even use it as extra counter space while entertaining—all without sacrificing functionality.”
Layout Idea #3: Smart Kitchen Storage & Built-in Solutions—Because Real Life Gets Messy
Smart kitchen storage is about creating intentional places for the way families actually live. Busy households juggle groceries, small appliances, lunch supplies, sports gear and everyday clutter, and without thoughtful storage solutions, even a beautiful kitchen can quickly feel chaotic. A well-planned layout anticipates real life, keeping essentials accessible while preventing the space from becoming overwhelmed.
In a typical VanderBeken remodel, storage is built into the design from the start. Features like custom pantries, deep pull-out drawers and hidden storage areas help maximize every inch of space while keeping the kitchen looking clean and organized. Dedicated coffee or beverage stations reduce countertop congestion, while integrated storage for appliances keeps them close at hand but out of sight. These built-in solutions create a kitchen that works harder behind the scenes, making it calmer, more functional and easier to enjoy every day.
“I can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard a homeowner say, ‘I don’t know how we ever lived without this pantry and pull-out drawer stack.’ For a family with kids (and sometimes pets), those built-ins make the difference between chaos and calm,” Jennifer says.
Layout Idea #4: Bright, Light-Filled Kitchen Remodels—Natural Light & Open Sightlines
Bright, light-filled kitchens play a major role in how a home feels and functions, especially for modern family living. Natural light supports better moods, higher energy levels and a more welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning coffee or powering through a busy weekday routine.
Open sightlines also make it easier to keep an eye on the kids, stay connected to other living areas and move through the space without feeling closed in or disconnected.
Throughout our kitchen remodels portfolio, we intentionally design kitchens that maximize brightness and visual flow. By pairing white or light-toned cabinetry with open layouts, strategically-placed windows and open-concept designs, we create spaces that feel larger, more inviting and naturally connected to the rest of the home.
“When we replaced cramped, dark kitchens with white cabinets, removed that diving wall and opened up the space, the transformation was more than cosmetic. Families told us their morning breakfasts became brighter, dinners more inviting, and the whole space felt like a welcome gathering place again,” Ron says.
Layout Idea #5: Tailored Kitchen Layouts for Family Life—Flexibility vs. Perfection
A “family-friendly” kitchen doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that’s exactly the point. Some households need efficient breakfast zones for busy mornings, while others prioritize homework space, entertaining or layouts supporting multi-generational living. The best kitchen designs are flexible, adapting to how a family actually uses the space day to day rather than chasing a one-size-fits-all ideal.
Not every home needs a massive island or a completely open concept to function well. In many cases, smaller kitchens benefit more from smart reconfiguration, improved storage and better traffic flow. By focusing on what truly matters to each family—how they cook, gather and move through the space—a tailored layout can transform even a modest kitchen into one that feels efficient, comfortable and suitable to real life.
“We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. What works for a family of five in one neighborhood might be totally wrong for a couple whose kids are grown. Our goal is to listen first, then design a kitchen layout that supports your everyday rhythms,” Jennifer says.
How to Decide What’s Right for Your Edmonds Family—Questions to Ask Before You Remodel
- What does your typical day look like at home? Think about how your kitchen supports family meals, morning routines, homework time and entertaining guests.
- How many people use the kitchen at once? Do you need prep space, seating or storage that can handle multiple cooks and busy traffic?
- How much natural light and connection to the living/dining areas do you want? Decide if open sightlines to living or dining areas, and more daylight, would improve how your family uses the space.
- Do you need versatile storage or built-in solutions such as a pantry, coffee bar or kid-friendly storage? These items can make daily life more organized and efficient.
- What is your budget, and how much value do you want your remodel to add (both functional and resale)? Balance functional upgrades with resale value; well-designed kitchen remodels continue to add strong appeal and return for homeowners across Snohomish County.
Let’s Design a Kitchen for Your Real Life
The best kitchen designs don’t start with trends—they start with how you actually live in your kitchen. From busy weekday mornings to relaxed weekends and family gatherings, your kitchen should support your routines, your space and the way your household functions day to day. Taking time to think honestly about what works (and what doesn’t) is the first step toward a remodel that truly delivers.
If you’re in Edmonds or anywhere in Snohomish County, VanderBeken Remodel is here to help you turn your ideas into a cohesive, well-designed space. As a full-service design-build firm, we manage every detail—from layout planning and storage solutions to construction and finishes—so your kitchen remodeling process feels smooth and the results feel intentional. When everything works together, the payoff is a kitchen that looks beautiful and works even better for real life.
Contact us today to schedule your design consultation.
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