Introduction
Kitchen renovations can be daunting, but they also present exciting opportunities to reimagine how a space functions and make it distinctly your own. When a couple living in a traditional D.C. row house sought to renovate their dated, closed-off kitchen, they aimed to strike a balance between honoring the home’s history and inserting personal style. The stunning result is a light-filled, open kitchen that feels fresh yet classic.
In this week’s kitchen of the week feature, we will explore how this D.C. home simultaneously pays homage to tradition while embracing a transitional look that suits the owners’ tastes. From smart layout changes to material selections and special finishes, we will analyze the decisions that make this space both kid- and adult-friendly. This row house kitchen is a lesson in cherishing heritage while still focusing on livable luxury. There are takeaways for any homeowner contemplating a kitchen remodel that bridges old and new.
Overview of the Home’s Layout and Style
This three-story D.C. row house was originally built in the late 1800s in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood. The couple purchased it in its unrenovated state, drawn to the home’s exterior charm and interior architectural details like thick plaster walls, six fireplaces, and unique moldings. Their goal was to renovate the home for comfortable family living while preserving its handsome bones and period styling.
The first floor of the row house contained a small galley kitchen that opened to the rear addition housing the breakfast room. One major change involved knocking down some walls to connect the kitchen to the living and dining rooms for an open-concept first floor. The kitchen footprint increased to create better workflow, and ceilings soared to over 11 feet. Windows now usher in ample natural light.
While the new kitchen was enlarged, the couple aimed for a timeless look rooted in the home’s history. The transitional style mixes traditional elements like subway tile and nickel hardware with contemporary Caesarstone countertops and stainless appliances. Warm white perimeter cabinetry provides understated sophistication. By honoring the architecture but allowing for modern living, the new kitchen strikes an ideal balance.
Thoughtful Layout Transformations
Several layout decisions helped transform the once-cramped galley kitchen into an inviting hearth for the home. Here are some of the most impactful changes:
Expanded Footprint with Open Floor Plan
Knocking down select walls to connect the kitchen with adjacent rooms created a more functional open floor plan perfect for gatherings. The enlarged kitchen footprint provides ample room for multiple cooks with a huge center island and prep sink.
Strategic Work Triangle
The kitchen’s core work triangle between the stove, sink, and refrigerator is carefully orchestrated for efficiency. The smart positioning prevents overlapping work areas and allows cooks to move seamlessly from task to task.
Convenient Buttery/Pantry Access
Just off the kitchen, a buttery provides supplementary prep space, storage, and access to the pantry. Having these support zones steps away keeps kitchen clutter at bay.
Mudroom Entry with Cubbies
A doorway from the attached garage leads into the kitchen through a clever mudroom. Built-in cubbies provide storage for kids’ backpacks and shoes so they don’t invade the kitchen.
Banquette Breakfast Nook
A sunny banquette with table creates a casual spot for quick meals. The banquette’s storage drawers maximize space efficiency.
Material Selections That Bridge Old and New
The kitchen’s mix of materials artfully blends classical elements that suit the home’s age with fresher contemporary accents. Here are some of the most notable finishes:
Subway Tile Backsplash
A pure white 3×6 subway tile backsplash serves as a timeless backdrop resisting trends. Contrasting dark grout provides definition.
Honed Marble Countertops and Backsplash
Honed white Carrara marble on the substantial center island offers an organic, luxe look. The marble backsplash behind the range adds further visual interest.
Caesarstone Quartz Countertops
Durable Caesarstone quartz in a creamy neutral shade called Organic White clads the perimeter counters. The patterned quartz resembles marble but offers superior durability.
White Perimeter and Island Cabinetry
The kitchen cabinetry features a mix of frameless and shaker styles united by a warm white paint finish. Slab fronts on the perimeter counterbalance the more traditional shaker island cabinets.
Brass Hardware and Fixtures
Polished brass knobs, pulls, and plumbing fixtures inject subtle glamour. Brass is a historically appropriate metal that aligns with the home’s past.
Special Finishes for Personality
Beyond the core materials, special finishes and details infuse personality into the kitchen and reflect the owners’ tastes:
Wood Panel Ceiling Treatment
The ceiling’s decorative wood slats add texture and echo traditional architectural details present elsewhere in the home.
