Open-Concept Kitchen Design Ideas in North Atlanta
Since 1984, Simone Feldman has helped homeowners around Roswell, Ga. open up their floor plans, remove walls safely, and create kitchens that flow naturally into living and dining spaces. Schedule a consultation to explore smart, open-concept solutions and see why Simone’s thoughtful designs and seamless installs have earned her such an outstanding reputation.
Open-Concept Kitchens That Truly Work
When you search for "open concept kitchen ideas near me", you need more than a crew with a sledgehammer. You need a design expert who understands structure, traffic flow, acoustics, sightlines, and storage—so your new space feels connected yet purposeful.
You want a designer who studies how your family moves between the kitchen, dining area, and family room; who plans the island for prep, seating, and serving; and who knows how to balance fewer upper cabinets with smarter pantry walls and drawers. You also want a pro who phases work so you can function during construction—especially when a wall is coming down—keeping meal prep and daily routines manageable.
That’s where Simone Feldman starts. Every time.
Simone Feldman Designs is a residential kitchen design and remodeling firm based in Roswell, Georgia, serving homeowners throughout Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Cumming, and surrounding North Atlanta communities.
With more than 40 years in architectural design and construction and a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) credential through the National Kitchen & Bath Association, Simone brings expertise that most kitchen remodel contractors can’t match. Whether you envision a light, airy layout with clean lines, a warm open plan with natural wood and stone, or a chef-forward space that anchors your great room, Simone designs around how you cook, entertain, and gather—so the entire main level works as one.
What an Open-Concept Kitchen Really Requires
Many homeowners are surprised by what it takes to create a successful open layout. New finishes—cabinets, counters, backsplash, fixtures, lighting—are only part of it. The real work happens behind the scenes to make your kitchen, dining, and living areas function as a cohesive whole:
▸ Space planning and circulation — defining clear zones for cooking, dining, and lounging; sizing and positioning the island; aligning walkways and sightlines so traffic flows effortlessly
▸ Plumbing modifications — relocating the sink to an island or window wall, adding a prep sink or beverage center, and rerouting supply and drain lines to suit the new plan
▸ Electrical and lighting — adding circuits for induction or double ovens, integrating layered lighting across the great room (ambient, task, accent), and placing code-compliant outlets discreetly
▸ Structural engineering — assessing load-bearing walls, installing beams or columns, coordinating with HVAC to preserve ceiling heights, and refining window/door openings to invite light
▸ Flooring continuity — leveling subfloors across rooms, resolving transitions, and addressing moisture before installing wide-plank wood, tile, or luxury vinyl throughout
▸ Ventilation strategy — specifying a quiet, powerful hood and proper ducting to control odors and grease in a shared living space
Orchestrating all of this takes a professional fluent in both design and construction. Simone’s background spans architectural study, decades owning a design/build firm (1984–2008), and long-standing partnerships with top North Atlanta trades. She doesn’t just sketch a beautiful open kitchen—she coordinates engineers, obtains permits, and ensures every beam, cabinet, and connection is executed correctly in your home.
Open-Concept Kitchen Specialists | Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) & Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
Simone Feldman Designs delivers open-concept kitchens that balance flow, storage, and style. With CKD and CAPS credentials through the NKBA and HBA, we plan spaces that look stunning on day one and stay livable for decades—comfortable for everyday family life, entertaining, and aging in place. From right-sizing islands and pantry walls to managing acoustics, lighting, and durable finishes, our team tailors every detail so your kitchen, dining, and living areas work seamlessly together.
Curious about budget drivers like beam sizing, floor leveling, and appliance upgrades? Learn about Kitchen Remodeling Cost
How Simone Designs Open-Concept Kitchens
Simone’s method is intentionally detailed—because smart planning around structure, storage, and circulation determines how well an open layout performs. Here’s what it’s like to work with her from the first call through your finished, free-flowing kitchen:
Step 1: Discovery Consultation
Before drawing begins, Simone meets you in your current space to understand how the kitchen connects—or doesn’t—to adjacent rooms. She studies movement between the cook zone, dining area, and family room, watches how the island is used, evaluates natural light and views, and notes where storage is lacking if upper cabinets go away.
