Kitchen and Dining Room Remodel in McLean, VA

A El Nido Estates Kitchen Renovation

Remodeling Need

As parents of college-aged children, our clients were preparing for the next chapter of their lives and envisioning a home that better suited their evolving lifestyle. Their previous kitchen and dining room were closed off from one another, creating challenges when hosting large family gatherings. The cramped layout made adjacent rooms feel either underutilized or overwhelmed with multiple, conflicting uses.

The homeowners sought a solution to create a more open, functional space that would accommodate gatherings with family and friends while enhancing the overall flow and usability of their home.

Solution

​To create a more functional and open layout, our team removed the wall dividing the previous kitchen/eat-in area and formal dining room. Additionally, the opening between the former dining room and formal living room was expanded. By partially opening the wall, the design achieved the feel of an open-concept space while maintaining the formal living area. A strategically placed “wing” wall preserved the separation between spaces, met the homeowner’s preference for defined areas, and accommodated practical elements like electrical switches.

The redesigned layout incorporates a peninsula with additional seating and seamlessly integrates key appliances, including a counter-depth refrigerator, induction range with a hood insert, dishwasher, wall oven/microwave combo, and beverage center. To enhance functionality for hosting, the team added a pot filler and a workstation-style stainless steel sink, making the kitchen both stylish and practical.

For the flooring, the team toothed in solid red oak hardwood from the formal living room, extending it into the remodeled kitchen and eat-in space. This provided an opportunity to refinish all the hardwood floors with a rich, deep stain for a cohesive and elegant look.

The cabinetry combined painted finishes and maple wood in a transitional style, paired with engineered quartz countertops in a marbled design. A handcrafted-look 4×4 ceramic backsplash added texture and charm, tying the design together.

Challenge

The homeowners faced the challenge of creating a more functional and spacious layout without expanding the home’s footprint due to budget constraints. They were also deeply committed to preserving the original architecture and character of their home, resisting the neighborhood trend of tear-downs and new construction.

To honor these priorities, the design had to work entirely within the two existing spaces—the kitchen/eat-in area and the formal dining room. As part of the redesign, the team removed two large windows, replacing them with a smaller one. While this reduced some natural light in that area, the new layout highlighted the existing oversized windows in the formal dining room, allowing their abundant natural light to brighten the newly combined kitchen and dining space.

This thoughtful approach maintained the home’s architectural integrity while providing the homeowners with the functionality and openness they desired.

Result

The result is a timeless and elegant space that seamlessly blends functionality and warmth, feeling as though it has always been part of the home’s original design. The thoughtful combination of materials, layout, and design elements created a classic, sophisticated ambiance that is both inviting and cozy—a perfect balance of style and comfort.

This beautifully transformed space became the heart of the home, where the family gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving together just after construction was completed.

Project Location