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Collection by Allie Weiss

A Smart Modern Remodel of a Traditional DC House

In Washington DC, a contractor transforms a dilapidated house into a clean, modern residence.

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When Justin Sullivan and Christine Ju stumbled upon this house in Cleveland Park neighborhood of Washington, DC, it was in clear need of an update. "It only had one bathroom, a kitchen that hadn't been touched since the 60s, and a small backyard that had become overgrown with weeds and had a rusty chain link fence," Sullivan says. It was originally 1,800 square feet, but the couple expanded it to 2,400 with the addition of a basement.
When Justin Sullivan and Christine Ju stumbled upon this house in Cleveland Park neighborhood of Washington, DC, it was in clear need of an update. "It only had one bathroom, a kitchen that hadn't been touched since the 60s, and a small backyard that had become overgrown with weeds and had a rusty chain link fence," Sullivan says. It was originally 1,800 square feet, but the couple expanded it to 2,400 with the addition of a basement.
The house before renovation.
The house before renovation.
By enclosing a small deck, the couple was able to expand and remodel the kitchen. Painted plywood cabinets add a streamlined aeshetic. The refrigerator is Sub-Zero, the cooktop is Thermador, and the hood, dishwasher, and double-wall oven are Bosch. The countertop is Caesarstone's Frosty Carrina.
By enclosing a small deck, the couple was able to expand and remodel the kitchen. Painted plywood cabinets add a streamlined aeshetic. The refrigerator is Sub-Zero, the cooktop is Thermador, and the hood, dishwasher, and double-wall oven are Bosch. The countertop is Caesarstone's Frosty Carrina.
Sullivan, a contractor, owns the remodeling company Impact Construction. He designed and performed the work in several stages, with collaboration from friends Kevin Nigri, AIA, and Stephen Strasser. The dining table, the Parsons model from Room & Board with a walnut top, is surrounded by Adelaide chairs from BoConcept. The Random pendant light is by Moooi.
Sullivan, a contractor, owns the remodeling company Impact Construction. He designed and performed the work in several stages, with collaboration from friends Kevin Nigri, AIA, and Stephen Strasser. The dining table, the Parsons model from Room & Board with a walnut top, is surrounded by Adelaide chairs from BoConcept. The Random pendant light is by Moooi.
The living room is outfiited with Jens Risom chairs found on eBay.
The living room is outfiited with Jens Risom chairs found on eBay.
Large Marvin Windows were added to the back of the house to improve views of the yard. "We replaced the old 1980s shingles with stucco—since it was an approved material according to our historic reviewers—and painted the house," Sullivan says. They also added a small balcony with ipe decking.
Large Marvin Windows were added to the back of the house to improve views of the yard. "We replaced the old 1980s shingles with stucco—since it was an approved material according to our historic reviewers—and painted the house," Sullivan says. They also added a small balcony with ipe decking.
Working with Ryan Moody Design on the backyard, the couple cleared out the weeds, leveled the space, and added a new ipe and galvanized metal fence. A fire pit designed by David Cooke is surrounded by a bench of ipe. Concrete pavers make up the patio.
Working with Ryan Moody Design on the backyard, the couple cleared out the weeds, leveled the space, and added a new ipe and galvanized metal fence. A fire pit designed by David Cooke is surrounded by a bench of ipe. Concrete pavers make up the patio.