The owners of a turn-of-the-century row house in Georgetown tapped architect Christian Zapatka to renovate their kitchen and designer Sarah Turner to bring it into the 21st century. Zapatka facilitated circulation between the kitchen, the living area at the front of the house and the patio in back while Turner reorganized the layout of the kitchen, updating cabinetry and finishes.

The clients were downsizing from a large kitchen in a suburban home and did not want to compromise on storage. Turner incorporated tray bases, drawer dividers and spice and cutlery inserts to optimize functionality. Moving the cooktop to the island increased countertop space. Columns of stainless steel above the fridge and double ovens frame wood cabinetry and floating shelves that display items picked up by the owners while traveling.

An intricately patterned, a handmade tile backsplash is a striking focal point; its colors match the slate-blue island. Soapstone countertops have timeless appeal.

The Details   KITCHEN DESIGN: Sarah Turner, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Ltd., Chevy Chase, Maryland. RENOVATION ARCHITECTURE: Christian Zapatka, AIA, Christian Zapatka Architect, PLLC, Washington, DC. CONTRACTOR: Trust Building Service, Rockville, Maryland. CABINETRY: qcci.com. COUNTERTOPS: avantimarblegranite.com. BACKSPLASH: walkerzanger.com through architecturalceramics.com. APPLIANCES: subzero-wolf.com, bosch-home.com.