This Arlington home needed more than a fresh coat of paint. It needed a complete rethink. As the centerpiece of a full-scale home renovation that included a new second-story addition, this kitchen remodeling project required tearing out structural walls, rebuilding the infrastructure from scratch, and designing a space that could hold its own as the heart of a high-end modern home.
The result speaks for itself. Scroll through the gallery below to see how a dark, segmented floor plan became a bright, open-concept kitchen that blends daily functionality with refined, contemporary style.
The Challenge
Every kitchen renovation comes with its own set of complications. This one had three major ones. The original layout was closed off — load-bearing walls separated the kitchen from the living area, choking natural light and making the main floor feel smaller than it was.
Because the project included a full second-story addition, the kitchen ceiling had to be structurally reinforced to carry the new living space above while still achieving a clean, flush ceiling look. On top of that, the existing plumbing and electrical were outdated. Neither the wiring nor the supply lines were built to handle modern, high-capacity appliances or meet current Arlington County building codes.
Scope of Work
This wasn't a surface-level kitchen makeover. The NextDay Remodeling team performed a complete gut renovation — everything came out, and everything went back in better.
- Flooring. Wide-plank engineered hardwood runs throughout the entire space. It anchors the kitchen visually and ties it into the adjoining living areas with a warm, consistent finish.
- Custom Cabinetry. We installed custom white Shaker-style cabinets that run floor-to-ceiling, maximizing every inch of storage. Matte black hardware gives them a clean, modern edge without overcomplicating the design.
- Countertops & Backsplash. The countertops are high-grade white quartz with subtle grey veining. The peninsula extends the workspace and seats two comfortably. For the backsplash, we used textured horizontal glass tile. This material adds depth and catches the light in a way standard tile simply doesn't.
- Fixtures. A deep under-mount stainless steel sink paired with a professional-grade matte black pull-down faucet replaced the dated original setup. Functional, clean, and built to last.
- Electrical & Lighting. The entire kitchen was re-wired to support high-capacity appliances, including a dedicated circuit for the drawer microwave. The lighting plan layers recessed LED cans, under-cabinet task lighting, and gold pendant accents over the peninsula.
- Plumbing & HVAC. All supply and drain lines were replaced with modern PEX and PVC. A high-CFM ventilation system was installed to properly handle the output from the professional-grade LG range.
Structural Integrity & Code Compliance
Supporting a new second floor while keeping the kitchen ceiling open required serious structural work. We installed the appropriate steel and LVL beam configuration to carry the load safely. All structural changes, electrical upgrades, and plumbing re-routing were completed in full compliance with Arlington County building codes. Every phase was reviewed and signed off by local building officials. Safety doesn't get cut for aesthetics. On every project, both have to hold.
The Final Result
White cabinetry. Quartz counters. Matte black accents. Warm gold lighting. It's a palette that works because the proportions are right and the craftsmanship is there to back it up. The open floor plan improves how the home functions day-to-day, and the kitchen renovation has added real, measurable value to this Arlington property (not just visual appeal).
Planning a kitchen remodel?
Planning a kitchen renovation or a full home remodel in Northern Virginia? The team at NextDay Remodeling works with homeowners throughout the NoVA area to deliver projects that are built right and finished to a high standard. Reach out today for a free consultation and let's talk through what your project needs.