A New Kitchen and a Better Backyard

Relocating a detached garage adds privacy to the backyard and makes room for a bigger kitchen

Although architect Michael De Biasse and his wife had considered a kitchen renovation for their 80-year-old home, it wasn't until they'd spent eight years thinking out loud that the project got under way. In addition to bumping out the back wall of their house to expand the size of the kitchen, De Biasse relocated a garage to improve the home's backyard. A new window seat provides views from the kitchen/dining area to the new backyard patio. One portion of the project involved the removal of a powder room and the conversion of a butler's pantry to a full bath with modern amenities and a style that makes it look original to the house.