Modern Bethesda Kitchen

The clients had lived in the house for 30 years and the kitchen was reflecting its’ age. While small it had served its purpose, neither the small dining room nor kitchen were functional for the way the homeowners wanted to entertain and live the next chapter of their lives. The goal was to take over the dining room to create a more open plan that could function for two people daily and easily and comfortably entertain 30.

Another requirement was to create a space for a large mosaic mural that would be the focal point of the room.  The owner’s brother was an established artist and have a place to let his artwork shine was paramount.  Clean simple lines with a modern flair were important.

Challenges for this project were mainly visual rather than structural.  The dropped bulkhead over the basement door would have to remain as the landing to the stairs from the first to second floor.  Integrating the floors, weaving in new to existing hardwood floors and staining them to look seamless would require some attention to detail.  The largest challenge for this project would be obtaining products and working through mandatory quarantine during the COVID 19 pandemic.

An earlier addition had opened the space at one end of the kitchen and included a peninsula eat-at counter.  The wall between the kitchen and dining room would be removed to enlarge the functioning kitchen space.  While this first step made the space larger, protecting the chef while entertaining would still be critical.  The plan called to keep the main work triangle to one side of the kitchen and allow traffic to flow past the chef.  Base cabinets on the opposite side with a secondary sink allowed for a buffet and drink center to be established during parties.  By not installing wall cabinets on this side of the kitchen, two objectives were met.  First, without wall cabinets, a large floating shelf provides a grounding for the large mural and place to display handmade pottery.  Secondly, an open and airy feeling was created despite the lowered ceiling for the stairs and in fact, the layout and placement of the bulkhead helps to frame the mural.

To create an updated and modern kitchen, red maple shaker door cabinets were chosen.  The striking soapstone countertop and full height backsplash contrast the cabinetry and compliment the matte black appliances and faucets.  The planned element of line and repetition of the rectangular form are softened with the natural veining of the soapstone and the movement in the mosaic.