How to Get the Biggest “Wow” in One Renovation
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation and remodel in the Montgomery County, PA area then you’re probably thinking about cabinets, countertops, appliances and a layout that is both functional and tasteful. But many homeowners discover something mid-project:
Yes, a new kitchen looks incredible… however the first floor of their home still feels cluttered, cramped, and unfinished.
That’s where a “Kitchen Plus” renovation comes in! It’s a typical kitchen renovation that includes one or more high-impact adjacent spaces so you get the biggest transformation for the best value, in one coordinated project. This is where the Custom Craft award winning team really shines.
What is a “Kitchen Plus” renovation?
A Kitchen Plus renovation expands your scope just enough to solve the everyday problems that kitchen-only remodels often can’t fix. Instead of doing a kitchen now and “maybe later” tackling the rest, you plan it as one smart, one-and-done project.
Common Kitchen Plus combinations we design and build in Montgomery County include:
- Kitchen + Mudroom
- Kitchen + Walk-in Pantry
- Kitchen + Butler’s Pantry with Beverage Station
- Kitchen + Laundry Room Upgrade
- Kitchen + Half Bath Refresh
- Kitchen + Open Concept
Our goal: more function, better flow, and a bigger “before-and-after” impact, without turning your renovation into a never-ending series of projects.
Why “one-and-done” is often the most cost-effective approach
Many homeowners assume adding another space means the renovation becomes unaffordable. In reality, splitting projects into phases can cost more over time.
A Kitchen Plus or even a full first floor renovation plan can reduce repeat expenses such as:
- multiple rounds of demo, dust control, and job setup
- duplicate permitting and scheduling
- rework caused by “we’ll do that later” decisions
- repeated disruption to your daily routine
When your kitchen connects directly to a tight entryway, outdated half bath, or undersized pantry, addressing that bottleneck at the same time can be the most efficient (and satisfying) way to renovate.
Many of our Custom Craft clients have opted for more than just a kitchen renovation, they have done a Kitchen Plus by opening walls and moving to an open concept. When meeting with prospective clients we encourage them to think beyond the kitchen footprint for that first floor renovation “wow” factor.
Below is a list of kitchen plus combos we love and links to some of our favorite projects. If these projects are speaking to you, let’s book a discovery call to see how our team can design your dream space.
Kitchen + Mudroom:
solve clutter at the source
If backpacks, shoes, pet supplies, and mail constantly land in the kitchen, you don’t just need more cabinets, you need a drop zone.
A well-designed mudroom area can include:
- closed storage that hides the chaos
- a bench + hooks for daily routines
- durable, easy-clean flooring
- smart traffic flow
This is one of the fastest ways to make your entire first floor feel cleaner and calmer.
Kitchen + Mudroom:
solve clutter at the source
If backpacks, shoes, pet supplies, and mail constantly land in the kitchen, you don’t just need more cabinets, you need a drop zone.
A well-designed mudroom area can include:
- closed storage that hides the chaos
- a bench + hooks for daily routines
- durable, easy-clean flooring
- smart traffic flow
This is one of the fastest ways to make your entire first floor feel cleaner and calmer.
Kitchen + Laundry:
reclaim workflow and reduce everyday stress
Laundry rooms often get overlooked, but they’re one of the most-used spaces in the home. Combining your kitchen remodel with a laundry room upgrade can:
- improve storage and organization
- convert a small space to a maximized planned space
- eliminate laundry piles in living areas
- create better circulation and utility planning
Even a modest laundry refresh can make the whole renovation feel more complete.
Kitchen + Butler’s pantry / Beverage station:
the hosting upgrade
If you entertain (even casually), a dedicated beverage or serving area adds instant luxury, and a ton of function. Some of the most popular features include:
- beverage fridge or wine storage
- coffee bar with outlets and appliance storage
- glassware + serving piece storage
- a secondary prep zone
It’s a “wow” feature that pays off every week, not just on holidays.
Kitchen + Half bath:
small space, big impression
If your powder room is near the kitchen (and it usually is), it becomes part of the guest experience. Updating a half bath during a kitchen renovation project can be surprisingly efficient, especially if plumbing locations are similar.
It’s one of the simplest ways to make your home feel cohesive: no “new kitchen next to a dated bath” disconnect.
How to pick the right “Plus” for your home
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Montgomery County, start with these questions:
- What’s the real frustration? Is it: clutter, traffic flow, lack of storage, limited space to host or functional for daily routines?
- Where is the bottleneck? Yes, there may be more than one… but know where it is. The entry, pantry, laundry, half bath, dining connection. Hint, it’s usually a space touching the kitchen.
What’s the one upgrade that changes your life the most? Kitchen Plus works best when it’s not “five extra rooms.” It’s one or two strategic additions that transform how your home functions.
Kitchen Plus = bigger impact, smarter investment
A beautiful kitchen matters. But the biggest transformations happen when the kitchen is designed as part of a system: how you enter the home, where you drop your stuff, how you store food, how you host, and how you move through the space.
That’s why a “Kitchen Plus” is often the best path for homeowners who are planning a kitchen renovation and want:
- the most “complete” result for the budget
- a dramatic before-and-after
- better daily function (not just a pretty finish)
- a renovation plan that feels worth the disruption
Ready to explore all that Custom Craft’s award-winning team has to offer? Book a Kitchen Discovery Call.
Not ready for a Discover Call but this article got you excited for what your space can be?
BONUS: Kitchen Plus FAQ
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Montgomery County, PA?
– Costs vary widely based on layout changes, cabinetry level, and scope. A Kitchen Plus project can be a smart way to concentrate your investment into one major improvement rather than multiple smaller projects spread over years.
Is it worth adding a pantry or mudroom to a kitchen renovation?
– Yes! Especially if counters are always cluttered or traffic flow feels tight. These additions often improve day-to-day livability more than upgrading finishes alone.
What’s the best layout improvement for older Montgomery County homes?
– Many older homes benefit from better circulation between the kitchen, dining area, and entry. Sometimes that’s an open concept change; other times it’s smarter storage and defined drop zones.
Can I remodel the kitchen and a half bath at the same time?
– Often, yes, and it can be efficient if the half bath is adjacent or nearby, especially when planning trades and schedules.
