One of the more popular kitchen remodeling trends is opening up an enclosed kitchen. Removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding an island or peninsula can create an area for kids to do homework, parents to work on a laptop or pay bills and guests to hang out during parties. Although you might be sacrificing cabinet space to do so, in most cases it can be made up with cleaver designs or by adding a pantry.

If you don’t have the space for an island or don’t want to lose as much cabinet space you can knock down half the wall and create a bar area. This allows you to keep your lower cabinets and still gives you a great place to entertain or use as a pseudo office.

Of course if the kitchen layout you have now works for you there’s always the option to reface, re-stain or paint your existing cabinets. Since the cabinets are the most stand out feature of a kitchen changing their color along with a fresh coat of paint on the walls can make your old kitchen look brand new and save a ton of money on a complete remodel.

All in all there are countless ways to create a comfortable cooking area that also functions as a pseudo office. It’s best to meet with someone experienced to go over what options are available that fit within your budget and goals.