ADDITIONS

UPDATING A COLONIAL

The clients left a newer open planned home in McLean because it felt too big. The rooms were not warm and welcoming. They knew when they bought it that their new house in the District was going to need some help:

Problems

1. The floor plan was “chopped up” into small rooms that did not flow together
2. The kitchen was outdated and entirely too small for a family of four plus a large dog
3. There was not enough family living space on the main floor

Goals

1. The clients wanted the renovated house to look like it belonged in their urban neighborhood—so the additions had to be designed with a sense of restraint
2. They wanted a comfortably sized room on the main floor where the family could gather.
3. There had to be large windows “to bring the outside in”
4. They wanted to maintain a formal dining room in the house

Solutions (see floor plans)

• The old kitchen was put to new use as a mud room, laundry room and dog containment area
• The former dining room area was given to the new kitchen—which opened to a family room addition
• Adjoining the family room, the addition also provided space for a new formal dining room with broad views of the yard