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  • Herndon Kitchen Remodel Features Large Island, Sophisticated Bar 
A kitchen with light wood details on the island, light walls, and green cabinets
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Herndon Kitchen Remodel Features Large Island, Sophisticated Bar 

This remodel gave the couple what they wanted, a functional kitchen where they could spend hours and host parties.

By Megan Perry June 9, 2023 at 1:20 pm

For their kitchen remodel,  Michael and Erin Recachinas of Herndon had a clear vision of what they were looking for: a functional and durable kitchen where they could spend hours, and host cocktail or dinner parties. 

“We cook every day, love to host, and spend more time in the kitchen than in any other room in the house,” says Michael. 

Aesthetically speaking, they craved a beautiful, personalized kitchen with a gorgeous bar and a large island.  

“We wanted a timeless look and feel with modern finishes,” says Michael.  

A kitchen area with white countertops, bronze hardware, and green cabinets
Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Opening Up the Space 

Tanya Smith-Shiflett, owner of Great Falls-based Unique Kitchens & Baths and interior designer Kate Sable with Katherine Sable Design helped bring their vision to life.

Smith-Shiflett freed the walls of the original upper cabinetry and added a larger window to make the space to feel open and airy. 

Doing so flooded the kitchen with natural light and created a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

“The Recachinas have a beautiful backyard, so they were really wanting to find a way to bring the outside in,” says Smith-Shiflett. 

Because the original space was quite narrow, and the couple did not want to feel crowded, they opted to elongate the electric kitchen island and create seating at the end rather than on the side of the island. 

Smith-Shiflett added a kitchen banquette and a decker table to provide additional seating and storage. 

A kitchen island with light wood and a white marble top. Behind it, a cream-colored oven and white backsplash.
Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Organic, Natural Colors 

The Recachinas wanted the kitchen to feel both organic and natural. They chose white oak with a lime wax finish for the tower cabinetry and island. 

“This pairs perfectly with the selection of the olive-green cabinetry and quartz countertops,” says Smith-Shiflett. 

Aged brass hardware, light fixtures, and sink faucet add to the custom-made feel. 

Kitchen bar with green cabinets, green tile backsplash, and white wood cabinets.
Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Highlighting the Bar 

The star of the remodel, however, is the bar area. 

The green tiled backsplash allows the bar to shine while effortlessly blending in with rest of the kitchen. 

“It’s an absolute gem,” says Michael. “Its presence adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the overall design, making it a standout feature in the kitchen.

The Recachinas could not be more thrilled with the overall finished project.  

“It’s a space that not only meets our practical needs but also brings us joy every time we step into it,” Michael says. “The combination of functionality, durability, and style has been perfectly achieved. It genuinely feels like the kitchen we had envisioned from the start.” 

Feature image by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Home newsletter.

Megan Perry

Megan Perry

Contributing Writer

Megan Perry is a contributing writer for Northern Virginia Magazine with over a decade of experience writing for lifestyle magazines and other various publications. In addition to freelance writing, she has worked as an editor and senior content specialist for DecisionHealth since 2019. Originally from Pennsylvania, she received her journalism degree from Penn State University in 2013.

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