The homeowners reached out because the kitchen and step-down living room felt separated by a large peninsula that dominated the space. The peninsula limited seating, blocked sightlines, and made it difficult to interact with family or guests while cooking. Even though the rooms were technically adjacent, they didn’t function together. The layout forced people into separate zones instead of bringing them together.
They weren’t looking to expand the home — they wanted the first floor to feel connected and intentional. The goal of this Potomac first floor renovation was to remove the barrier between spaces and create a kitchen that could truly anchor the home.
We removed the dividing peninsula and reworked the layout around a large central island with seating. The new island provides better circulation, improved storage, and a clear visual connection between the kitchen and step-down living room. Careful planning ensured the transition between levels remained clean and structurally sound.
Opening the space required coordination across framing, flooring, cabinetry, and finish work. Hardwood floors were repaired and refinished to create continuity across the first floor. Cabinetry and appliance installation were executed precisely to maintain alignment and balance throughout the new layout.
The finished kitchen features Shiloh custom cabinetry paired with Sub-Zero appliances, including a panel-ready refrigerator that blends seamlessly into the design. The island now serves as the primary gathering space, offering seating, prep space, and storage without recreating the limitations of the original peninsula.
As part of the renovation, interior balusters at the entry were replaced to modernize the first impression of the home. These updates, combined with the refinished floors, tie the entire first floor together.
Today, the kitchen and living room function as one connected space. The layout supports entertaining and everyday use without structural compromise or unnecessary expansion — a clear example of how thoughtful design and experienced execution can transform how a home works within its existing footprint.
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