Jennifer Sergent

Freelance design writer + blogger | Marketing copywriter

Guest Post: Liza Jane Interiors

Talk about local. As you probably know, this blog focuses exclusively on design talent in the DC/MD/VA region. Designer Liza Jones of Sterling not only grew up in McLean, but she is an eighth-generation Virginian! That kind of pedigree is part of her design DNA, as you will see in her before-and-after post on a kitchen and family room she transformed in Oak Hill, VA. Here she is to tell you about it:

My head shot

My clients hired me to redesign their kitchen and family room. Both of their beloved dogs had recently passed away, and they were finally ready for a much-needed change. After a lengthy interview to determine their needs, we got to work on these two rooms. Although I love everything about interior design, my favorite is renovation. The challenge of making spaces more functional for my clients is truly exciting.

KITCHEN

Before-Kitchen
BEFORE: Notice the off-center window and sliding glass doors? There were already French doors leading to the deck from the family room, so I recommended removal of the doors in the kitchen.

 

DURING RENOVATION: The removal of the sliding glass doors allowed us to add much needed cabinets for storage and a double oven, which the homeowner desperately wanted. We also removed the bulkhead to make space for taller cabinets. A larger window was installed above the sink to bring in more natural light.
The removal of the sliding-glass doors allowed us to add much-needed cabinets for storage and a double oven, which the homeowner desperately wanted. We also removed the bulkhead to make space for taller cabinets. A larger window was installed above the sink to bring in more natural light.

 

DURING RENOVATION: We relocated the refrigerator to the adjacent wall, added cabinets and repositioned the stovetop to the back wall from the island, where it was originally located.
We relocated the refrigerator to the adjacent wall, added cabinets and repositioned the stovetop to the back wall from the island, where it was originally located.

 

We added a bar area, including sink and wine fridge. Notice the white cabinet to the right? That was a small, dark pantry which that had no storage and no pullout shelves. We removed the old pantry and drywall, and replaced with pantry cabinets that to match the rest of the kitchen. My client loves the ease of the pull-outs and snack drawers for the kids.
We added a bar area, including sink and wine fridge. Notice the white cabinet to the right? That was a small, dark pantry that had no storage and no pullout shelves. We removed the old pantry and drywall, and replaced it with pantry cabinets that to match the rest of the kitchen. My client loves the ease of the pull-outs and the lower snack drawers for the kids.

 

My clients love their new kitchen!
My clients love their new kitchen!

 

The eat-in kitchen area. Notice the darker floors? The dogs had ruined the hardwoods. Sanding down the floors and re-staining was not an option for them.
The eat-in kitchen area. Notice the darker floors? The dogs had ruined the hardwoods. Sanding down the floors and re-staining was not an option for them so we started from scratch.

 

My clients love having a small bar in their kitchen for entertaining.
My clients love having a small bar in their kitchen for entertaining.

 

FAMILY ROOM

Outdated fireplace, not enough seating and well, just plain ordinary.
Outdated fireplace, not enough seating, and, well, just plain ordinary.

 

We created the illusion of a larger fireplace by building it out with wood trim; we shortened the built-ins, added lighting, and moved the TV above the fireplace instead of it placing it on the built-ins as before. I was able to save my client’s money by finding a beautiful Carrera marble remnant, which we used to cover the old brick.

 

Photo of family room and redesigned fireplace. We added a sectional that provides lots of seating along with two club chairs in a fun fabric.
Photo of family room and redesigned fireplace. We added a sectional that provides lots of seating along with two club chairs in a fun fabric.

 

Crisp resize 2

I truly enjoyed working on this project, and my clients were amazing!

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Comments

  1. Love the design work. We also did built-in’s on each side of the fireplace but narrow as you did, installed over-head lighting in the cabinets, glass shelves and finished off with moulding too. So I was on the right track. Showed the picture to my husband because I have been wanting to do something with our brick which is the exact same style. Now you gave me ideas he “MAY” consider. Thanks Liza