SFGate

thislittlehouse Oh definitely open it up! You won't regret having more light and air in your kitchen - it looks quite dark in the pics. Are you going to entirely redo the kitchen? If you want advice on the layout you may need to put up a floor plan so that we can get a sense of adjoining rooms, doors, windows etc.
:) Elise

bonnieth I am so happy that I added a large window to the outside and got rid of my bar to have the kitchen more open to the dining room.

tash2115 Yes I plan to gut it out and do the entire kitchen. I wish I could put in a larger window but I will lose out on cabinetry. I most likely would need to hire a kitchen designer to get it right. I would love more light, or if possible have an island with seating.

Carolina Photo To Go LLC Consult with a contractor. He will tell you if it is a load baring wall and if you can completely take it out or what is necessary to prevent a collapse. But, you are right it would be a great idea to open it up.

tash2115 My contractor was not able to quite tell, but will check again- but that also is a concern for me as well.

judyg If your contractor cannot tell you immediately what is a load bearing wall, you need to get a new contractor. I could tell you what is a load bearing wall; no secret to that.

tash2115 that was funny. I actually didn't' think of the option of opening up the wall, until after- but I don't believe it is-I will have him look to be sure.

Creatively Yours Custom Inc. Where is your current eating area? Is it the bar with the stools? Or do you have an eating area on the other side of that wall?
I too would love the openness of removing that wall but you need to think about an eating area as well so the room design functions right for you and your family.

bonnieth I agree, a good contractor will know what is a load bearing wall. Although mine was, I still got my new window because he added bracing and support......I ended up with MORE cabinet space because I pulled the kitchen into the dining space some. My last cabinets have glass inserts for my china so I don't have to have a china cabinet, only room for the table.

tash2115 yes I have a dining area- I did use the barstool- the kitchen is very small so I think opening it up will allow for more room. I wanted to put a island with cabinetry too just to have additional cabinets in the center as well. I am still playing around with the layout.