Your kitchen has the unique ability to redefine how your home looks, feels and functions—especially when you see the before-and-after contrast between where you started and where you ended up. In this post, we’re highlighting five stunning kitchen before-and-after kitchen renovations completed by Schroeder Design Build across Northern Virginia. Each transformation offers a glimpse into the creative potential of well-executed remodeling and the impact it can have on your everyday living. Get inspiration for how your kitchen too can evolve with the right vision and expertise.
Fireplace-Divided Kitchen Becomes and Open, Unified Living Space in Herndon, VA
BEFORE
BEFORE
A poorly-placed fireplace split this home’s kitchen, dining and living areas, creating an awkward flow and limiting the functional space.
AFTER
We relocated the fireplace to an interior wall and redesigned the kitchen and dining layout to open the entire floor, creating a warm, cohesive space with updated cabinetry, quartzite counters and a new statement hood.
See this before-and-after Herndon, VA project.
“When I saw the fireplace relocated and the whole space open, that’s when I knew this home finally breathed. It’s not just a kitchen now, it’s home,” says Andrew Schroeder, Owner & CEO of Schroeder Design Build in Fairfax, VA.
Universal-Design Kitchen Remodel Meets Growing Family Needs in Falls Church, VA
BEFORE
BEFORE
This home’s original 1950s layout was tight, dated and lacked accessibility features the homeowners needed for the family’s son.
AFTER
A first-floor addition and fully-redesigned kitchen opened up the space, with wider pathways and accessible features like countertops, storage solutions and ample clear floor space, along with stylish finishes and innovative amenities, to blend practicality with comfort.
See this before-and-after Falls Church, VA project.
“Designing for accessibility doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it means thoughtful choices,” explains Nina Carhuaricra, Lead Designer with Schroeder Design Build. “This kitchen shows you can have both dignity and design.”
A Dark, Cramped Kitchen Opens to Light and Flow in Alexandria, VA
BEFORE
BEFORE
This kitchen featured a cramped, boxed-in kitchen with minimal light and a closed wall that separated it from the living area.
AFTER
We removed the dividing wall to create an open-concept kitchen with bright white cabinetry, modern surfaces, extra seating and much-improved circulation. Removal of the dividing wall also brought more light into the higher-used areas of the home.
See this before-and-after Alexandria VA project.
“Tearing down the wall was the one move that changed how this family lives, cooks and connects. It’s more open, not just spatially, but socially,” Andrew says.
A Closed Kitchen Transformed into a Modern, Stylish Hub in Woodbridge, VA
BEFORE
BEFORE
This kitchen felt isolated, as it was separated from the dining/flex room. It also lacked personality.
AFTER
The first thing we did was to propose opening up the space. We eliminated the wall to create a larger, contemporary space that creates a seamless, inviting flow throughout the main living areas. Bold tile, sleek cabinetry, and a large kitchen island now creates a crisp, stylish aesthetic.
See this before-and-after Woodbridge, VA project.
“This kitchen doesn’t whisper—it makes a statement. We wanted contemporary flair without losing warmth and function. I think we nailed it!” Nina says.
A Small, Separated Kitchen Expanded with a Two-Story Home Addition in Fairfax, VA
BEFORE
BEFORE
These homeowners knew their dated, compartmentalized 1974-style kitchen didn’t support their modern family living, and came to Schroeder Design Build to improve the functionality of their home.
AFTER
A two-story addition allowed us to introduce an open kitchen and living room, large pantry, screened-in porch and more, turning the main level of this home into a bright, functional family hub. Since the homeowners did not want any wall cabinets, see how we creatively designed a layout that included enough storage space while only using open shelving.
See this before-and-after Fairfax, VA project.
Transform Your Northern Virginia Kitchen with Schroeder Design Build
Together, these five before-and-after kitchen renovations illustrate just how many ways you can create a better kitchen. Some projects reworked an existing footprint to create more accessible, comfortable and future-ready space. Others required full additions, allowing the kitchen to expand and evolve into a space that supports how the homeowners live today. Each transformation reflects the homeowners’ unique set of goals, and the challenges and design solutions prove that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to kitchen remodeling.
All five projects share the value of thoughtful planning and a trusted design-build process. With a team like Schroeder Design Build guiding each phase from concept and layout to materials and construction, even outdated or inefficient kitchens can be transformed into a space that feels cohesive and personal. The result is a kitchen that serves your modern lifestyle, enhances your daily routines and becomes a natural gathering place within the home.
Consider the possibilities for your own kitchen. What if your kitchen could do more than cook meals—what if it became the heart of your home? Whether your kitchen is small, dated or limited by its layout, the right design approach can unlock its full potential.
When you’re considering Northern Virginia kitchen remodeling, Schroeder Design Build is here to help. We invite you to explore our kitchen portfolio for inspiration and contact us to schedule a consultation so we can discuss how your kitchen can be transformed to reflect your needs, style and the way you want to live in it.
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