Kitchen of the Week: Transformed Garage in D.C.
A smart spatial arrangement and cheery colors helped turn this Washington, D.C., garage into a functional and family-friendly kitchen
This cheerful Washington, D.C., kitchen was once a tiny, junk-filled garage that awkwardly separated the main home from its beautiful backyard and patio. The family wanted a new kitchen and knew that this unused garage space had to go. However, the garage's original floor plan was extremely narrow, which made spatial planning difficult.
Thomas Ahmann of Ahmann Architects divided the L-shape kitchen into distinct areas but maintained a unified feeling throughout the space. A workspace, mudroom, lounge, breakfast bar and plenty of room to cook were all integrated into this long and narrow room. Although the family initially wanted a kitchen that would open up to a family room, a lack of space eventually led to this all-in-one design.
Thomas Ahmann of Ahmann Architects divided the L-shape kitchen into distinct areas but maintained a unified feeling throughout the space. A workspace, mudroom, lounge, breakfast bar and plenty of room to cook were all integrated into this long and narrow room. Although the family initially wanted a kitchen that would open up to a family room, a lack of space eventually led to this all-in-one design.
A built-in hutch with desk space was installed at the far end of the kitchen, right against the mudroom area. The mudroom is accessed through the home's driveway, and its location encourages children and guests to take off their shoes and drop off their bags before coming into the kitchen.
The raised breakfast table was made out of reclaimed wood by the project's contractor. Ahmann placed it at the end of the island rather than along the length so foot traffic from the front to the back of the kitchen would be uninterrupted.
Countertops: Cambria quartz, Bristol Blue
The raised breakfast table was made out of reclaimed wood by the project's contractor. Ahmann placed it at the end of the island rather than along the length so foot traffic from the front to the back of the kitchen would be uninterrupted.
Countertops: Cambria quartz, Bristol Blue
The glass cabinets and plate rack are the only remaining bits of the original kitchen. The open space near the sink links the kitchen with the rest of the home.
Because an L shape can make a kitchen feel disjointed, Ahmann and his team wanted to unify the space through the ceiling as well as the floor. Lightly stained oak beams help define the kitchen workspace.
Backsplash: Porcelanosa Duo Verde; sink: Rohl fire-clay apron-front sink; mats: Flor
Because an L shape can make a kitchen feel disjointed, Ahmann and his team wanted to unify the space through the ceiling as well as the floor. Lightly stained oak beams help define the kitchen workspace.
Backsplash: Porcelanosa Duo Verde; sink: Rohl fire-clay apron-front sink; mats: Flor
A casual lounge area was integrated into a bay window that projects over the home's patio. It's tucked right next to the kitchen's main working area, providing space to hang out and relax while dinner is cooking.
One of the clients' priorities for this project was to create a family space that focuses on the outdoors. Like the rest of the kitchen, this presented some spatial challenges. The team wanted to expand the kitchen, but they couldn't expand into the side yard (where the family eventually wanted to have a garden). The solution was to work within the L-shape footprint and expand out onto the patio.
Interior Design: Tara Shimberg, Tara's Interiors
Builder: Ardo Contracting
More Kitchens of the Week:
Small Kitchen, Big View
Simply Refined in Massachusetts
Interior Design: Tara Shimberg, Tara's Interiors
Builder: Ardo Contracting
More Kitchens of the Week:
Small Kitchen, Big View
Simply Refined in Massachusetts
Cabinets: semicustom Shaker style by Executive Kitchens, Misty Green and Antique White; pendants: Jesco Lighting