Michael Nash Custom Kitchens and Homes in Fairfax took home an award for “Best Kitchen Under $50,000” in the Contractor of the Year Awards— an annual competition sponsored by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry—for this renovation in Alexandria.

A half-wall enclosed the kitchen from the living area. The owners had to walk through the living room to get from the kitchen to the outdoor deck.

The renovation tore down that wall and moved the sink to a small, standalone island that looks out toward the family room. The open floorplan lets the owners go directly from the kitchen to the living room, dining room, or deck. New cherry cabinets and oak floors complete the transformation.

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