Written by Audrey Arthur
Interior Designer · Audrey Design SRQ · Sarasota, FL · 20+ years experience
Open concept kitchens in Sarasota FL create continuous flow between the kitchen, living room, and dining area — and they’re the most-requested layout change we design. Walk into a newly remodeled Sarasota home and you’ll notice it right away: the walls are gone, the spaces flow together, and it changes how families cook, live, and entertain.
Removing walls between these spaces maximizes natural light, opens sightlines to Sarasota’s pools and lanais, and makes a home feel larger without adding a single square foot. Non-load-bearing wall removal typically costs $1,500–$3,500. Load-bearing wall removal with a steel beam adds $5,000–$12,000. Sarasota County permits are required for any structural change, and we handle that process for every client.
An open concept kitchen and living space designed by Audrey Design SRQ, Sarasota, FL.
Why Open Concept Works So Well in Sarasota
Sarasota homes were built for the Gulf Coast lifestyle, and open concept kitchens match that lifestyle directly. When you remove walls between the kitchen and living area, three things happen fast: natural light fills the space, your view opens up to the lanai or pool, and your home becomes the place where everyone naturally gathers.
That indoor-outdoor connection is everything in Sarasota. Guests can drift from the kitchen island to the pool deck without missing a beat — if you entertain at all, this layout pays for itself in pure enjoyment.
Wall Removal: What’s Load-Bearing and What’s Not
The first question we always hear is: “Can we remove that wall?” The answer is almost always yes, but we check the structure first. Most Sarasota ranch-style homes from the 1970s and 1980s have at least one non-load-bearing wall between the kitchen and living area, and these come down with simple work.
Load-bearing walls are different — they can still be removed, but the job needs a steel beam and proper support, adding $3,000–$8,000 to the project. We pull all required Sarasota County permits and work with licensed engineers on every job, so you’re fully covered. About 70% of the walls our clients want removed turn out to be non-load-bearing — simpler and more affordable than most people expect.
Permit requirements and timelines for structural changes are published directly by Sarasota County’s Building Division, and we coordinate every step of that process so you never have to.
How We Design Sight Lines That Work
Sight lines are the secret to a great open concept kitchen. A sight line is the clear view from one part of your home to another — get them right, and your home feels open and connected; get them wrong, and the layout falls flat. We focus on three key sight lines in every Sarasota kitchen remodel.
Kitchen to Lanai or Pool
This is the most important one for Florida living. The person cooking should be able to see the backyard, so we place the island or prep area to face outward.
Kitchen to Living Room
The cook should never feel cut off. We position the range or island so it faces the living area, letting dinner prep and family time happen at the same time.
Entry to the Outdoors
When guests walk in, they should feel the openness right away. A clear line from the front door through the kitchen and out to the lanai makes a stunning first impression.
“On a recent project near Gulf Gate, the clients had lived in their home for twelve years before opening up the kitchen. The first thing they said after the wall came down was that they could finally see their kids in the pool while making dinner. That’s the whole point of this layout — it’s not really about square footage, it’s about staying connected to your own life.” — Audrey
How We Map Your Kitchen Layout for Better Flow
Flow is how people move through your space. In an open concept kitchen, good flow means the layout feels easy; bad flow means constant traffic jams. We start with the classic kitchen work triangle — sink, range, refrigerator — and build on that with four clear zones: prep, cooking, cleanup, and gathering.
- Leave at least 42 inches of space around all sides of your island — 48 inches if you love to entertain.
- Put the cleanup zone (sink and dishwasher) away from the main path between the living area and the outdoors, so guests won’t pile up in that spot.
- Set the cooking zone slightly back from the open space — the cook gets room to work but stays connected to the room.
Build an Entertaining Space Your Guests Will Love
In Sarasota, entertaining is a year-round sport. The best open concept kitchens aren’t just beautiful — they’re built for how you actually live.
Make the Island the Heart of the Room
A kitchen island with 3 to 5 seats becomes the center of every gathering — guests pull up a chair during parties, holiday dinners, and lazy Sunday mornings. For sizing, seating, and feature recommendations specific to Sarasota homes, see our full Kitchen Island Design Ideas guide.
Control Noise and Cooking Smells
Open layouts carry sound and smells further. We recommend a quiet, powerful range hood — at least 600 CFM — and place appliances to keep noise away from conversation areas.
Layer Your Lighting
Open concept kitchens need three types of light: ambient for overall brightness, task for cooking and prep, and accent for dinner party atmosphere. Pendant lights over the island are both useful and eye-catching.
Use the Same Flooring Throughout
One floor material across the whole space ties the room together and makes it look bigger. Wide-plank wood-look tile is one of the most popular choices in Sarasota open concept homes right now.
What Does This Remodel Cost in Sarasota?
We believe in honest pricing. Here are real ranges from our Sarasota projects.
| Project Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-load-bearing wall removal + patch | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Load-bearing wall removal with beam | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Cosmetic refresh (paint, island, lighting) | $12,000 – $28,000 |
| Full open concept kitchen remodel | $45,000 – $95,000+ |
Every project is different. A Sarasota condo has different needs than a 1970s ranch home in Gulf Gate. We give you a clear, itemized estimate after seeing your space — no vague ballparks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs vary by project. Non-load-bearing wall removal costs $1,500–$3,500. Load-bearing wall removal with a beam runs $5,000–$12,000. A full open concept kitchen remodel costs $45,000–$95,000 or more, while a cosmetic refresh starts around $12,000–$28,000.
Yes. Load-bearing walls can be removed, but they need a steel beam and proper support. We pull all Sarasota County permits and work with licensed engineers. About 70% of walls our clients want removed are non-load-bearing — simpler and more affordable than most expect.
A simple wall removal and refresh takes 2–4 weeks. A full remodel with new cabinets, countertops, and layout changes typically takes 8–14 weeks, depending on permits, materials, and the scope of structural work.
Yes. Open concept layouts are one of the most requested features in the Sarasota real estate market. A well-done remodel can boost resale value and reduce time on market.
Any structural work, including wall removal, requires a building permit from Sarasota County. If the wall is load-bearing, you also need a licensed structural engineer. Audrey Design SRQ handles all permits and inspections for you.
Work With Sarasota’s Trusted Kitchen Design Team
At Audrey Design SRQ, we help Sarasota homeowners reimagine their kitchens, not just remodel them. Fully licensed. Fully insured. We respond within 24 hours.
Call 941-321-9474 — or book your free consultation online here.
Let’s Talk About Your Kitchen
Free consultation. No sales pitch. Just a real conversation about your vision for your Sarasota home.
941-321-9474
Audrey Arthur — Audrey Design SRQ
Interior Designer in Sarasota FL | 20+ Years Experience | Indoor + Outdoor Design SpecialistAudrey Arthur is the founder and principal designer of Audrey Design SRQ, a boutique interior design studio based in Sarasota, Florida. With over 20 years of experience in residential interior and exterior design, Audrey specializes in creating spaces that are as livable as they are beautiful — with a deep focus on indoor-outdoor integration unique to Gulf Coast living. Her work spans Siesta Key, Casey Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, and communities throughout Sarasota County and Manatee County.
📍 Sarasota, FL |
🌐 Read Full Bio |
⭐ View Portfolio on Houzz |
📞 941-321-9474