Hi!
We are in the process of renovating our kitchen and are considering opening up one of the walls a bit. We thought the bottom edge of the opening should start about 110 cm from the floor and the top edge of the opening at the same height as the current door frame. The opening should be about 80 cm wide. (see the picture.) At the top, we would like to have spotlights if possible.
We would be very grateful if anyone could provide tips and advice on how we can proceed.
/Sofie
We are in the process of renovating our kitchen and are considering opening up one of the walls a bit. We thought the bottom edge of the opening should start about 110 cm from the floor and the top edge of the opening at the same height as the current door frame. The opening should be about 80 cm wide. (see the picture.) At the top, we would like to have spotlights if possible.
We would be very grateful if anyone could provide tips and advice on how we can proceed.
/Sofie
Hello! We know that it's not a load-bearing wall and electrical wires shouldn't be an issue either. I might also mention that the walls are made of plasterboard.
/Sofie
/Sofie
I would have taken a regular saw and cut open the hole. Then insert new joists edge-to-edge around the opening (which are screwed into the panels) and finally cover the edges with plaster, paneling, or whatever you want.
The spotlights require some consideration both regarding the electrical wiring and installation (distance to combustible materials, etc.), so it's best to start by drawing a small plan and then bring in the electrician for some consultation. Most likely, the wiring is best done when the wall is "open."
I would also have extended the new lower cross joist a bit further past the edge of the hole (as much as the existing joists allow) to provide some extra lateral stability in the lower part.
The spotlights require some consideration both regarding the electrical wiring and installation (distance to combustible materials, etc.), so it's best to start by drawing a small plan and then bring in the electrician for some consultation. Most likely, the wiring is best done when the wall is "open."
I would also have extended the new lower cross joist a bit further past the edge of the hole (as much as the existing joists allow) to provide some extra lateral stability in the lower part.
It's fine to saw with a regular old handsaw, that's not hard to cut. Cpalms's suggestion sounds great. However, I would place the spotlights under a "shelf" that runs over the new opening and the door. The wall seems a bit too thin to install spotlights in.
Thanks for all the great tips! The idea of putting spots on a shelf sounds good. Now it's just a matter of getting my partner to work! 
It would be fun to see some pictures when it's finished, maybe from the construction period too, if you feel like it... :
//Mikael
//Mikael
That's exactly how I want it! Super nice!