Warner Residence

Kitchen Renovation & Addition
Tenleytown, Washington, DC

The Little Kitchen that Could
Two story addition allows for a Family Room below and a vaulted Kitchen above in Tenleytown, Washington, DC

The Owners of a center-hall brick colonial wanted a new family room in their basement. Once in the space Lorena Checa noticed the basement for the family room had a very low ceiling and the floor would need to be excavated. Lorena also observed that the existing kitchen on the first floor was very small – the family of four had to squeeze into a vestibule to sit at the breakfast table.

Before proceeding with the initial design, Lorena showed the Owners an option for an addition where the kitchen would open up dramatically and the family room could have higher ceilings in a stepped-down and walk out basement.

The resulting kitchen and breakfast area is bright and cozy. Custom cabinets enrich the space while making the best use of every corner. The basement steps down into a spacious day lit family room and opens to an elegant stone courtyard.

CHECA Architects brought in a low-impact storm water consultant to assist with drainage solutions for the backyard and to create a landscaping plan to enhance the addition’s impact on the property.

The kitchen, originally overlooked, has become a cherished place in the home.