She asks what feels cramped or blocked—like a bottleneck by the fridge or a wall that interrupts conversation—and listens to how you really live: kids doing homework at the island, pets underfoot, frequent entertaining, or quiet mornings for two. She identifies lighting gaps, noise concerns, and clutter hotspots, then prioritizes solutions that make an open-concept plan effortless day to day.
Step 2: Space Planning and Layout Design
In an open-concept kitchen, layout is everything. Simone designs clear zones for prep, cooking, cleanup, and serving, then aligns them with seating and circulation so guests can mingle without crossing into hot or messy areas. She fine-tunes appliance placement for function and sightlines, ensuring the cook faces the action, not a wall.
She determines the ideal island size and shape for seating on one or two sides, considers a banquette or extended table connection, and balances fewer upper cabinets with a highly organized pantry wall and deep drawer storage. Using 3D imaging, Simone shows you beams, columns, lighting layers, cabinet styles, and surface choices—so you can visualize views from the entry, family room, and dining area before any materials are ordered.
Step 3: Material and Finish Selection
Selecting finishes for an open kitchen that blends with your living and dining areas can feel daunting. Simone makes it straightforward—clarifying how continuous flooring visually unifies rooms, which countertop materials perform best on large, social islands, how matte versus glossy surfaces impact glare and fingerprints, and when panel‑ready appliances or low‑profile hoods preserve clean sightlines.
Together, you’ll choose door profiles and drawer organization, decide between open shelves, a full‑height pantry wall, or glass uppers to showcase the space, and size pendants and island seating for comfort and code. Every decision is coordinated with adjacent rooms—colors, textures, and layered lighting—so the entire open plan feels intentional, balanced, and truly yours.
Step 4: Contractor Coordination and Construction
With more than forty years designing kitchens across Atlanta, Simone partners with trusted structural engineers, framers, finish carpenters, plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists, tile installers, and flooring pros who understand the precision open‑concept spaces demand—quiet ventilation, flush floor transitions, and crisp beam and ceiling details.
She assembles the right team for your project, personally introduces each trade before work begins, and stays hands‑on throughout construction—verifying beam placement and posts match the plan, relocating plumbing and electrical to islands, aligning recessed lighting with seating zones, and protecting surrounding rooms with dust control and floor coverings. She also helps you set up a temporary kitchenette so essentials stay accessible while the heart of your home is being opened up.
Step 5: Final Walkthrough and Completion
Simone considers an open‑concept kitchen complete only when it works beautifully from every angle. During the final walkthrough, she confirms soft‑close hardware operates smoothly, checks paint and trim where rooms now connect, verifies GFCI‑protected outlets and island power, calibrates dimmers and layered lighting, and confirms ventilation and appliance clearances. Any punch‑list items are resolved promptly so your new kitchen feels seamless with adjacent spaces and supports the way you cook, entertain, and live.
Why Certification Matters in a Kitchen Designer
Because the title “kitchen designer” isn’t regulated in Georgia, proven credentials matter. The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) credential verifies mastery of space planning, building codes, construction methods, and ethics. For open‑concept projects, that expertise extends to aisle and seating clearances, lighting and electrical loads, ventilation strategies, and coordination with structural engineering—earned through documented experience, rigorous examinations, and ongoing education.
Simone has held her CKD for decades and served the NKBA Georgia Chapter as Vice President of Educational Programs. When you’re comparing a contractor who uses the designer label with a professional who invested a career earning and maintaining that credential, the difference is significant—especially for open‑plan renovations that impact structure, systems, and the heart of your home.
