There is something special about the brick homes of Windsor Farms. Built in the early 1900s, these residences are full of character, but their original layouts, often updated in the 1950s, can feel incredibly tight by today’s standards. For this kitchen remodel, Virginia Design Group was tasked with turning a cramped, non-functional kitchen into an airy, high-performance workspace without losing the soul of the home.
Sometimes, the best solution isn’t a massive addition, but a surgical structural change. The original kitchen had a dining nook that was virtually unusable. By moving the wall shared with the dining room over just 20 inches, we reclaimed vital space for the kitchen.
This shift, combined with moving the refrigerator to a side wall and re-centering the dining room door, dramatically opened the workspace near the range. While we only gained about 10 inches of actual counter space, the visual and functional “breathing room” it created makes the kitchen feel twice its original size.
Salvaging History: The Original Wood Floors
During demolition, we pulled up multiple layers of 1950s-era linoleum to discover the home’s original wood floors. Rather than replacing them, the homeowner chose to celebrate their history. We meticulously patched the areas where the wall and door had moved, and kept the original dark spots and nail holes to maintain that century-old character. You can see these beautiful “imperfections” reflecting the home’s story along the window wall.
Kitchen Craftsmanship and Luxury Finishes
To execute this vision, we collaborated with our go-to master woodworker, Mike Myers, who handles all of Virginia Design Group’s custom cabinetry and structural woodwork. The result is a seamless blend of old-world quality and modern luxury:
- Cabinetry: High-end Mouser Cabinets paired with Jeffery Alexander handles.
- Surfaces: Santorini Quartz countertops that offer a bright, marble-like feel with superior durability.
- The Details: A Lenova sink and Delta faucet (complete with a Moen water filter) provide top-tier functionality.
- The Backsplash: We used a 3×12 Flow White tile by Roca from Morris Tile, accented by a delicate Lantern mosaic by Elon behind the range.
Kitchen Remodel with The Perfect Breakfast Nook
By reclaiming those 20 inches, we were able to install a functional, cozy banquette seat. Featuring custom-made cushions and a statement pendant light from Capital Lighting, this nook has become the heart of the home—turning a formerly “tight” spot into the family’s favorite place for morning coffee.