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i think the very easiest thing you could do that would make it look nicer would be to install a window in it. maybe a many pained window or a really old one for interest.
I'd tear that whole wall out and open up the entire area with a large entrance into the kitchen area.
Keep in mind, you'll have a flooring issue to resolve.
+1, agree... tear out the wall all the way to the edge of the basement door casing. Of course, will need to make sure that it's not a load bearing wall on the corner.
Hmmmmm.....I personally would do one of two things. I would either drywall it and repaint OR I would remove the spindles and all of the wood and have either an etched or frosted glass or a stained glass put in the area (pick out colors and designs that compliment your home). It looks like you do get some light into the room with that opening - and I personally like that in the kitchen. The way it is reminds me of 1970 - I can almost see some green plastic vinery curling up those spindles!! You know - it has been there for 25 years, it isn't horrible, and you could just leave it be. Up to you!!
The way it is reminds me of 1970 - I can almost see some green plastic vinery curling up those spindles!! You know - it has been there for 25 years, it isn't horrible, and you could just leave it be. Up to you!!
Haha! I just had a flash-forward moment: it's the year 2070 and the couple purchasing the home shake their heads in disgust and say, "Why did those people in the 2010s have to destroy everything that gave these homes any character?! That's okay, though, we will restore it to its former glory- now let's see if we can find some of those cool wooden spindles they used to have back in the day!" lol ya never know!
I would open up the entire wall, have a open stairway to the basement and the open floorplan. I would relocate the basement door/stairs to the other side of the wall. It's just poor planning as is. Expensive though. Take the bars out at minimum.
It is the door to the basement. That is an interesting idea I didn't think of. I like it.
IF (and this is a HUGE change so you might want to consider it slowly...) you could change the door to the basement so that it opened to the family room ( about where that duct in the low part of the wall is now...) then you could SIGNIFICANTLY increase the functional space in the kitchen. This is not by itself super costly (maybe a hour of HVAC duct man work, half a day of carpenter's time, half a day for drywall and painters...) so with materially probably under - thousand dollar BUT TO REALLY maximize the value you would need to redo the peninsula in the kitchen and change out cabinet and counters and that could get pricey...
Personally the spindle are the worst of possible options -- sorta like backless shelves as room dividers as that way you can get some functional display / storage space and they would very inexpensive project but without knowing what sorts of furniture layout / uses you plan not sure what makes sense to spend money on...
The spindles are the worst.
Take out as much of the wall as you could, right up to the basement door
Use it as a formal dining room
Get nicer doors on both doors
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