Open-Concept Kitchen Design Ideas
Opening your kitchen to adjoining rooms reshapes how your home lives—improving flow, natural light, and connection. At Simone Feldman Designs, open‑concept plans are tailored to how you cook, host, and relax, aligning storage, seating, and sightlines with your routines.
Explore kitchen styles that translate beautifully to open plans:
- Modern Kitchens – Clean lines, sleek cabinets, minimal clutter, and contemporary finishes.
- Traditional Kitchens – Warm wood tones, decorative details, and timeless design elements.
- Transitional Kitchens – A blend of modern and traditional styles for a balanced, versatile look.
- Farmhouse Kitchens – Comfortable, inviting spaces with natural textures and classic charm.
- Contemporary Kitchen Design – Sophisticated layouts featuring current design trends, streamlined finishes, bold accents, and functional spaces designed for modern living.
- Small Kitchen Design – Smart layouts that maximize storage, improve functionality, and create visual openness in compact kitchen spaces.
- Large Kitchen Design – Spacious kitchens designed with oversized islands, expanded prep areas, additional seating, and improved flow for entertaining and everyday use.
- Kitchen Island Design – Custom kitchen islands that provide additional storage, seating, prep space, and visual interest while improving the overall functionality of the kitchen.
- Open-Concept Kitchens – Designed to improve flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
- Chef-Inspired Kitchens – Functional layouts with large islands, premium appliances, and added workspace.
Understanding Open-Concept Kitchen Layouts
Open layouts vary by home and lifestyle. Common options include:
- L-shaped kitchens
- U-shaped kitchens
- Galley kitchens
- Island-centered kitchens
- Open floor plan designs
A thoughtfully designed open kitchen improves storage, workflow, lighting, and acoustics while keeping the cook connected to conversations and activities in nearby spaces.
Learn more about the different Types of Kitchen Design to see how each can adapt to an open layout—and connect with Simone to begin planning your space.
Open-Concept Kitchen Design Ideas That Fit Your Life
The Impact of Thoughtful Open-Concept Planning
Opening up walls reshapes how you cook, gather, and move through your home. Smart zoning for prep, cooking, and seating; clear sight lines; and abundant natural light make everyday tasks easier and entertaining effortless. Layered lighting and discreet power solutions keep the space practical without visual clutter.
With Simone guiding space planning, structural coordination, and finish selections, your open kitchen will flow seamlessly with adjacent rooms and stand up to real life. Investing in durable surfaces, resilient flooring, well-built cabinetry, and properly engineered support ensures long-term performance with timeless style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open-Concept Kitchen Basics
How long does an open-concept kitchen project usually take?
Most open-plan transformations take between ten and fourteen weeks, depending on structural changes, permits, and design complexity.
Can I remain in my home during construction?
In most cases, yes. We set up a temporary kitchenette, contain dust, and schedule noisy structural work to keep your home livable.
Do you help with choosing materials and finishes?
Absolutely. We curate cabinetry, countertops, flooring, fixtures, and layered lighting that unify the kitchen with adjoining spaces and perform beautifully every day.
How are unexpected issues handled?
When hidden conditions arise—like undersized beams or rerouted HVAC—we explain options and costs, then implement engineered solutions you can trust.
Can you design around a specific budget?
Yes. We prioritize scope—such as wall removal and beam work—then tailor islands, appliances, and finishes to fit your investment.
Ready to Plan Your Open-Concept Kitchen?
If you’ve been searching for kitchen renovation near you and you’re ready to talk to someone who truly knows what she’s doing, Simone Feldman is that person. She’s been designing and overseeing open-concept kitchen renovations in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, and across North Atlanta for more than 40 years. She holds the highest kitchen design credentials available, collaborates with structural pros to remove walls safely, and ensures every cabinet, appliance, and finish works seamlessly in the new flow.
Call (404) 386‑9487 or send a message to schedule your initial consultation. Let’s start with a real conversation about your kitchen—and how it can be completely transformed into an open, light-filled space that connects cooking, dining, and living while working effortlessly and simply feeling right.
