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Since 1997, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath has been the leading kitchen and bath remodeler in the DMV area, known for its unique and thoughtful designs that perfectly balance function and beauty. One of our recent standout projects, designed by Scott Stultz, showcases this expertise through a kitchen transformation that marries classical elegance, industrial chic, and modernist elements in a charming 1930s Cape Cod-style stone house in Washington, DC.
The homeowners loved their home’s vintage charm, but their 12' x 12' kitchen was cramped and outdated, having last been remodeled decades ago. They dreamed of a space that not only functioned as a chef’s kitchen but also allowed for socializing. The challenge was how to fit more storage, bigger appliances, and better workspaces into just 144 square feet without crowding the room.
Scott Stultz, one of JGKB’s top designers, embraced this challenge with creativity and precision. Reflecting on the design, he says, “Think of a dialogue among three different characters—Classical, Industrial Chic, and Modernist—set against a quiet backdrop.”
Reimagining the Space
The first step was reclaiming space by relocating a closet function that previously took up valuable kitchen real estate. But even after this adjustment, space was tight. The key to success was keeping the original cabinetry footprint while integrating thoughtful upgrades.
A new Wolf 36" gas range was placed strategically so that the adjacent peninsula became a generously sized prep area that also offers counter-height seating on the hallway side, perfect for casual dining or social gatherings. The sink countertop, made of sleek Pure White quartz, extends to the floor on both ends, creating a seamless design that houses base cabinets and an integrated Miele dishwasher.
The cabinetry around the sink, range, and peninsula was designed in white, with simple yet elegant framed flat panel doors and drawer fronts. To maintain a clean, modern aesthetic, the drawers feature minimalist brushed nickel knobs and pulls from Colonial Bronze. The backdrop for this area is an elongated white glass tile from Architectural Ceramics, set in a running bond pattern. The tile extends to the ceiling behind the range, adding a luminous effect to the once-dingy kitchen. By eliminating the crown molding from the ceiling line, the space feels visually larger and more open.
The Showpiece: A Stunning Mahogany Armoire
While the kitchen’s white surfaces and minimalistic design bring brightness and simplicity, the real star of the room is the stunning contrast created by a rich mahogany armoire. This bold piece is designed in a Georgian Revival style, inspired by the late 19th-century work of Stanford White. The armoire, with its birds-eye maple raised panels, is accented by oversized, modern wire-wrapped brass pulls.
Not just a design statement, the armoire conceals an integrated Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer column, as well as a food pantry with a built-in microwave. The piece serves as both a functional appliance storage unit and an elegant feature that speaks to the homeowners' refined tastes in art and antiques. The result feels like a curated piece from a museum gallery, adding depth and sophistication to the kitchen.
A Balanced Blend of Styles
This kitchen is a perfect example of how JGKB designers, like Scott Stultz, blend different styles to create a harmonious and functional space. The crisp, modern white cabinetry and the classic mahogany armoire engage in a striking dialogue, balancing light and dark, old and new, simplicity and detail.
The result is a kitchen that feels spacious and bright while offering ample storage and workspaces, all in just 144 square feet. It’s a space designed for cooking, entertaining, and everyday living—a true reflection of the homeowners' lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.