A Stylish and Strategic Remodel in Reston

How do you completely transform a home while adding only 36 square feet on the first floor? In this Convene Architecture project, we did it by moving the existing garage, relocating the front door, demolishing non-functional interior walls, adding windows, and updating fixtures and finishes throughout. Let’s take a tour! 

Our clients moved from a condo in Brooklyn, NY to this single-family home in Reston, VA. They loved their new home, and asked us to respect the 1970’s vibe while making it feel fresh and bright.

After - Primary Bathroom 

We started by reimagining the entry to the home to include a new front porch, a relocated garage, and updated windows. Dark siding and cedar accents give the entire exterior a cohesive look.

After - Front Exterior

Before - Front Exterior 

We also reworked the foyer, enlarging it to create a welcoming space with plenty of storage, clerestory windows, and “wow” views that connect the house.

After - Entry Foyer

We located a new dining room directly adjacent to the entry (we borrowed the space from the old garage!) A partial slat wall, painted black, separates the dining room from the foyer. The new circular window, with views to the front yard, was inspired by a circular window in the existing family room.

After - Dining Room

The existing living room had large skylights, which we replaced. We added built-ins with plenty of storage for books and meaningful items. The vertical maple paneling over the bookshelves adds warmth and architectural interest in this soaring space. We repeated this maple paneling in the family room, highlighting the existing circular window.

We love the cool green couch and Eames lounge chair our clients selected for this space!

After - Living Room

Before - Living Room

The living room flows into the reconfigured kitchen. To create this flow, we removed the walls that formerly separated the kitchen from the rest of the house. In the newly-opened space, we relocated the sink, stove, and fridge, and added a pantry. We placed a skylight over the sink, and included a large island.

After - Kitchen

Before - Kitchen, with view into the living room 

The existing house had a carpeted stair with a half-height wall on one side. We reimagined this as a floating oak stair, with a slat wall on one side and a cable rail on the other. The stair sits between the dining room and kitchen providing views between the spaces, but giving them some desired separation. Vertical maple paneling covers the half-height wall at the open study above the stair.

After - Stairway 

Before - Stairway 

Our clients worked with the Marks-Woods design team to select cabinetry, tile, lights and plumbing fixtures. They added stylish furniture and artwork throughout their home, and it was featured on the Reston Home Tour last fall.

When potential clients ask us if we can transform their home with a small (or large!) addition, we respond with a resounding ”Yes!” If you dream of remaking your home, give us a call!

Photo Credits: Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography; Interior Photography Styling: Kristi Hunter

SEE ALSO: Convene Architecture Turns Five: How Teamwork and Vision Built a Thriving Firm

Laura Campbell

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Laura Campbell is a Co-Owner and Principal Architect of Convene Architecture, a residential architecture firm based in Old Town Alexandria. Convene Architecture designs notable homes in the Alexandria community through an exceptional client experience. Our team is grounded in building best practices, creativity, strong listening and communication, teamwork, and fun!

The Firm’s Co-Owners Laura Campbell and Ruben Santos met at the University of Virginia where they were classmates in the School of Architecture. Laura then received her Master's in Architecture from Harvard University.

Laura has called Old Town, Alexandria home for more than 20 years. She finds practicing architecture in this vibrant community to be inspiring, and appreciates the diversity of buildings here. On weekends, you can find her biking along the Potomac River, shopping at the Farmer’s Market, and hanging out in her backyard garden with family and friends.

Laura loves every aspect of being an architect, especially helping people create homes where they can live their best lives. It’s deeply personal work; she’s not just building homes but also relationships, and it’s a privilege when clients trust Convene Architecture to do this work. She’s grateful to co-lead a firm focused on making our community better, one house at a time.

www.convenearchitecture.com

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