Alexandria, VA

The client’s classic traditional home, which is situated on the Potomac River and surrounded by manicured gardens, was not matched by their outdated, dark, cramped kitchen. Our goal was to match the sophistication of the rest of the home while creating a more open and brighter kitchen. The kitchen was originally cut short by a narrow hallway, closet and mudroom leading to the backyard. By taking down the walls of the hallway and adding the mudroom to the kitchen footprint, the kitchen proper nearly doubled in size. The previous mudroom served the purpose of the family dog’s room, which we incorporated in the new design by adding a doggie drawer complete with a food and water bowl encased in Corian. The entire side wall of the old mudroom became pantry storage with a pull out mechanism and an abundance of roll out shelves. The back wall, which has a clear view from living room became what looks like an elegant credenza leading the backyard, but also serves as valuable storage. The new kitchen footprint allowed us to create a feature wall with the range and hood. The Calcutta gold marble back splash sets beautifully under a classic hood design. The main sink remained under a large window overlooking the backyard and is flanked by glass cabinets with a custom curved mullion. The client loved the look of a farm house sink, but not the maintenance trouble they can cause. Instead we designed a marble front sink with a stainless under mount sink, giving the look of a farm sink, but the convenience of an under mount sink. The center island completes the kitchen by adding a warm color tone in the walnut top, which compliments the warm undertones of the Calcutta, and traditional detailing in the turned legs.

Designed by #JGKB. Photography by Bob Narod.