The owners of this Vienna home longed to transform their non-functional, 80s-style kitchen into a chef’s dream. Our client cooked in restaurants during college, and had very specific requests. A prerequisite to selecting a designer was a clear understanding of a favorite book, Kitchen Design with Cooking in Mind, by Don Silvers.

Approaching his kitchen renovation as an engineering project, he ensured good flow to manage everyday meals, and for entertaining larger groups during special occasions. Every pot and pan had a specific location based on frequency of use. After six months of meetings and design revisions, the perfect design was created.

Extra deep 30” granite countertops make space for all the appropriate implements and appliances needed for our chef. Cherry wall cabinets are 15” deep to maximize storage. Plumbing within a soffit that could not be relocated was creatively concealed within cabinetry.

Though our chef loves to cook with his family, he needs his own workspace. So our designer created what is lovingly known as “Cinderella’s Corner” to keep all the cook’s helpers out of his main kitchen “triangle.” A pantry and laundry chute were removed and HVAC relocated to make space for the prep area, sink, and dishwasher for the sous chef.

To comfortably seat at least 6 for both dinner and family game nights, we extended the back wall by 4’ and added a bay window overlooking the picturesque backyard.