nanna_green's post

#리모델링성공기 Discovering Hidden Space in a Narrow Kitchen Remodel in a 10-Year-Old Villa This is a duplex villa measuring 23 pyeong (approximately 75 square feet). It was a narrow, single-story kitchen with no room for a refrigerator. I researched contractors through Today's House and signed a contract with #이레나키친, and completed the work in just two days. As shown in the second photo, the refrigerator was blocking the living room, making it feel cramped. Over the past 10 years, I've tried to reposition the refrigerator in various ways, trying to maximize the space and streamline the kitchen flow. However, with no room for a large refrigerator, I was left with many concerns. I received several estimates from contractors, but all of them said structural changes were impossible. I simply assumed moving was the only solution. When the owner came to get the estimate, he immediately told me that this was a change, and that it would make the kitchen much more spacious. So, I signed the contract without hesitation. The kitchen design was designed to maximize the openness. I pre-designed a draft using AI, showed it to the owner, and adjusted it based on the on-site conditions before deciding on the final design. The placement of the upper cabinets and hood was my biggest concern. I couldn't sacrifice the open feel, so I decided on an integrated induction hood. Instead of an L-shaped kitchen, I opted for an 11-inch design. In retrospect, I realized that while an L-shaped kitchen with a hood might have provided more storage, it would have felt cramped and lacked charm. Thanks to this, I was able to organize my living space a lot. The biggest challenge during the remodeling while I was living was not the construction itself, but the load. The remodeling inevitably required moving the kitchen cabinets and partition walls, which meant rearranging all the furniture and belongings in the living room, utility room, and even the office. I'm used to rearranging furniture frequently, so even though I was trained to do so, organizing was the most challenging I've ever experienced. They did their best to maintain the necessary conditions (it was still challenging), but the dust and construction noise were unavoidable. I was prepared for this, but it was even more challenging than I expected. Fortunately, thanks to notifying the residents, there were no noise disputes with neighbors. I even cleaned the elevator and the first-floor lobby myself after the construction. Some of you have been curious about the integrated hood induction. I'll explain the pros and cons. Pros: - Open feeling (no hood space) - Better vapor suction power than expected (personal preferences may vary) - Free installation space (but requires space for the exhaust vent at the bottom) Cons: - Built-in installation is required due to the need for space for the exhaust vent (no freestanding). - Fan noise (personal preferences may vary) - Food can splash out through the exhaust vent. (I use it with caution) We also installed a dedicated electrical line for the induction stove. We installed the exposed wall without tearing it down, but they finished it neatly so that the line wasn't visible. As a company that operates its own sink factory, they are very responsive to customer needs. Modifications are also quick. As long as there were no structural issues, they built everything I asked for. From request to implementation, it took no time. However, while it was fast, I had to carefully check to make sure nothing was overlooked. I stayed on-site all day, checking everything thoroughly, and the workers consulted with me as much as possible. I even built the built-in cabinets upstairs along with the project. (You know that the estimate goes down a bit if you do it together, right?) Finally, if you're like me, with a cramped kitchen due to lack of refrigerator space, I highly recommend getting a quote. Everyone who came by said it felt like 13.5 sq ft of space had been added, and I was so happy with it. Thanks to you, I'm so excited to cook these days! 😊 I still need to finish the decorative tiles on the floor, but it feels like I've moved into a new home. When I calculated the cost, it was cheaper than moving costs. I hope this helps anyone considering remodeling! 😊 #Today'sMyHome #콘수프기록