The Art of Transformation: A Renovation Reveal
Renovating a home is more than just updating spaces—it’s about transforming how a family lives and feels in their environment. When we began this project, the homeowners faced a first floor that was dated, dark, and highly compartmentalized. The kitchen, tucked in the center of the house, felt cramped and uninspired, while the adjacent living room was rarely used. They asked us to “wow” them and push beyond their comfort zone, all while respecting the authentic character of their Kensington neighborhood.
Opening Up and Reimagining Space
The biggest challenge was breaking down walls—literally and figuratively. We removed the dividing wall between the kitchen and living room to create an open, functional, and beautiful space. The kitchen was gutted and reimagined with a custom-built breakfast nook and a bar area perfect for entertaining. This transformation not only improved flow but invited light and life into the heart of the home.
The foyer, once dominated by a bulky coat closet built into the stairwell, was opened up by removing that feature. This allowed the entryway to breathe and introduced crisp paneling that emphasized the double-height ceiling, adding fresh architectural rhythm. Raising the sunken floor of the family room to be level with the kitchen expanded the sense of space, while converting the rarely used wood-burning fireplace to gas made it a bold, colorful focal point.
Bespoke Details and Thoughtful Design
To unify the design, we extended wood flooring from the foyer throughout the first floor, replaced all window and base trim, and updated molding profiles with cleaner, contemporary lines. Arched openings into the dining room and kitchen created graceful sightlines, echoed in the arched breakfast nook window and custom built-in shelves in the family room.
The homeowners, empty nesters ready to make the house their own, embraced boldness with vibrant colors and rich textures that feel both joyful and calming. Unique touches include a hand-applied finish on the dining room’s cove ceiling by a local decorative painter, a custom fluted marble vanity and dramatic wallpaper in the powder room, and handwoven jute grasscloth on dining room walls.
Organic materials like light Taj Mahal quartzite countertops in the kitchen bring natural beauty, while a commissioned artwork by Richmond artist Liz Valentine anchors the family room and ties the palette together. Balancing new architectural features with meaningful vintage pieces from the clients’ collection, the home feels fresh, timeless, polished, and deeply personal.
Key Takeaways for Your Home Renovation Before and After
Opening up compartmentalized spaces can dramatically improve flow and light, making your home feel larger and more inviting.
Thoughtful architectural details and bespoke finishes add character and elevate the overall design without overwhelming the home’s authentic style.
Balancing bold design choices with respect for neighborhood context and personal history creates a home that’s both extraordinary and genuine.
