Ever wanted to expand – without “expanding”? This family of four asked us to improve the functionality, interest, and appeal of their home’s first floor – all without adding an inch to the structure. While certainly a tall order for a narrow DC rowhouse with only two exterior walls, we were excited to tackle the challenge. Our reorganization of the layout and function hit the sweet spot with a welcoming and charming array of light-filled living areas.

First to go was the partial wall separating the kitchen and the dining areas. Reorganizing and adding to natural light – with a new glass entry door, a partially glass rear door, and new and resized kitchen windows – helped to reimagine the entire space.

Beautiful new oak flooring speaks to the cherry wood finish on the kitchen’s new centerpiece island. Exposed brick and live-edge wood shelves add textural interest and function to the kitchen. Modern wood cabinetry provide ample clean-lined storage and contrast elegantly with a muted gray and white paint palette.

A subtly recessed side area offers a more-formal dining space, a sweet banquette seat enhances the room’s charm, and two large pendant globes establish the room’s place as the heart of the home.

To satisfy the family’s need for more storage and shelving, we opted to take what we had and make it larger. By adding volume to the building’s central wall, we were able to incorporate a coat closet, a pantry, built-ins, and bookcases – all without relinquishing much living space. To complete the transformation, we tucked a powder room discretely away near the door to the rear deck to make entertaining an effortless affair.