When foodie empty nesters were looking for a kitchen redesign, their primary motivator was to have an open, updated space for cooking and entertaining with friends and family; they’re also the parents of Colin McClimans, the DC-based executive chef and restaurateur behind Nina May, Opal and Elena James.

Working with cabinetmaker Evans LaCroix, interior designer Sarah Goldfarb of Sarah Goldfarb Designs oversaw the renovation of the once-cramped kitchen, which included a cumbersome peninsula. “Opening up the old kitchen to the dining room allowed us to create one large, shared space,” says Goldfarb. “By removing the peninsula and range wall, we installed an oversized island and rearranged the layout to create a working triangle of a Wolf gas range, paneled fridge and prep sink,” she explains.

In place of cherry wood cabinets and black-speckled granite counters, the design team installed clean-lined, custom cabinetry in a warm-gray, satin finish. Counters are veined quartzite, and the full-height backsplash is zellige tile in a basket-weave pattern. “We also designed china cabinets bridged by a serving buffet in the new dining area. By carrying the kitchen cabinetry over, we kept the feeling of an open concept, rather than two separate spaces,” Goldfarb adds.

The new, 360-square-foot kitchen and dining areas comfortably seat 14 guests between the table and the island. “My clients love to cook and entertain, so we made this chef’s kitchen for the whole family to enjoy,” says Goldfarb.