Tired of their cluttered, outdated kitchen, Bethesda homeowners called on Boss Design Center to transform the space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing hub for cooking and entertaining. After bidding farewell to its dark granite countertops and clunky cabinetry, architectural designer Talha Gursoy started with a clean slate.

“We wanted to blend modern European design with timeless sophistication,” he explains. His scheme centers on a long island featuring a waterfall edge in polished quartzite.

The star of the show, quartzite also appears on the far wall’s backsplash, where a single slab creates a focal point behind a custom stainless-steel hood and a Wolf cooktop. Backless glass towers displaying barware let the stone shine through.

The room’s light palette is offset with bespoke details. “We did quite a bit of layering on the island with wood, stone and brass footings,” notes the designer. In addition to brass trim on the island, the metal is repeated in the hood’s rivet accents and in the team’s lighting and hardware selections.

Custom cabinetry in walnut and painted wood provide plenty of storage. Along the window wall, two dishwashers flank a farmhouse sink. And on the other side of the island, a door opens to reveal a pop-out shelf for a standing mixer.

The residents are delighted with their stunning new cook space. As Gursoy reflects, “It showcases exceptional craftsmanship, natural light and material harmony—balancing warmth, texture and refinement.”

Award: Kitchen over $150,000. Design & Construction: Talha Gursoy, Boss Design Center, McLean, Virginia. Photo