Bethesda, MD - Kitchen Renovation

NARI CotY "Finalist" Award Winner 2007

Brief Explanation of the Scope of Work

The kitchen redesign of this split-level Bethesda Maryland rambler was the centerpiece of this Landis Construction remodeling project. Our retired “sixty-something” owners wanted to transform their dreary looking kitchen and dining room into an eye--popping experience. They wanted a space that retained the same footprint, yet maximized circulation, light and efficiency. ( See before and after views below).

The project also included complementary space enhancements that improved the function of the entire structure-- expanding the foyer area (a visitor would step from the foyer to the kitchen), adding a powder room, enlarging the carport to create a two car garage, a tool shed and work/hobby area, and creating display niches with artistic lighting for the wife’s collection of antique, Victorian bottles. Easy access and convenience for this busy, boomer couple also required the relocation of the laundry room from the basement to the first floor level. A garage utility area was transformed into a combination laundry, ironing and mud room, that opens into the kitchen.

Unusual Constraints/Challenges & Creative Solutions

Opening up the kitchen to the existing dining room in the back of the house, while maintaining the same footprint of the kitchen was the design challenge! The kitchen space , limited by walls and doors, was too small. One door was the only connection to the dining area, as shown in the picture above.

Landis Construction began by removing the wall separating the kitchen and dining areas. Instantly these two limited areas became inviting and spacious. Landis decided to build only a peninsula to separate both spaces, and to install a pocket door between the foyer and the kitchen. The owners would have a choice to keep the area open or to close the door for privacy.

The design created a certain continuity in the flow of traffic from the foyer, through the kitchen to the dining area. The original foyer, an uninviting small, cold area was re-designed to complement the dramatic kitchen and dining areas.

Originally, the foyer offered little privacy from the rest of the house. The creative solution? Landis Construction bumped the foyer out to the front of the house, increasing inside space and creating a very distinctive outside entrance covered with black slate. Landis added one skylight, which with the large transom over the entrance door, ensured enough natural lighting for the foyer area. The art collection, with special niche lighting offered a creative ambience , complementing the kitchen and dining spaces.

Overall Results

In this case, the wife , an Interior Designer, readily expressed skepticism about some of the ideas advanced by Landis Construction. For example, the client did not think she would like the black slate , but agreed to it anyway. They loved the final results. The front entrance attracts attention, increasing the curb appeal of the entire structure. From design to construction, Landis created a space that fir the lifestyle of this busy baby boomer couple.

Before and After - View of the kitchen towards the front of the house