We went for a Scandinavian look — clean lines, neutral tones, and a layout that makes everyday tasks easier.
One feature that made the biggest difference is the half-hack wall between the kitchen and dining area.
We didn’t want a full wall that would block off the kitchen, but we also didn’t want a completely open space. This half wall was the middle ground. It keeps the space open while still giving us extra countertop space and plenty of storage underneath.
On the back of the half wall, we added more drawers and lighting, which we use all the time — great for storing daily-use items.
The under-cabinet lighting helps when prepping meals, and the track lights brighten the whole space evenly.
It also makes it easier to interact with anyone in the dining or living room while cooking or cleaning. The space feels bigger, brighter, and more connected.
The half-hack wall helped us open up the space without losing functionality. If you’re renovating and want your kitchen to feel more connected to the rest of your home, I’d recommend considering this layout.