A Historic Washington Home Gets a Light-Filled Family Kitchen

Colleen Healey Architecture devised this light-filled jewel box of a kitchen as part of an extensive renovation of a historic American Foursquare home in Washington, DC, for a young family who had recently returned after six years living in Japan. The family wanted a space that prioritized kid-friendly functionality and unfettered access to the outdoors — with an expressive mix of
materials inspired by their experience living abroad.

A mix of materials — warm pine ceiling planks, dramatic quartzite counters, rich walnut cabinets and hand-made tiles — creates a layered and inviting backdrop for busy family life.

As with many historical renovations, this one came with its fair share of challenges, most notably the…