Transformation for a Del Ray Bungalow

The Halley/Carnahan family undertook a significant renovation of their 1920s Del Ray bungalow, driven by the need for more space and an additional bathroom. Originally featured on HGTV’s “My First Place” ten years ago, the couple purchased the 1,150-square-foot home, which became cramped after their daughter started kindergarten. Their primary motivation was to add a second bathroom, as the single existing one proved insufficient for their growing family. They sought to transform their starter home into a long-term residence. The couple collaborated with Four Brothers Design + Build, a Washington D.C.-based firm known for its integrated architecture, design, and construction services. Homeowners Devon Halley and Carolyn Carnahan were impressed by the firm’s portfolio and vision, which aligned with their desire for a bold and modern aesthetic. The project involved doubling the home’s size to 2,445 square feet by adding a usable second story and reconfiguring the downstairs layout. This comprehensive remodel addressed not only the need for more space but also updated the home's aging plumbing, electrical systems, weakened hardwood floors, and inefficient single-pane windows. Kristen Mendoza, a project designer for Four Brothers, and CJ LaMora of Circle Square Cross Architecture, who previously worked with Four Brothers, spearheaded the design. LaMora focused on the exterior and initial indoor layout, while Mendoza refined the interior plans. The homeowners commended the team's transparent planning and communication, ensuring a smooth transition from design to build. The renovation included a second-story addition with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, and a laundry room. The downstairs was reconfigured to include a new foyer, a spacious galley kitchen, and an open-plan living and dining area with a new wood-burning fireplace. The exterior received a striking update with dark gray siding, an A-frame roof, new windows, and an updated front porch. A key element of the renovation was the kitchen, which was transformed from a tight, awkwardly laid-out space into a welcoming and functional hub. LaMora extended the kitchen into a previously unused bump-out area, creating a long galley kitchen. Mendoza incorporated ample counter space, numerous cabinets, and a hidden appliance garage. The kitchen's aesthetic features deep green cabinets, inspired by Carnahan's garden, contrasted with white marble countertops and hand-glazed tiles. A notable design feature separating the kitchen from the living/dining area is a custom glass half-partition wall with steel framing, proposed by Halley to achieve an “industrialized restaurant look.” This unique piece also enhances natural light distribution throughout the lower level. The newly opened lower level fosters family connection, allowing individuals to pursue different activities within the same shared space. Mendoza's design elements, such as wainscoting and built-in cabinetry flanking the new fireplace, subtly define the living and dining areas. The repositioning of the dining table and the addition of bench seating maximize space and delineate the dining zone. The new foyer, created by shifting the front door, improves organization and flow, particularly during busy mornings. The wood-burning fireplace, a desired feature for Halley, required extensive masonry work but significantly contributes to the living room's cozy ambiance. A large, art-like television above the fireplace and an integrated sound system with invisible speakers further enhance the living space. Upstairs, the renovation introduced an office space with a vaulted ceiling and triangular windows, a significant improvement from Halley's previous basement workspace. The three bedrooms now feature ample closet space, resolving a long-standing issue for the family. The primary bedroom includes a bonus balcony, providing a private outdoor retreat. The main bathroom continues the rich color palette with deep green-black soapstone, dark tiles, and light wood cabinets, complemented by mixed metal hardware. Skylights were strategically placed in bathrooms and at the top of the staircase to maximize natural light on the north side of the house, while ribbon-style windows characterize the southern-facing side of the second level. The home's exterior, with its iron gray siding and A-frame roof, reflects a modernized bungalow aesthetic that nonetheless fits within the diverse architectural styles of the Del Ray neighborhood. The homeowners expressed immense satisfaction with the renovation, highlighting how the transformed home better suits their family's contemporary lifestyle. #HomeRenovation #BungalowRemodel #DelRayHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #KitchenRenovation #ModernHome #FamilyLiving #FourBrothersDesignBuild #HomeRenovation #BungalowRemodel #DelRayHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #KitchenRenovation #ModernHome #FamilyLiving #FourBrothersDesignBuild