The Jessi Project
Entry Foyer, Kitchen, Mudroom & Laundry Room Renovation LOCATION
Centreville, VA | Fairfax Country
STYLE
Colonial Modern
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Halcyon Interiors Co.
CABINETRY
Halcyon Cabinetry Co.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Brian Wetzel Photo
STYLING
Halcyon Interiors Co.
Project Overview
Our clients came to us with a 30+ year-old Classic Colonial that needed significant renovations and a fresh design perspective to transform it into their forever home. Nestled in an established neighborhood surrounded by mature trees, the home had beautiful natural surroundings but often felt dark and heavy inside. From the start, our goal was to bring in more natural light while still embracing the moody, atmospheric quality created by the filtered sunlight throughout the day.
Every design decision was made with intention—to create spaces that feel modern and refreshed, yet still honor the timeless character of the Colonial style.
The primary focus of this renovation included the Entry Foyer, Kitchen, Butler’s Pantry, Casual Dining Area, and the Mudroom & Laundry. However, we also made several strategic updates throughout the rest of the home to maximize the budget and streamline the work of our trade partners.
Some of the key updates we made — Refinished and updated the fireplace in the Great Room. Refinished the solid oak hardwood floors throughout the main level and upstairs landing. Painted all walls, doors, and trim on the main floor and upstairs landing. Replaced all dated 80’s era brass door knobs with updated hardware. Selected new ceiling light fixtures to enhance both function and style. Updated all air vents, light switches, and electrical outlets—because every detail matters.
The result is a home that feels brighter, more cohesive, and perfectly balanced between classic charm and modern comfort.
Scope of Services
Full Service Renovation
Interior Architecture & Design
Project Management
Custom Cabinetry Design
Furnishing & Decor
Installation & Styling
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Contents
A Refreshed Entry Foyer
Simplify and Update
We often incorporate custom wall millwork into our designs, but for this Entry Foyer, our clients wanted to embrace a more minimal, modern colonial aesthetic. To achieve this, we removed the chair rail and boxed millwork, allowing the architecture to breathe and the details to feel more refined.
We updated the stair balusters, refinished the floors and stairs, and painted the entire space in a warm white with contrasting trim to add subtle visual depth. The transformation was completed with thoughtfully selected furnishings, lighting, and décor that balance simplicity with timeless charm.
The result is an inviting Entry that feels both fresh and classic—creating a warm welcome for family and guests alike.
An Updated Casual Dining
Small Changes, Big Impact
In the Casual Dining area, we made a significant impact by replacing the three existing windows with a sliding door that opens onto the new deck. Squaring off the previously awkward angles went a long way toward bringing this space into the modern era.
Our clients wanted to maintain a sense of separation between the Kitchen and Great Room without fully closing off the space. After thoughtful discussion, we chose to keep the pony wall but give it a fresh, simplified look by replacing the dated stone top with a solid oak slab stained to match the flooring.
This room now also offers a beautiful view of the refinished Great Room fireplace, creating a cohesive connection between the two spaces.
The result is a comfortable, updated Casual Dining area that perfectly suits daily family meals and relaxed gatherings.A Reimagined Kitchen with Storage for Days
A Life Changing Kitchen Redesign
The changes made in this kitchen were truly life-changing for the family. When we first visited their home, it was clear that much of the clutter stemmed from a lack of proper storage. Our design approach centered on maximizing the interior function of the cabinetry. We spent time getting to know the family, understanding how they lived in the space, and identifying exactly what they needed from their kitchen. Every item was cataloged and photographed to ensure that everything would have a designated place.
The cabinetry now features a range of thoughtful interior systems: a large utensil and knife block pull-out, spice pull-out, trash and recycle pull-outs, pot drawers with lid storage, cutlery divider drawers, a cabinet with a custom tray divider, and even a tall command center cabinet—just to name a few.
Once all functional needs were met, we turned our attention to aesthetics. The couple loves color and the warmth of rich wood tones. Before the renovation, a vibrant dark teal wall in their living room stood out, but it was later painted the same warm white used throughout the connected spaces. We decided to reintroduce that teal in a more refined way—using a slightly muted, dusty teal for the cabinetry—paired beautifully with walnut cabinets that inspired the new floor stain color. To complete the transformation, we replaced the small 3’x3’ window above the sink with a stunning 7’x4’ single-pane picture window, flooding the space with natural light.
The result is a a kitchen that not only functions perfectly for the family’s lifestyle but also feels warm, inviting, and deeply personal—a transformation the family has described as truly life-changing.
Out of Sight Small Appliances
Small appliances are essential in every kitchen, but they often lead to cluttered countertops and visual chaos. This thoughtfully designed utilitarian cabinet solves that problem with a clean, functional aesthetic. Featuring a durable tile backsplash for effortless cleaning and built-in outlets for convenient use, it allows our client’s to keep their small appliances plugged in yet neatly tucked away.
The Butcher Block Shelf Unit and Bookshelf Endcap
The shelf unit at the end of the island introduces both function and flow to the space. It provides extra breathing room between the kitchen and the casual dining area while offering convenient open storage topped with a custom Walnut butcher block surface perfect for meal prep.
To visually connect the kitchen and dining spaces, an open bookcase was integrated at the end of the cabinetry. This design choice helps the cabinetry transition seamlessly into the dining area, giving it the appearance of a furniture piece and enhancing the overall sense of cohesion between the two zones.
The Workstation Sink
The sleek, functional workstation sink enhances kitchen efficiency with interchangeable accessories that glide effortlessly along integrated ledges positioned at multiple heights.
An Intimate Butler’s Pantry
Embracing the Lower Ceiling
Positioned between the Kitchen and the formal Dining Room, the Butler’s Pantry was designed as both a functional and elegant transition space. It needed to serve the family’s everyday needs—offering a convenient spot to grab a quick drink—while also elevating the experience of formal entertaining.
Though not avid wine collectors, the clients’ membership at a local vineyard inspired the inclusion of dedicated storage for their occasional specialty batches. This thoughtful detail adds both practicality and a touch of personal charm.
To enhance the cozy proportions of the room, the lower ceilings were embraced rather than disguised. Shiplap cladding on the ceiling and two walls creates a sense of intimacy and texture, while the deep, dusty teal—mirroring the kitchen cabinetry—ties the spaces together seamlessly.
The result is a warm, sophisticated Butler’s Pantry that bridges the kitchen and dining areas with effortless style and purpose, offering both everyday convenience and refined character.A Thoughtfully Designed Mudroom & Laundry
A Combined Mudroom & Laundry
This space was designed with one goal in mind — functionality for a busy family. Through thoughtful design and smart space planning, every inch serves a purpose. The layout includes a dedicated drop zone for coats, bags, shoes, and hats, a cabinet for cleaning supplies, and a utility sink with a custom wood insert that transforms the countertop into a convenient laundry folding station. A pull-out hamper is neatly tucked into the sink cabinet, while a ceiling-mounted drying rack on a pulley system adds even more practicality.
To balance all that function with beauty, the design carries through the same cohesive aesthetic found in the rest of the home. The walls are wrapped in shiplap, echoing the Butler’s Pantry, and painted in the same dark dusty teal as the kitchen cabinets. To keep the small space feeling open and airy, the ceiling and upper portions of three walls were left white, adding lightness and visual balance.
The result is a welcoming Family Entry that perfectly blends style and function, creating a space that’s hardworking and beautiful.
“Thank you for everything Shayla.
I’m so glad we got to work together, and with such a beautiful outcome.”
Jessica K. — Homeowner
Before & Afters
