We were hired on this project by a couple who had raised their 3 children already and were expecting grandparents. The house, which was the same house as Waterfront in McLean was (on our website) prior to renovation had served the family well for 25 years, but the clients were hoping to expand the living space, gain a better mudroom, and laundry, add a wet bar, add a first-floor bedroom that could double as a library/office and to renovate and expand their kitchen and outdoor living areas.
 
During planning, we looked at larger additions to house a super bowl party but found that the roof lines and size of the building were getting too large, as was the budget. We settled on an Elite 8-sized room. Perfect for a smaller and more intimate gathering, with a fireplace, large enough tv for games, wet bar, and breakfast table, with a nice connection to the deck and new patio below.
 
The kitchen doubled in size and opens up well to outside and to the Elite 8 room.
 
The full project is a demonstration of Not So Big House philosophies, with built-ins in every room that offer efficiency of space, and vignettes showing a higher level of design in every corner and direction.
 
The bathroom was inspired by Santorini, with custom mosaic stone tiles in beach colors, the Elite 8 room has a southwestern feel, influenced by other travels. A column was needed in the kitchen, but rather than it becoming negative, we celebrated it and trimmed it in wood to match the cabinets and wrapped it in a monorail light from Tech Lighting.
 
As the house has a walkout basement, we realized the existing basement was large enough so we put the addition on piers to save money.