Upon downsizing into this midcentury residence in Gibson Island, Md., the homeowner engaged Rill Architects of Bethesda, Md. to right the wrongs of previous remodelings and restore the design purity of the house.
“Removing the remnants of former renovations that created closed-off rooms and a disjointed spatial flow made way for what the owner really wanted: to stay true to the home’s midcentury bones while also making it livable with a mix of styles she loves,” said architect Jim Rill, principal of the firm.
In the kitchen, the architectural team began by stripping away outdated elements, such as low ceilings and ductwork, as well as terra-cotta tiles, heavy stained-wood cabinets and walls that blocked the view of a nearby pond. The client wanted a sleek, modern, kitchen with white custom cabinetry and quartz counters, fitted with the latest appliances. A new island, along with a pantry, expanded the storage and versatility of the 16- by 18-foot room. Select applications of walnut – on the range hood and the base of the island – relieve the all-white scheme and complement the natural setting of the home.
Rill reworked the second floor (which was added to the house in the 1990s) to orient the primary bedroom and bath to the water. Measuring 6- by 12-feet, the elongated bath features a walk-in shower, double vanity and a comfort-height commode, all of which contribute to the long-term comfort of the homeowner.
—By Leslie Clagett, KBB managing editor
