Northwest, DC - Kitchen Remodel

Brief Explanation of the Scope of Work

These customers purchased a house built in the mid-1920’s that was designed by the architect for Harry Wardman, one of the most prominent Washington, DC, developers of the 20th century. This one-of-a-kind house is distinguished by its Moorish and Gothic architectural influences.

The clients’ specific requirements & needs were:

1. To combine three existing rooms into one open, light-filled space.

2. To accentuate the architectural character and flair of the house’s windows by mirroring them in the pass-thru.

3. To restore the original nickel pantry sink of great historic value to the owners. This required careful removal, restoration and reinstallation. There was also a radiator located below, which we enclosed with cabinet doors and metal caning.

4. To maintain and open up the original cast-iron spiral staircase to the basement level.

To transform the ambiance of the space with multiple light sources. This was achieved by installing ample recessed lighting and two pendant lights over the peninsula. Sconces were added in the breakfast room, as well as the desk area. Under- and over-cabinet lighting was included, and four glass cabinets were brightened with in-cabinet lighting.

The existing kitchen had 1950s-era counters and was completely separated from the breakfast room and pantry.

The spiral staircase to the basement was shielded by partitions, which broke up the space and shut off light from a west window.

The revised plan opens the space up in all directions. Wrapping the counter out to a peninsula provided the opportunity to create French doors leading from the kitchen to the garden.

The spiral staircase partitions were removed, allowing the staircase to open directly into the space and permitting a view to the pantry. This effectively doubled the visual size of the kitchen and created a bright open plan.

Finally, the breakfast room was connected to the kitchen by opening gothic-shaped windows in the existing wall.

The view to the breakfast room through the new gothic-peaked pass-through further enlarges the sense of space while preserving the intimacy of this informal dining area.
The new French doors are visible at right, just beyond the counter peninsula, which contains the dishwasher.

The main kitchen space, with its cherry cabinets and tile floor, is warm, bright and efficient.

By removing the partitions that boxed in the spiral staircase, the space opens up and visually incorporates the pantry space beyond. The original nickel pantry sink, which provides an historic touch, was extensively cleaned and refurbished to showcase condition.

The old spiral staircase cluttered and cramped the main kitchen space. After the surrounding partitions were removed the existing radiator was built into a matching maple cabinet with granite top.