Before & After: A Sandy Springs Kitchen Renovation + Main Level Transformation
By Live&Gather Co. | Sandy Springs Interior Designer
The first time I walked this Sandy Springs home with our clients, it was clear the layout wasn’t doing them any favors. They love to entertain, but the main level made even small gatherings feel complicated. The kitchen functioned as a pass-through; the rooms didn’t connect in a meaningful way, and with the pool construction happening alongside the renovation, it became obvious that a single distant backyard exit wasn’t nearly enough. Guests would stack up at that single doorway, creating congestion every time they entertained.
Beyond the flow issues, their biggest wish was simple: a kitchen with an island. But within the existing footprint, it felt impossible.
Before: A Main Level That Couldn’t Support the Way They Lived
The original layout created unnecessary friction:
The galley kitchen sat directly in the circulation path
The backyard had only one far access point
The rooms lacked both definition and connection
There was no space for an island, at least not without a rethink
Nothing was broken, but nothing was aligned with how they wanted to live.
The Design Approach: Add Structure, Not Chaos
Many older Atlanta home remodeling projects default to removing walls, but this home needed the opposite. Adding a few well-placed walls and defining openings gave the entire main level clarity.
We introduced character by designing graceful arched transitions that created a sense of architectural intention. With stronger boundaries, the rooms finally supported one another instead of competing.
Sometimes the best way to open a home is to give it more structure.
After: A Kitchen Built for Hosting and a Main Level That Flows, Inside and Out!
The relocated kitchen now includes everything they once assumed they didn’t have space for:
A well-scaled island that anchors the room and encourages gathering
Custom banquette seating that makes casual meals feel cozy and intimate without obstructing the path of travel in the kitchen
Floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinets for organized, intentional storage
A transition space with a wet bar that connects the kitchen, den, garage, and pool area
A second doorway to the backyard and pool, totally transforming indoor-outdoor flow
A relocated formal dining room, accessible from both the entryway foyer and the kitchen
Suddenly, the kitchen is no longer a bottleneck; it’s a welcoming and defined space that connects naturally to the rest of the main level.
The Transition Space: The Small Change That Made the Biggest Impact
Creating a central transition space changed the entire rhythm of the home. The new wet bar corridor became the pivot point the entire floor plan was missing. It links the foyer, family room, kitchen, and pool in one smooth circulation loop. By adding a wall that separates the transition space from the kitchen, guests naturally move between spaces without interrupting the work zone in the kitchen, and hosting feels more intuitive than before. And because a new door leading to the back yard and the wet bar sits right in the middle of it all, it’s become the go-to stop for grabbing a drink before heading outside or settling into the family room.
A Fresh Take on Sandy Springs Kitchen Remodeling
This renovation demonstrates the impact of thoughtful space planning with the right interior design team. By considering how the homeowners and their loved ones actually live, we were able to reimagine the main level in a way that supports everyday life, entertaining, and smooth indoor–outdoor flow. Every design decision, from room placement to circulation to functional hubs like the transition space, was made to improve how they live, not just how the home looks.
For anyone exploring a kitchen renovation, Atlanta home remodeling, or Sandy Springs kitchen remodeling, this project shows how intentional design can transform a home while making daily life feel effortless. If you’re considering an Atlanta kitchen renovation and want a large-scale transformation that’s elevated, personal, and completely stress-free, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life.
Ready to reimagine your space? Schedule a discovery call to start your stress-free transformation.
