A Virginia family with teenagers had a large screened-in porch and pool project completed by WINN Design + Build during the pandemic. Several years later, after the teens had left the house, the clients reengaged the McLean, Va.-based remodeler to reimagine their kitchen and wet bar.
The spaces were already somewhat functional, but they boasted the early-2000s look from when the home was built. The clients wanted a kitchen with “California coastal” style, and their goals were initially aesthetic.
However, when Michael Winn, founder and principal of WINN Design + Build, asked how long they planned to stay in the home, the project took on a second objective. The clients said they would stay “indefinitely,” which changed the design brief, according to Winn.
That means they were designing for the next 20 years. Wellness considerations came in naturally. Even with the original kitchen’s functionality, Winn identified several issues that could pose problems in the years to come.
For example, the microwave was above the wall oven, which might eventually prove a difficult reach. Winn said they could see that the ergonomics wouldn’t serve the clients long term.
The new design started with the choice of durable materials, a key to longevity. The backsplash, countertops, and range hood are Dekton, a non-porous, hypoallergenic, and low-maintenance surface. The premium alder cabinetry with slab fronts is timeless.
The wet bar in the adjoining room mirrors the kitchen design with its wood cabinets and Dekton surfaces in a full surround. Open shelves with undercabinet lighting add warmth, while the storage minimizes clutter.
Knowing that light and air are necessary to soothing, wellness-oriented spaces, Winn emphasized these elements in the kitchen. To bring in more natural light, the double-hung sink window with grills was replaced with a pane with a minimal frame and the maximum amount of glass.
Thanks to lighter wood cabinets and bright surfaces, the light can bounce around the room, creating the impression of even more illumination. The designer said it wasn’t a dramatic change, but it had a big effect.
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Air quality was another concern, particularly because the existing ventilation only recirculated air and was not vented to the exterior. Additionally, the choice of a commercial range top required ventilation to match its strength.
WINN Design + Build routed the exhaust above the window and out of the house. They amended the exterior mechanical system to allow for make-up air, and now the ventilation cleans the air inside, which means odors from cooking are removed.
This system also maintains proper air pressure inside the home. The result is a kitchen that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and healthy.
As people age, their needs and abilities change, and a well-designed kitchen can make a significant difference in their quality of life. In this case, the clients’ decision to stay in their home indefinitely led to a design that prioritizes long-term wellness and comfort.
By incorporating durable materials, ample natural light, and proper ventilation, the new kitchen is designed to support the clients’ health and well-being for years to come. The attention to detail and focus on functionality will allow them to enjoy their home without worrying about the kitchen becoming a hindrance.
The kitchen’s design shows the importance of considering the long-term needs of homeowners. By taking a holistic approach to design, WINN Design + Build created a space that is both beautiful and functional, and that will support the clients’ well-being for decades to come.
The universal design principles applied in this project demonstrate that it’s possible to create spaces that are accessible, comfortable, and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities, much like those found in luxury home makeovers.
In the end, the kitchen redesign was a success, and the clients now have a space that meets their current and future needs. The project showcases the importance of thoughtful design and attention to detail in creating a home that supports long-term wellness and happiness.
