When Marty and Jim purchased their 1995 Alexandria, Virginia home, they saw something most people could not: potential. The house needed a complete overhaul — walls had to come down, the kitchen needed to move entirely to a different part of the house, and every room needed to be rethought from the ground up. Marty found the right partner. After meeting designer Charlie from Bull Run Kitchen & Bath, she knew she had found the team that could turn her vision into a forever home.
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This was a full-house renovation from top to bottom. The Alexandria kitchen remodel was just one chapter in a sweeping project that included opening up the main floor by removing structural walls, relocating the kitchen from one side of the house to the other, installing new flooring throughout, updating every door, refinishing the staircase, and renovating the master bedroom suite, master bathroom, walk-in closet, and additional rooms. The goal was an open, light-filled, modern home that still felt warm and welcoming. Marty's vision was clear: no walls, a large and inviting kitchen at the center of the home, and spaces that flowed naturally into each other. Jim, who was overseas during much of the planning process, was skeptical when he first saw pictures of the unrenovated house. But when Charlie presented a detailed engineering plan with samples and design concepts, Jim's skepticism dissolved.
Design & Materials:
The Alexandria kitchen remodel features a striking navy blue island surrounded by white cabinetry — a bold, classic combination that anchors the U-shaped kitchen design. To make room for the large island, Bull Run relocated a structural wall two feet, borrowing space from an adjacent office to create the footprint the kitchen needed. That two-foot shift made all the difference: the island now seats multiple guests comfortably and serves as the social and functional hub of the home. The kitchen is organized around what Charlie calls an "easy circle" — trash, sink, and dishwasher grouped together so cleanup flows naturally and no one gets in anyone's way during cooking. Additional appliances are strategically positioned throughout the kitchen to keep separate functions separate. Throughout the main floor and upper level, Bull Run installed a matte-finish natural flooring that creates a seamless look from room to room. All doors were upgraded with matching hardware — black hinges and handles that carry an accent tone used throughout the home. On the staircase, black shiplap on one side creates a dramatic accent wall that adds contrast without overwhelming the space. The master bathroom continues the black-and-natural-wood design language: black tile on the floor, wood-toned vanities, picket tiles on the walls installed to a specific height, and warm paint colors above. The walk-in closet was custom-designed for both function and beauty. A powder room features a honeycomb tile floor with herringbone installation and a complementary wallpaper accent.
The Transformation Process:
The renovation took approximately five to six months. Jim and Marty chose to live in the finished basement during construction, which the crew — led by Juan and his team — accommodated thoughtfully. They worked quickly while remaining considerate of the couple's daily life, and relationships formed that went well beyond contractor-client. The crew genuinely became part of the family during those months. One critical milestone: the couple had set a firm wedding deadline. Charlie and the Bull Run team worked hard to meet it, finishing approximately three days before family started arriving from out of town. It was no small feat — and they delivered.
Why Bull Run:
Homeowners in Alexandria and across Northern Virginia looking for a partner who truly listens — and then delivers — will find exactly that in Bull Run Kitchen & Bath. From single-room kitchen remodels to full whole-home renovations, their team combines design creativity, structural expertise, and genuine personal investment in every project. The navy white island kitchen at this Alexandria home is a ament to what is possible when vision meets execution. If you are ready to reimagine your kitchen or your entire home, contact Bull Run Kitchen & Bath today for a free consultation. They serve Alexandria, Fairfax, and communities throughout the Northern Virginia and DMV area.
Testimonial:
“After chatting with Charlie and having him come through and explaining my vision, I remember talking to Jim and saying, 'I'm pretty sure we found the person that's right to help us.' Charlie and I had great connections. I could definitely tell that he saw my vision, gave me some recommendations, and I felt like he was honest, very transparent, and really collaborative.”
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The finishedroom
Your smile tells us we’ve done things right. That your experience remodeling your kitchen and bath has been more than what you expected. And as a result you can’t help but gush over your new kitchen or bath and tell everyone about it!
