Open-concept kitchens: How to turn three rooms into one

When Natalie Hodgins and her husband bought their 1910 townhouse, it had a separate living room, dining room and kitchen — but they were all tiny. "I was always shut away in the galley kitchen listening to everyone else having a great time," says Natalie. The couple lived in the house with both of their children and a dog for two years before attempting any improvements. "It helped me understand how we use the space," she says. To open up the kitchen and dining area, they knocked down walls, installed an island and added a sliding glass door for brightness. Now the family uses this room more than any other. "It's small, but we use all of it. My kids do their homework at the table while I cook. It's where we eat and entertain."