Marilyn Dr. Split-Foyer Renovation in Alexandria, VA

FEATURED PROJECT · MARILYN DR. · ALEXANDRIA, VA

A Fresh Perspective on the Split-Foyer

A 1963 Alexandria home with a statement kitchen, two renovated baths and a lower level made for living.

00 · INTRODUCTION

Inside the Marilyn Dr. Renovation

Some homes offer more than their outside suggests. This split-foyer opens into two full levels of living space.

Marilyn Dr. sits in Alexandria’s Maple Grove Estates. Our renovation brought one design through both levels: a kitchen with real presence, refinished hardwood upstairs, two new bathrooms and a bright lower level with its own walk-out patio.

BUILT

1963

RENOVATED

2026

HOME TYPE

Split-foyer

FINISHED SPACE

2,288 sq ft

BEDROOMS

5

BATHROOMS

2 full

LOWER LEVEL

1,144 sq ft

LOT

About 0.31 acres

Three bedrooms are upstairs. Two more rooms on the lower level work as bedrooms, an office, a gym or guest space.

01 · THE KITCHEN

Shaker Cabinets Meet a Double-Waterfall Island

A thick double-waterfall island in Calacatta quartz, with crystal pendant lights. Shown virtually staged.

The kitchen became the defining room of the house. Solid-wood Shaker cabinets set a classic base, and stainless appliances keep it current.

Calacatta quartz runs across the counters and up the wall as a full backsplash. In the middle, a thick-profile island with waterfall ends on both sides gives the room a strong centerpiece. Crystal pendants add sparkle above the work surface.

Before and after: the original wood kitchen and the finished room.

02 · UPSTAIRS

Room to Gather, Warmth Underfoot

Upstairs, the kitchen, dining and living areas feel like one connected space. We refinished the hardwood floors across the whole level, so one warm surface ties the rooms together.

Sliding glass doors lead from the main level to the deck, so a meal or conversation can move outside easily.

Fresh paint, new interior doors, updated lighting and new baseboards carry into the three bedrooms. The primary bedroom has private access to the upstairs bathroom.

03 · THE BATHROOMS

Two Baths, Thoughtfully Coordinated

Both full bathrooms were renovated with custom-made vanities, distinctive sink bowls and Calacatta quartz tops. New tile and fixtures complete each room.

Using the same quartz as the kitchen ties the house together. An existing laundry chute still runs from the upstairs bathroom to the lower level, a small convenience owners love.

04 · THE LOWER LEVEL

Bright, Spacious and Open to the Yard

With about 1,144 finished square feet, the lower level is a big part of this house. A large recreation room has full windows and sliding doors straight out to the rear patio.

We installed new luxury vinyl plank flooring. Its wood look relates to the hardwood upstairs, and it stands up to everyday traffic from the backyard. A freestanding wood-burning stove gives the room a cozy focal point.

Two more rooms, a renovated full bathroom and a laundry area round out this level.

05 · OUTSIDE

Outdoor Living on Two Levels

Upper deck

Off the kitchen and dining area, for meals and entertaining.

Lower patio

Right outside the rec room, for a second place to gather.

Room to grow

A large rear lawn for gardening, play or more seating later.

Out front, refreshed finishes, shutters, a brick patio and walkway carry the same care to the arrival.

Location helps too: Maple Grove Estates is close to Kingstowne, Springfield Town Center, the Van Dorn Street and Franconia–Springfield Metro stations and Fort Belvoir.

06 · TAKEAWAYS

What a Split-Foyer Needs

Make the kitchen the anchor

In a split-foyer, the upstairs kitchen sets the tone for the whole home.

Treat the lower level as living space

Light, durable floors and good doors to the yard turn it into a second gathering space.

Repeat materials

Quartz, lighting and trim that repeat on both levels make two floors feel like one house.

Have a split-level or split-foyer? See more real projects, or read how to fix an outdated kitchen layout.

THE GREAT HOUSE · NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Thinking about the possibilities in your home?

From kitchens and baths to lower levels and whole-home renovations, we can help you plan the next chapter.