A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a marble countertop, black window frames, and a black door leading outside. There are plants by the window, a bowl of fruit on the counter, and a colorful rug on the wooden floor. A minimalist shelf with a potted plant hangs on the wall.

First floor renovation

Clean & Classic

This warm and welcoming renovation transformed a small, outdated kitchen into a spacious hub for a busy family with teens and dogs. The modest rear addition created room for multi-functional kitchen and bright breakfast nook, while improved access to an underused porch brings in more light, views, and indoor-outdoor living into the family’s daily routine.

Status
Completed 2019

SCOPE
one story ADDITION

LOCATION
washington, dc

Bright kitchen with large black-framed windows overlooking a lush green outdoors. White cabinetry, a red patterned rug, and a small dog sitting on the rug near the window.

the challenge

Cramped Kitchen, Neglected Porch

The original kitchen was small, outdated, and couldn’t keep pace with the rhythms of a busy household. The family loves to cook and spend time together, but the space offered limited room for gathering, prepping, or doing homework. Meanwhile, the covered back porch was underused and lacked meaningful connection to the interior.

A modern dining area with a round glass table, four white chairs with wooden legs, a white bowl in the center, large front and side windows with black frames, a black geometric chandelier, and light-colored wooden flooring.

the solution

Small Expansion, Big Impact

By extending the footprint just a few feet, we were able to create a highly functional kitchen with multiple prep zones, a large central island, and an adjoining glass breakfast room where kids can do homework. Warm materials like white oak herringbone flooring, natural marble counters, and oversized windows balance elegance with approachability—perfect for everyday life.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, black window frames, and a black kitchen island with gold handles, with a fruit bowl and limes on the island. Adjacent dining area with a wooden table and black chairs.
A modern kitchen with black-framed glass door leading outside, white cabinets with gold handles, black stove, marble countertops, potted plants, fruit bowl, decorative item on shelf, and a red patterned rug on wooden floor.

the kitchen

“Our kitchen far exceeded all expectations. It is gorgeous and we could not be happier.…”

“One of our primary concerns was how the new kitchen and addition would integrate with the rest of our house. Erin was able to transform our tiny, dated kitchen into a modern masterpiece that seamlessly fit with the aesthetic of our home. In the end, our kitchen far exceeded all expectations. It is gorgeous and we could not be happier.”

Josh T. + David S.
Washington, DC

  • Interior of a house entryway with a black front door and a long beige rug on dark hardwood floor, with staircase on the right and white wainscoting on the walls.
  • A front porch with two white cushioned armchairs and a matching ottoman, surrounded by greenery with stone steps leading up to the porch.

Bringing the Porch Back to Life

Though the covered porch was already in place, its small French doors limited access and views. A new retractable glass door system brings in natural light, blurs the line between indoors and out, and transforms the porch into a true extension of the home—not just a pass-through.

A look at where we began—original conditions, site constraints, and early ideas that shaped the final design.

A Work in Progress

  • Kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel Viking refrigerator, black pendant light, round glass table, and white chairs.

    Original kitchen lacked counterspace

  • A kitchen with a round glass table, two white chairs with wooden legs, a window with sunlight shining through, and a hanging black pendant light above the table.

    Original table area was cramped with a small window to the back garden

  • A bright kitchen with white cabinets, a black and gray marble countertop, a farmhouse sink, and large windows. There are some bananas and an orange in a white bowl on the counter, and a potted plant near the window.

    Original kitchen was vintage and quaint but not easy for a family of five

  • Interior view of a living room with white walls, hardwood floor, white double doors leading to an outdoor patio, and a chair partially visible at the bottom

    Previous access to the porch was limited

  • Architectural floor plan with stairs at the center, multiple rooms, and exterior doors.

    ‘Before’ Floor Plan

  • Architectural blueprint of a proposed first floor house plan featuring rooms labeled as kitchen, breakfast room, dining room, entry hall, living room, family room, and covered porch.

    ‘After’ Floor Plan

  • Architectural blueprint showing proposed elevations of a house, including partial left-side, right-side, and front views with windows, doors, and roof details.

    Exterior Side Elevations

  • Architectural blueprint of a proposed residential building rear (north) elevation, showing multiple levels, windows with shutters, and a porch with stairs.

    Exterior Rear Elevation

Collaborators

Contractor: reserved

Photographer: Jenn Verrier Photography

Back to Work