Synopsis: Designer Cyd Coogan and her husband transformed their dark, dated, circa-1959 kitchen into an open, inviting space. Working on the existing kitchen’s layout, the two pushed the design toward flow and function with their sights set on a distinct cottage style. By eliminating the upper row of cabinets, they brought more daylight into the room and enhanced sightlines. Now dishes and glasses are stored on open shelves attached to the exterior wall. By relocating the attic access, they were able to transform a small closet into a pantry. Finally, after moving the dining area to another part of the house, they created a sitting room adjacent to the kitchen.

Fort Collins, Colo., designer Cyd Coogan didn’t have to search hard or look far to find someone to transform her own dark, dated, circa-1959 kitchen into an open, inviting space. The task of transforming concepts into cabinets was left to her husband, Dan, who isn’t a carpenter by trade but rather an accounting-software consultant. Perhaps that’s reason enough why the cost of their kitchen renovation came in below their $20,000 budget.

By bringing both of their talents to the table — including Dan’s newfound construction prowess — the two were able to renew life to the heart of their home. Working on the existing kitchen’s layout, the two pushed the design toward flow and function with their sights set on a distinct cottage style.

The search for the one element that informs a design can be elusive. Often, answers are found not in a large addition, but rather in the simple rearrangement of spaces. Moving the dining room to a part of the house with better views and transforming the space adjacent to the kitchen into a sitting room helped to set the tone for much of the overall design. The couple wanted the kitchen to be an extension of the living space. The design strikes a balance of utility and comfort.