HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA TOWNHOME RENOVATION

"I loved working with the Braswell team, and the quality of their work exceeded even my high expectations. Braswell’s team made the whole process easier than I could have imagined." - Regan Ralph

“The old kitchen could only hold one person at a time, to cook or do laundry,” Ralph quips about her first floor space before the renovation. Long hallways on either side of the kitchen reduced the usable living area. In addition, the back door to the patio was on the opposite side of the first floor entrance, and exiting required walking through the center of the room. 

To create a more efficient floor plan, our design solution involved opening the kitchen to the dining room and living area and moving the powder room to an extended area underneath the stairs. In addition, the laundry was relocated behind a stylish sliding barn door, and the back door was relocated in line with the entrance. Now walking out to the patio with a book and cold lemonade no longer means temporarily blocking someone’s view of the television. The living room also boasts more natural light with new enlarged windows. Braswell sought and received approval for the back door and window changes from the Board of Architectural Review of the Old and Historic Alexandria District.

The transformation is perhaps best viewed from the townhome’s entrance: what used to be a dark corridor is now an expansive view of a light-filled, open first floor. At the heart of this home is the updated kitchen with its white cabinets, soapstone countertops and farmhouse sink. Professional grade appliances make cooking a delight for the Ralphs while family members and friends can sit at the counter on barstools.  Modern chandeliers and recessed lighting throughout the first floor contribute to its warm and cohesive feel. 

The Ralphs lived upstairs while the renovation was taking place.