Case Study: Kitchen Renovation
This busy Arlington family, 2 working parents, 4 kids and an au pair, desperately needed a wholesale change from their tiny 1950’s galley kitchen. The existing kitchen was expanded to the rear of the house, bringing in abundant natural light and providing an open connection to the Family and Breakfast Room. The large island, with the spacious oval main sink, accommodates seating for four, additional storage for cookbooks, china and linens, and acts as the hub of many family and entertaining events. The kitchen also enables circular flow between formal and casual spaces and provides convenient access to the rear deck.
Challenge
Expand out from the corner of a two-story masonry structure without any interior columns.
Solution
Careful surveying of floor levels and bearing points through masonry walls not yet demolished. Sizing large beams to carry the entire corner of masonry and roof load above. Careful pocketing of structural members and temporary walls to allow shell close-in before completely breaking through. Providing support for second story spaces to be added above kitchen area.
Challenge
Maintaining functionality of home for family to remain in residence while impactful, structural changes were required.
Solution
Staged work to different parts of the house to minimize impact. Completed exterior shell prior to breaking through. Removed rear masonry wall and inserted new 22’ long steel beam below bathroom, while leaving bathroom above fully functional. Set up temporary kitchen in basement laundry room.
Challenge
Remedying the out-of-level floor over existing finished basement in order to install new kitchen cabinets and flush hardwood floors.
Solution
Rerouted many of the home’s mechanical systems from above that were concentrated in the area. Found best point to level new floor to best match existing out-of-level house. Large beam spanned over / across problem areas to get more even bearing.
Results
The kitchen’s two complimentary cabinet finishes - a warm maple perimeter and a painted, distressed black island - are unified by the stunning Cosmic Black granite and stone tile backsplash. This space is further anchored by the ebony stained oak hardwood floor and professional-grade stainless steel appliances. Also featured are two distinct prep areas. The main sink and dishwasher are supplemented by the adjacent hammered-pewter bar sink and second dishwasher. A layered approach to the lighting design provides a variety of ambient, task and accent lighting fixtures. The specialty hand-blown glass pendant lights and the lighted display cabinets, with antique glass, enhance the overall setting. Thoughtful storage provisions round out the overall design and include roll-out shelves, pull-out trash/recycling and spice rack, file drawers at the command center and a tall pantry cabinet. However, all of these are simply design details. The true result is a dramatic improvement in this family’s lifestyle. The family has told us again and again how much they love the space – they spend all of their family time there and never want to leave it.
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