Kitchen & Family Room Remodel MD | Chevy Chase Remodeling
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Kitchen & Family Room Remodel in Chevy Chase, MD

A professional couple in their 60s has lived in their Chevy Chase, Maryland house for 21 years. With children who have grown up and moved out, the homeowners were eager to proceed with a kitchen and family room remodel. They also expressed their intent to age in place at home. They both work full time and had previously not done any home remodeling, so they liked the idea of using an experienced design/build firm to make the remodeling process easier and less stressful.

Initially they considered building a rear addition, but after discussing the cost implications with Bruce, they felt it made more sense to pursue a design that maximized their existing space. And as part of the remodel, they wanted to enhance the rear façade with new windows, siding, and a pergola.

Project Details

The 1920s bungalow style house had been remodeled and enlarged prior to their purchase in 1994. Although the previous remodel had opened up some walls to give the interior a more contemporary livability, which initially attracted them to purchase the house, the couple wanted to update the galley kitchen and family room by using the existing footprint and maximizing the space.

Kitchen

The clients pointed out that the kitchen was one of the most used areas—they prepare and eat all their meals at home and rarely go to restaurants or use frozen foods, which influenced the kind of storage necessary. They frequently entertain family and other guests and felt that retaining easy access to the outdoor deck was important. Because they intended to age in place, the new kitchen had to be workable and not require a lot of maintenance. And they wanted more (and better) windows to provide ample sunlight and highlight the backyard view.

Kitchen and Family Room Remodel Chevy Chase, MD

Cabinets

Aesthetically the clients preferred a European-style modern kitchen. They also wanted a white or a neutral color palette—some accent colors would be desirable, but they liked the idea of using grays and whites with some color contrast between cabinetry and countertops.

The handles below the counter needed to be flush and smooth so as not to catch clothes, with simplicity that would work well in an aging-in-place design.

Backsplash

The clients did not want “funny tile backsplash” so two simple ones were implemented in the galley kitchen. At the gas range side of the kitchen, we installed a white back-painted glass with minimum joints and easy-to-clean surfaces. Along the sink and window wall, an unobtrusive backsplash was created from a white manmade stone. The continuous band looks like painted woodwork but is, in fact, slightly glossy and easy-to-clean Silestone.

Appliances

Because the homeowners seldom used the microwave, which was (unnecessarily) front and center in the kitchen, a new microwave drawer was selected. In addition, the clients wanted a refrigerator with a freezer in the bottom.

They also wanted more counter space and were willing to take out the old peninsula, so we could raise the window sill and run the counter along the south wall. A new appliance garage, housing three countertop appliances, also helps maximize space—and it’s cleverly concealed behind a flipper door clad in white back-painted glass.

Wood Flooring

The clients preferred a wood floor and went with a light maple to fit the palette of the remodeled space. The maple floor easily transitions to the adjacent wood oak floors.

Family Room

Built-In & Custom Millwork

For the family room, the homeowners were forward thinking by opting for a large flat screen to use both as a computer and TV, with a custom corner sectional providing comfortable seating. It was more space-efficient to create a new multi-purpose custom built-in that serves as a desk area, bookcase, TV viewing station, computer location, and storage. A large rollout drawer conceals a wireless printer.

Family Room Custom Built-In

Integrated into the built-in and adjacent to the desk area is a bank of drawers used for pots and pans, and above are tall vertical doors that serve as additional kitchen and pantry storage. 

The family room is defined by custom wainscot paneling with crisp reveals and a continuous cap painted white to blend with the window, door, and base trim. The clean-lined detailing continues into the kitchen area for a seamless look.

Deck & Rear Façade

The homeowners often use the rear deck in nice weather for grilling and outdoor entertaining—so easy access to the deck from the kitchen was important. There was concern that the rear façade of the house was unattractive because the windows and doors were disjointed and lacked aesthetic appeal. With a new pergola as well as new door, windows, and cedar shingles, we improved the rear façade so it could be visually enjoyed from the rear yard.

See more pictures of this remodel »

Interior Remodeling in Maryland, DC & Virginia

Interested in remodeling your home in Montgomery County, Maryland, Washington, DC, or Northern Virginia? Wentworth is the name to know. Visit our portfolio of past home remodeling projects and contact us today to start your project!

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