Kitchen of the Week: Traditional Townhouse in D.C.
A smart combination of living, dining and kitchen spaces creates a comfy room for family time and entertaining
Modern families spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but it wasn't always this way. Many older homes have the kitchens to prove it. The family of four living in this Washington, D.C., townhouse, for example, had been using a dark, cramped and isolated kitchen in the front of their house.
To fix that, designer Patrick Sutton flipped the kitchen to the more private back of the house and transformed the 400-square-foot space into a combined kitchen, living and dining area — the perfect place to host guests and spend time as a family.
To fix that, designer Patrick Sutton flipped the kitchen to the more private back of the house and transformed the 400-square-foot space into a combined kitchen, living and dining area — the perfect place to host guests and spend time as a family.
By moving the kitchen to the back, Sutton created a single great room overlooking the garden, making it more private and entertainment friendly.
The biggest challenge was keeping the kitchen design compact so it wouldn't overwhelm the rest of the room. Trade-offs included integrating kitchen storage into built-ins in the dining and living areas.
Lighting: O'lampia Studios; dining table: clients' own; dining chairs: Hickory Chair
The biggest challenge was keeping the kitchen design compact so it wouldn't overwhelm the rest of the room. Trade-offs included integrating kitchen storage into built-ins in the dining and living areas.
Lighting: O'lampia Studios; dining table: clients' own; dining chairs: Hickory Chair
A light color palette, simple upholstery and refined textiles allow the kitchen, dining and living spaces to flow smoothly. "In this case, one room serves as the kitchen, eating and living space for the entire family," says Sutton.
The kitchen "is completely integrated into the architecture of the house," says Sutton. "It feels like it belongs only here and is home."
Armchairs: TCS in Rose Tarlow fabric; ottoman: leather, TCS
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The kitchen "is completely integrated into the architecture of the house," says Sutton. "It feels like it belongs only here and is home."
Armchairs: TCS in Rose Tarlow fabric; ottoman: leather, TCS
More Kitchens of the Week:
A Fresh Combination of New and Old
Simply Refined in Massachusetts
Small Kitchen, Big View
In the new space, custom cabinetry blends with the rest of the home's elegant interior design. A Calacatta gold marble slab was used for the surrounding counters, while teak was used for the island.
Cabinetry: custom designed by Patrick Sutton Associates; backsplash: white glazed subway tile, Waterworks; bar stools: clients' own