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    This classic Chevy Chase kitchen renovation was phase 2 of a project that began with an interior reconfiguration at the rear of the house to convert a small, under-utilized porch into a home office.

    Like many of its era, the existing kitchen was unremarkable—a practical space but lacking personality and ideal functionality. The homeowners, eager to breathe new life into their home, envisioned a kitchen that honored its original charm while stepping confidently into the modern age. 

    Project Details

    Type: Residential kitchen
    Year the home was built: 1920

    before the transformation

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    the project plan

    Kitchen Island

    High on this client's wish list was to install an island to serve as a gathering spot they felt their kitchen desperately needed. However, the available space presented a challenge: a full-sized island was out of the question, and expanding the footprint wasn’t an option. Instead, we designed a clever built-in island-table hybrid—a cozy perch that brought both functionality and a touch of intimacy to the space.

    Beyond White

    In addition to opening up the space, these clients had a bold vision for the cabinets, craving something dramatic and far from the standard white. After exploring options, we landed on a stunning green-gray-taupe shade, a choice that exuded sophistication while complementing the home’s character.

    Respecting the Home's architecture

    We preserved the original millwork and the timeless window and door casings. The husband, in particular, was adamant about keeping the triple window above the sink, its vintage charm outweighing the allure of modern energy-efficient replacements. This careful balance of old and new brought their dream kitchen to life—a space that feels both rooted in history and alive with fresh possibilities.

    the transformation

    The floor plan before and after

    Modernizing a 1920s Kitchen Before and After

     

    Transforming a Disjointed Layout into a Cohesive Workspace 

    The kitchen's original layout was a maze of five doors, disrupting the space's flow and functionality.

    To create a more cohesive environment, the redesign cut that number down to three, opening up the area for better circulation, additional counter space, and more cabinetry.

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    Designing a Functional "Islet" for a Compact Kitchen 

    The homeowner’s dream was to have an island, but with limited space and no possibility of expanding the footprint, the idea of a traditional island seemed impossible.

    That’s when the designers had an innovative solution: a “perching” counter. Smaller than a full-sized island, this clever “islet” gave the homeowners exactly what they were missing—a compact, functional space to gather and work without crowding the room.

    Reshaping the Space for Efficiency 

    The original walk-in pantry was oversized but inefficient, offering more floor space than actual storage. We reimagined this area, creating a dedicated coffee and beverage bar while also recessing the refrigerator. This allowed us to upgrade to a 48-inch wide fridge, replacing the standard 36-inch model. At the same time, we freed up just enough room to install a compact mini-island, adding both function and style.

    A small but impactful change came with relocating the doorway to the rear hall. By shifting it a few inches and narrowing its width slightly, we created space for a five-foot section of shallow shelves—perfect for pantry use. The shallow design ensures easy access to everything, eliminating the frustration of deep shelves where items can get lost in the back.

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    Maximizing Visual Appeal with a Clear Sightline

    We removed the door between the kitchen and the center hallway, creating an open sightline that now draws the eye seamlessly from the foyer. The previous doorway was a visual disruption, but now, with the beautiful living room to the left and the charming dining room to the right, the space feels much more inviting.

    Showcasing Exceptional Craftsmanship 

    We began by removing the existing soffit to make room for taller cabinets. Then, we built a new soffit to cap the cabinets, creating space for elegant crown molding.

    To complement the high ceilings and capture the timeless style of a 1920s kitchen, we added a detailed crown molding above the cabinets, completing the space’s aesthetic.

     

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    Overcoming Obstacles

    Gaining Valuable Floor Space Inch by Inch

    We made precise adjustments to gain significant improvements in functionality while modernizing the space. By reconfiguring the pantry closet, we maximized its utility, making it more versatile and efficient. Shifting the refrigerator just a few inches created more valuable floor space.

    Solving the Uneven Floor Dilemma Without Leveling

    The floors were uneven, but the clients didn’t want to level them, as it would have resulted in a two-inch height difference between the kitchen and the adjoining dining room. To address this, we replaced the slide-in range with a freestanding one and adjusted the cabinet heights to minimize the visual gap, creating a more harmonious flow across the kitchen.

    The final result

    The completed kitchen renovation has turned a once cramped and outdated space into an open, functional, and visually stunning area. Now, the homeowners have a welcoming environment where they can comfortably entertain family and friends, creating a space that perfectly suits their needs and encourages social gatherings.

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    Home renovation discovery session

    Our home renovation discovery sessions are organized around you: your needs, style preferences, and desire to make the home you have the best it can be.

    You can expect our staff to ask many questions, listen, and provide you with actionable information. We’ll help you prioritize, get a clear sense of the project scope, and help you gain a sense of your budget. Everything you need to know to take the next step in your home renovation.

    Schedule Now