Having just moved to DC, a couple with three young children engaged architect Megan Downey to reimagine the back half of their Tudor-style home in Forest Hills. Four small rooms, including the original galley cook space, breakfast area and the butler’s and food pantries, were opened up to create a spacious eat-in kitchen. New fenestration brings in abundant natural light. One-of-a-kind touches, such as perfectly imperfect clay tile and custom built-in seating, place an emphasis on handicraft. An adjacent garage a couple feet below the grade of the house was converted into a family/playroom and joined to the new kitchen via steps. “What we tried to do was help with the flow of the space,” says Downey. “Now the clients see the kitchen as the heart of the house.”

Architecture: Lyon Architecture. Interior Architecture: Megan Downey, Megan Downey Studio. Interior Design: Emily Lindberg Design. Builder: Precision Capital General Work. Cabinetry: Sakonnet Furniture Makers.

Ideas You Can Use

• When joining formerly separated spaces, aim for uniformity. Incorporating windows of the same size and style helps create continuity.
• If you’re purchasing an older home, make sure the kitchen can feasibly be expanded or relocated; check for load-bearing walls.
• Turn a design challenge, such as a change in grade or ceiling height, into a positive with a built-in feature or eye-catching element.