Extreme Makeover in Arlington


Homeowner’s Objective: To Have More Space in Every Area of Their Home

Our clients wanted to remain in their neighborhood that was in close proximity to their jobs in Washington, DC. However, their 1950s - one story home lacked the space and the amenities this family wanted. Functionally, they wanted a master suite, and two additional bedrooms; one for their daughter and one for guests. In addition, they desperately wanted a larger, well organized, eat-in kitchen, a separate dining room for their extended family gatherings, and a new sun-room. They also wanted his and her office space. Aesthetically, they wanted a home filled with natural light inside.

Outside, they wanted the home to still fit well into their older neighborhood. And because the neighborhood was well established and had a friendly atmosphere, the homeowners wanted a front porch with a dual purpose. The front porch would serve as an outdoor gathering space, but also serve to provide protection from the front door entry way. All these things were accomplished and the client is thrilled with the final product.

Challenges to the Project:
Our firm does a lot of whole house remodels. Given that the home was a rambler on a third of an acre, adding a story and a rear addition to the home were practical solutions to their needs. However, rather than JUST add a story to the home and an addition to the rear, we made sure to maximize the use of the spaces, like the “his and her” offices. We also created interest in the design with an angle in the stairs, and unique angles to the walls and ceilings. Lots of special features, like custom built-ins and crown details give a level of professional finish that make the home truly custom. Vaulted ceilings in the master suite and sun room added lots of natural light to the home.

Creative Solutions:
Some of the most creative solutions found in this home are the fact that no space was wasted. Everywhere that we could add storage or a nook, we did. There is no sense doing an extensive remodel where the client is looking for creative use of space without maximizing every inch of the remodel. For instance, we built a knee wall at the front door to define a “welcoming area” rather than just having guests empty directly into the existing living room. In the building of that knee wall, however, we put shelves on the living room side so that that feature could be even more functional. In the daughter’s room, there are built-ins and window seats with storage. There are examples of this throughout the house.

Overall Results:
The best indication of the overall results of any project is client feedback. Our clients not only gave us rave reviews for design and construction, but also hosted a neighborhood party with our design and construction team as the guests of honor. In a post construction survey, the clients indicated that they were extremely pleased with the project and scored us an overall satisfaction rating of 9.9 out of a possible 10, including price/value of the project.

The before front elevation. The home was “charming” but lacked the amenities this family needed.

 
After front elevation. The “new” home has a great new front porch and dormers to retain the charm of the former home while adding tremendous functionality.

Before Kitchen: The former kitchen was small and cramped. There was hardly any space for storage.

 

  
After Kitchen: The after kitchen is spacious and very functional. It has eating areas at a table and at the breakfast bar. A walk in pantry is to the left of the refrigerator.
After Kitchen/Eating Area: A view of the kitchen from the eating area shows how the circulation pattern in this new space works well for day to day use and large family gatherings.

Before Dining Room: The former dining room was virtually part of the living room. For a family that likes to entertain, this was a problem.

 
A view of the new dining room into the living room Shows how much additional space was created. The custom built-in buffet offers plenty of easy access storage and serving space.

The former master bedroom was small and cramped and DARK.

 
The new master bedroom, located on the new second floor, is spacious and FULL of light. Just what the client wanted.

The new master bathroom is very functional, with a private toilet area, a two sink vanity, a large soaking tub and two person shower.

 

The former child’s room was very small and didn’t have much storage space.

 
The new child’s room is spacious and has lots of storage niches for toys and books. The scale of the room is perfect for a growing child.

The former spare bedroom was used as “her” home office and for storage.

 
The new “her” office was created using space next to the new kitchen. The location and use of custom built-ins make the space very practical and functional for a working mom.
The “his” office was created using additional space next to the new master bedroom. The small door to the left rear houses a niche for networking/PC equipment.
The new sun room brings in a lot of light to this home and is a well used room in this “new” home, by both adults and children.

A close up of the porch shows how this space allows for a great use of the outside space. In this cozy neighborhood, saying hello to from the front porch is welcome.

 
A close up of the dining room built-in buffet being built on site. Roll out drawers make access to china dishes easy. The windows above bring even more natural light to the space.

This photo of one of the dormers during construction shows the carpentry skill involved in building these just right.

 
This home is filled with custom built-ins that reflect a carpentry that is rare these days.
This knee wall was designed to create a front foyer space, but it also houses a clever book shelf, making great additional utilization out of the space.
This cubby in one of the dormer walls of the child’s room creates wonderful new storage space. Why not make use of every possible space?!
After Front Elevation: Welcome Home!
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