Modern Kitchen Transformation in Falls Church, VA

Remodeling Need

These Falls Church homeowners came to us through a referral as they were entering a new phase of life. With their adult son moving out, they were ready to reimagine their home and create a space that better fit their needs as empty nesters.

Their split-level foyer felt cramped, with two small closets and five steps leading both up and down. From the foyer, double doors opened into a tight U-shaped kitchen with an unused peninsula that sat too far from the main cooking area to be functional. Storage was limited, surface space was minimal, and the overall layout made the kitchen difficult to use.

Along with transforming their primary bathroom, the homeowners wanted a more open, efficient, and modern kitchen—one with increased cabinet storage, expanded counter space, and high-end finishes and appliances that would bring a fresh, updated look to the heart of their home.

Solution

To create a more open and functional layout, we began by removing the walls that separated the kitchen from the formal dining area—opening the space while still preserving the character of the formal living room and family room, both of which already offered ample space for seating and dining. We also reduced the size of the original formal dining area to make room for a larger, more efficient kitchen footprint.

The double door entry into the kitchen was eliminated and replaced with a clean drywall infill, allowing the wall to extend seamlessly. This new configuration created an unobstructed sightline from the foyer through the kitchen and out to the rear of the home.

We removed the original 12-inch-deep cabinetry on the far wall—which was also misaligned—and extended the wall to create a flush surface. This allowed us to install new 24-inch-deep, floor-to-ceiling cabinets, providing full-depth storage and dramatically improving both capacity and functionality.

In the foyer, we reconfigured the entry closets by combining them into one and pushing the new closet back to create more space. We also updated the hand railings to complement the refreshed entryway.

Kitchen Design Details

To enhance the connection between the kitchen and the informal family room, we reconfigured the dividing wall and introduced a peninsula featuring a beautifully detailed countertop and sink area. The granite composite undermount sink is set into a stunning Persian Maestro Quartzite with a soft green hue and a matching 4-inch quartzite backsplash. The countertop extends into the family room to create a comfortable seating area, further integrating the two spaces.

On the opposite wall, we designed a long, uninterrupted stretch of counterspace using Dekton in the color Limbo—chosen specifically to accommodate the Invisacook induction cooktop, which remains invisible beneath the surface. Open shelving adds both warmth and functionality, while a vertically stacked ceramic tile backsplash (Edward Martin Miley Glossy in Forest) brings texture and a subtle green tone that ties into the quartzite.

All cabinetry is from St. Martin Cabinetry, featuring a walnut stain on slab-style Clayton doors for a clean, modern aesthetic. Additional design details include matte black plumbing fixtures, an air switch for the garbage disposal, and a thoughtful combination of recessed and undercabinet lighting.

In the area that once served as the formal dining space, we added a new dry bar with an undercounter refrigerator and additional surface space, finished in the same Persian Maestro Quartzite to create a cohesive, luxurious look throughout the kitchen.

Result

The completed renovation transformed this Falls Church home into a more open, functional, and beautifully refined living environment tailored to the homeowners’ next chapter as empty nesters. The once-tight and dated kitchen now feels spacious and purposeful, with improved sightlines, dramatically expanded storage, and high-end materials that bring a fresh, modern warmth to the main level. The reconfigured layout allows the kitchen, formal living room, and family room/eat-in area to flow naturally together while maintaining the home’s original character.

Every design choice—from cabinetry and countertops to lighting, tile, and functional details—was made to enhance comfort, efficiency, and long-term livability. The result is a cohesive, contemporary transformation that feels brighter, more welcoming, and perfectly suited to the homeowners’ evolving lifestyle.

Project Location