Two-Tone Kitchen Island
The island’s base is finished in navy for striking contrast against the light perimeter cabinetry. The bold color is kid-friendly.
Range Hood Covered in antiqued Mirror
A sleek stainless range hood is cleverly concealed behind an antiqued mirror panel. When not in use, the hood simply blends in.
Unlacquered Brass Bar Pulls
The unlacquered brass hardware develops a unique patina over time for a living finish. Solid pulls suit the kitchen’s sophistication.
Statement Light Fixtures
Eye-catching pendant lights over the island and sink provide jewelry-like wow factor, contrasting the more subdued finishes.
Family Friendly Features
Though elegant, the kitchen doesn’t sacrifice function or family practicality. Clever features make the space livable for the couple and their young children:
Durable Caesarstone Quartz Countertops
The patterned quartz perimeter counters handle messy kid activities while bouncing light beautifully. Quartz is nonporous and heat/scratch-resistant.
Easy-Clean Subway Tile Backsplash
The smooth subway tile backsplash prevents grime and moisture damage, meeting kitchen cleanliness needs. Grout lines are narrow for low maintenance.
Plentiful Storage Solutions
Abundant cabinetry, deep drawers, open shelving, and butler’s pantry storage ensure everything has a designated spot out of sight.
Easy-Access Sink and Fridge
The apron-front sink is positioned for convenient access while cooking. The counter-depth fridge lets kids access drinks/snacks.
Kid-Friendly Island Seating
Navy lower island cabinets conceal scuffs and stains. Curved comfy seating enables the kids to do homework near mom.
Durable Wood-Like Porcelain Tile Floor
Wood-look porcelain tile flooring withstands dropped dishes and spilled foods better than actual wood. The nav
Common Questions About D.C. Row House Kitchen Renovations
Kitchen remodels in historic row homes come with unique considerations. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How much do row house kitchen renovations cost?
In the D.C. area, expect to spend $80,000 to $150,000+ for a full custom row house kitchen renovation. Factors influencing cost include layout changes, finishes, appliances, plumbing/electrical, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and more.
How can you enlarge a small galley kitchen?
Removing select walls to borrow space from adjoining rooms is one approach. Also consider expanding out the back of the home or building up with a dormer. An extension may require zoning approvals.
Should cabinetry match a home’s age and style?
Not always. Many homeowners blend classic cabinet frames with fresh painted finishes for a customized look. Mixing cabinet styles like traditional shaker and sleek slab fronts is also popular.
What are good subway tile backsplash grout colors?
White and light gray are safe backsplash grout colors. Bold dark gray or black grout pairs well with white subway tile, providing contrast while remaining classic.
How do you mix metals in an older kitchen?
Stick to metals prevalent in the home’s era, like unlacquered brass and nickel. Use the same metals for cabinet hardware, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and decorative accents to create a cohesive look.
What are durable countertop options for family kitchens?
Engineered quartz and granite are excellent rugged options ideal for busy family kitchens. Both are nonporous, heat/scratch-resistant, and available in kid-friendly patterns.
Conclusion
This light-filled D.C. row house kitchen masterfully bridges old and new through its transitional approach. By honoring the home’s 19th-century beginnings and architectural details yet allowing for fresh organization and finishes, the kitchen both respects tradition and suits modern family life. Clever solutions like the open concept, strategic work triangle, built-in mudroom, and durable materials make the room highly functional and livable. Tasteful selections like subway tile, brass hardware, marble accents, and statement lighting infuse beauty and personality. In the end, the space has cachet and charm while still being family-friendly – ideal for this historic home.
For homeowners contemplating a kitchen renovation in an aging row house, this kitchen provides superb inspiration. Its successful blending of classical elements like subway tile and shaker cabinets with contemporary quartz counters and open architecture proves renovations can modernize without sacrificing a home’s heritage. By keeping the integrity of the architecture intact while inserting purposeful new features and finishes, any historic home’s kitchen can reach its full potential. This thoughtful D.C. renovation serves as a model, striking that elusive balance between maintaining a home’s traditions and history while still moving gracefully into the present.
