Fed up with their 1980s-era kitchen, these Mclean homeowners were ready for a modern chef’s kitchen with space to work—and entertain. Bumping out the existing kitchen by 12 feet created a roomy addition with 11-foot-high ceilings and a view to the back yard.

Instead of one large island, the couple decided on two parallel workstations to keep circulation open. One island contains a sink for food prep while the other anchors the cooktop and an extended table with room for seating on both sides.

There’s no doubt this pale gray mass wall carries its weight. The hard-working cabinetry houses a sink, pullout pantry, refrigerator, freezer drawers, dishwasher, and dual ovens. Gray quartz countertops and a white, back-painted glass backsplash round out the minimalist palette.

On one end of the cabinetry wall, false cabinet doors open to reveal a nine-foot-long walk-in pantry. Resilient flooring made of cork-backed vinyl resembles weathered wood throughout the open kitchen.

The other end of the cabinetry wall features a dedicated bar area, complete with a full-height integrated wine fridge and glassware storage.

Two cozy seating areas—one with a new fireplace—invite guests to settle in and socialize.