Shutter's Hill Kitchen Remodel

KITCHEN REMODEL

Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography by Jeff Heeney

As an expert in remodeling for 20 years, Cynthia Murphy always knew that she wanted to focus her talents primarily on the functional design of kitchens, baths and basements—a focus that would allow her to marry form with function, beauty with practicality. “It’s perfect for my left/right brain balance,” says Murphy, who co-owns Murphy’s Design LLC with her husband.

Beginning the design and planning of a Shutter’s Hill kitchen remodel in late February of 2021, Murphy found herself facing the challenge of material shortages, backorders and lead time for cabinetry and appliances that put the actual build on hiatus until November of that year. The objective of the project was relatively simple: “We needed to bring the existing kitchen up to current standards,” she says. “There had been an update with stock cabinets, flooring and countertops sometime in the early 2000 timeframe, and it was like they just wanted to put lipstick on a pig because it was very poorly done. You couldn’t fully open the refrigerator, the dishwasher was not properly installed and the door would trap you into a corner so you couldn’t unload it. The range was no better, as it had no space on either side to stand so that, when you opened the door, you had to keep backing up.” With the plan in place, progress moved forward—and then came the complications. “The first challenge we ran into was the structure,” Murphy notes. “It was so old that all of it had to go. Once we got everything out, including the drywall, we could really see what we were dealing

with. We had to reframe all the walls for cabinetry and we found that the cinderblock had big gaps and holes and no insulation. In addition, electrical, plumbing and gas all had to be brought up to code.”

In modernizing the space, Murphy made some dramatic changes. “The moment we took the wall separating the dining room and kitchen down, it was like a breath of fresh air,” she recalls. “Being able to create proper aisles and countertop areas as well a significant amount of storage was incredible, and getting a spacious pantry was life-changing. The key to this kitchen really was adding storage, storage and more storage within its relatively small footprint.” The aesthetic was also key, as the homeowners wanted a space that would remain true to the home’s classic architecture, updated for modern living. “We planned on incorporating family antiques that could add an element of timelessness and accentuated them with period lighting and hardware finishes,” Murphy says. Murphy’s Design is a Northern Virginia-based design and build remodeler who has served the region for over 16 years.

Specializing in Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Reorganizing outdated floor plans they focus their energies on the designing and planning that creates a uniquely you home.

As an industry leader in 2020, when many remodeling firms pulled back, Murphy’s Design launched their Free Zoom consultation platform where Cynthia meets with homeowners and gives them valuable advice and costing information. Now, Murphy’s Design has added a full range of virtual design and planning services helping the next generation of homeowners create beautiful one-of-a-kind homes.

If you’re looking for top experts in design, planning, project management and building this team can deliver the home of your dreams!

"Working with Cindy was amazing because she has a great eye for color and design, which she used to help me achieve my vision for the kitchen. For instance, the first thing friends compliment when they see my new kitchen is the backsplash, which Cindy picked out after I suggested possibly going with blue. I really love the greyblue tones of the backsplash and island with white cabinets and brass hardware."