Natural lighting, a feature we incorporate into all our projects; a simple-modern design, that connects the indoor and outdoor spaces; and recyclable and sustainable materials, set off this Arlington renovation. The clients' requests were to improve the existing floor plan, as their house was a collection of many small rooms; create an efficient flexible kitchen for cooking, eating, and entertaining with an over-flow to the outdoors; and stay within their budget.

Opening the wall between the existing living room and kitchen allows for an easy flow into the new kitchen addition. The sun-filled breakfast area offers an open view to the client's gardens and reconfigured terrace. The tall ceiling, that slopes upward, and the high windows create an abundance of day-light.

A new electrical outlet is placed in the kitchen floor, for phase two, if the client should decide to install a permanent island, in the future. In the meanwhile, a temporary island, with storage shelves under the countertop, was purchased. Another cost-saver is open-shelving instead of upper cabinets.

Natural, sustainable and recycled materials for the kitchen include formaldehyde-free cabinets, ice-stone countertops, bamboo shelving, energy efficient windows and appliances for the interior. The exterior boasts natural clear-coated cedar shakes, IPE decking at rear porch and salvaged flagstone for the reconfigured terrace. All make for a crisp, earthy, natural project.