Case Study: Arlington Kitchen Remodel That Balances Bold Design with Everyday Function

When our Arlington clients came to us, they weren’t asking for more space—they were asking for better space. Their home already had the square footage and plenty of room for the whole family (plus their live-in au pair). But even with generous bedrooms, home offices, and a great location on a quiet cul-de-sac, there were a few key areas that just didn’t flow—starting with the kitchen.

Before: Good Bones, But No Flow

Despite the overall size of the home, the kitchen felt boxed in by walls, dated cabinetry, and awkward transitions. Overhead cabinets made the space feel heavy and dark, prep areas were limited, and natural light was in short supply.

Before – TriVistaUSA Design + Build Kitchen Remodel, Arlington, VA

Oh, and the entryway from the garage? Meant to serve as a mudroom or pantry, it kind of did… neither. Instead, the family was using a small coat closet near the front door to store shoes, jackets, backpacks, and other daily essentials. Not ideal for a busy household constantly on the move.

Meanwhile, a formal dining room sat underused to the side, and upstairs, a large walk-in closet was mostly collecting dust—while the laundry setup left a lot to be desired. What they really needed was a space that worked smarter—not harder—with a layout that supported both everyday life and their love of entertaining.

The Vision: A Bright, Open, and Eclectic Kitchen

To make this home work better for the couple, we reorganized key areas to improve flow and functionality—while also ensuring we stayed true to their unique, bold, and eclectic style. We transformed the underused walk-in closet into a much-needed upstairs laundry room, converted the formal dining room into a practical mudroom and entry drop zone, and expanded the kitchen to include extra seating along the island—essentially making up for the dining room and creating a space that's perfect for cooking, hosting, and everyday life.

Take a look at the existing floor plan alongside our construction plans and renderings below to see exactly how we reimagined the kitchen and surrounding spaces—highlighting the thoughtful changes that improved flow, function, and livability for the couple.

Existing Plans – TriVistaUSA Design + Build Kitchen Remodel, Arlington, VA

Construction Plans – TriVistaUSA Design + Build Kitchen Remodel, Arlington, VA

Rendering – TriVistaUSA Design + Build Kitchen Remodel, Arlington, VA

The Result – A Bright, Fun Kitchen Perfect for Entertaining

The result is a kitchen that feels expansive, open, and connected—perfectly blending functionality with style. Now, with a more intuitive layout, ample prep space, and room for socializing, it’s a space that works just as hard as the family who uses it.

After – TriVistaUSA Design + Build Kitchen Remodel, Arlington, VA

Let There Be Light (and a Little Drama)

The kitchen is now bathed in natural light, thanks to an innovative custom ceiling detail that channels light from the second floor. Paired with large new windows, the once-dark space is transformed into a bright, airy hub—exactly what the clients envisioned.

Bold Moves: Banana Leaf Wallpaper

We wanted the personality of this family to show up in the design, so we didn’t shy away from a statement. Enter: the original Martinique banana leaf wallpaper by CW Stockwell. We used it as a feature in the adjacent dining area (yes, there’s still a dining space—just not formal and forgotten), and it brings all the bold, playful energy in the best way.

A Cocktail Bar Built for Hosting

One of the highlights of this project was the addition of a chic cocktail bar. Our clients enjoy hosting gatherings and wanted a dedicated space for mixing drinks and entertaining guests. We designed a built-in bar area adjacent to the kitchen, complete with glass shelving, a marble countertop, and custom cabinetry for glassware storage.

A Mudroom That Welcomes and Organizes

What was once a formal dining room has been completely transformed into a practical entryway that doubles as a drop zone. With built-in storage for coats, shoes, and everyday essentials, this space is now a functional and welcoming transition from the garage, making it easier for the family to stay organized and keep the kitchen clutter-free.