Skip to main content

Creating a Spacious Kitchen for a Growing Family

When Madison and Mike Will learned that they were pregnant, they looked around at their 1,400-square foot ranch built in the 1930s and scratched their heads. They yearned for a more spacious kitchen and determined their only options were to add on or move. Then they connected with Kyle Nicholas, owner of Nicholas Construction. Nicholas worked closely with his in-house designer, Laura Sherrell, to offer a solution.

“Laura and I crafted a design that ultimately worked better for the Wills from both a budgetary and commuting standpoint,” Nicholas says.

Since the owners loved their current location, Nicholas and Sherrell’s plan appealed to them. Plus, they adored their proposed design, which included opening up the floorplan by removing several walls and closing one walkway.

“I call it a lifestyle remodel because we altered the entire flow of the house,” Nicholas says. “We removed two load-bearing walls, and, counter-intuitive to today’s trend, we closed one wall to create an office. We had to redo the design and layout of both the dining room and family room to accommodate the new kitchen layout.”

These days, homeowners crave large islands where friends and family can gather round for conversation. The old kitchen’s footprint was 12×7 feet so adding a 9×5 foot island would have taken up 75 to 80 percent of the kitchen. Nicholas prides himself on being that visionary who can improve an existing space.

The Wills already worked long hours and weren’t keen on moving north and adding commute time, which would mean more time away from their son. Nicholas’ new floorplan, however, provides ample space and room for the family to grow.

The owners recently held a one-year birthday party for their baby, inviting 65 guests.

“The previous floorplan could never have accommodated 65 guests, but this new one did beautifully,” Nicholas says. “It was fun hearing how astonished the family and friends were with the new space.”

Looking to remodel or build? Nicholas Construction has in-house designers, making them a one-stop shop for your project. Give Nicholas Construction a call today at 317-607-9465 or visit them online at Nicholas-Construction.com.

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

share

ABOUT

FORMA is a quarterly print publication and digital media platform that explores design, space, and the human experience. Rooted in Central Indiana but crafted with national relevance, FORMA curates meaningful stories from the world of architecture, interiors, real estate, and creative living. We spotlight the thinkers, makers, and spaces shaping how we live, build, and belong. FORMA is a platform for discovery, dialogue, and design-forward living.

FORMA HQ

1020 Clinton St.
Suite 210
Noblesville, IN 46060


FORMA

©2026 FORMA Indianapolis. All rights reserved. PART OF THE AGM FAMILY OF BRANDS. SITEMAP

Privacy Preference Center