It all started when the wall oven broke. For a Potomac couple, the simple loss of this integral appliance snowballed into a sorely needed remodel. Their existing kitchen was dated and dysfunctional, with builder-grade cabinetry, vinyl floors and black appliances that were an eyesore. But the biggest problem was storage. “They wanted dedicated space for everything, from appliances to cookware, silverware, spices and pantry items,” says project developer Mary Englert of Case Architects & Remodelers, who collaborated on the project with designer Melissa Cooley.

They began by replacing the soffit above the wall cabinets with a row of cabinetry, perfect for storing and displaying seldom-used collectibles. They straightened and enlarged the inconveniently angled island and wrapped the base with cabinets. The walk-in pantry was replaced by a wall of easy-access, pull-out cupboards and a corner sink was removed to accommodate appliance garages tucked out of the way.

Customized storage abounds. “We found locations for each small and large appliance that would ergonomically serve the client,” recounts Cooley. Every item—toasters, blenders, mixers and more—was precisely measured to fit its allotted space and open cubbies were strategically placed for storage and display.

The adjacent family room was decorated in clean-lined style, so the owners embraced the same sensibility in the kitchen. Semi-custom Crystal cabinets in white and two shades of gray are topped with quartz counters. Large-format Porcelanosa tile with no grout lines—a favorite of the wife repurposed from the original kitchen—provides a three-dimensional, textured backsplash, adding visual interest without cluttering the busy space. Wood-look porcelain-tile floors are an extension of the family room floor, but delineated by a herringbone pattern.

Kitchen Design & Contracting: Mary Englert, CKBR, UDCP, project developer, and Melissa Cooley, CKBR, UDCP, designer, Case Architects & Remodelers, Bethesda, Maryland.