Living in a DC townhouse comes with undeniable charm and the convenience of urban living - offering easy access to public transit, shops, restaurants and work. However, over time, these older properties can start to feel outdated or no longer meet the modern living standards we desire. If you're considering a renovation to upgrade or expand your DC townhouse, Axis Architects is here to help. In this blog, we'll share expert tips, creative ideas, and the benefits of working with a local architect to transform your townhouse into the home of your dreams.
Common Challenges of DC Townhomes
Many DC townhouses share similar characteristics that can present design challenges. These include:
- Limited Square Footage: Older DC townhouses are often narrow and have less square footage compared to single-family homes.
- Compartmentalized Floor Plans: Traditional layouts tend to have separate, disconnected rooms, which can make the house feel fragmented and less spacious.
- Lack of Natural Light: With small windows in the front and back, DC townhouses often have dark interiors, especially in the center of the home.
- Outdated layouts: Many older homes feature smaller kitchens and bathrooms that lack modern functionality and storage solutions. Laundry rooms are also often tucked away in the basement, making daily chores less convenient.
Renovating Your Townhouse
A home renovation offers endless possibilities to improve your townhouse’s space and functionality—without having to leave the city. Renovating allows you to enjoy a home tailored to your lifestyle while staying connected to your vibrant community and convenience of urban living. Below are some design considerations to keep in mind as you embark on your townhouse renovation:
First Floor:
The first floor should feel open, airy, and inviting, with an emphasis on natural light and views of the backyard. Although the floor plan is open, furniture and built-ins can help define each area. Here are a few key design elements to focus on:
- An Inviting Kitchen: A spacious kitchen with seating and plenty of storage sets the tone for the home. Whether you prefer it in the rear or middle of the first floor, it's important to maximize storage with floor-to-ceiling pantries, upper cabinets, and functional inserts. A strong connection between the kitchen and backyard is ideal for outdoor entertainment.
- Maximizing Natural Light: While the front façade is often preserved to maintain the historic character of the home, the rear can be transformed with large windows or doors to flood the interior with natural light and create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
- Relocate the Stairs: In more extensive renovations, moving the staircase along a party wall can significantly open up the first floor while optimizing the space functionality and overall efficiency on the upper levels. This layout also allows for hidden functional rooms behind the stairs, such as a powder room, pantry, or coat closet, keeping the floor plan clean and open.
- Flexible Space: If your townhouse is long enough, adding a flexible room at the back, like a home office, playroom, or family room, can be highly beneficial. Large glass doors can separate this space while maintaining a bright, open feel.
- Smart Storage: In townhouse renovations, smart storage solutions are crucial. Built-ins, closets, and multi-functional furniture will help keep your home neat and organized.
Upper Levels:
Maximizing space on the second and third floors is key. Efficient layouts that balance comfort and functionality are essential. Key considerations include:
- Efficient Layout: On the upper levels, every inch matters. It’s important to maximize the number of bedrooms and bathrooms while ensuring they are comfortable, functional, and offer ample storage. Keep in mind that each bedroom must have an egress window to meet safety requirements. If your townhouse is wide enough, you can position the primary bedroom in the front and two secondary bedrooms toward the back, using the middle for bathrooms, closets and a laundry room. If there’s a "dogleg," this space can be an ideal location for an additional bedroom in the center of the floor plan.
- Convenient Laundry: Relocating the laundry to the second floor is a popular upgrade. A dedicated laundry room with storage is ideal, but if space is tight, a laundry closet with extra storage for detergents and supplies can work just as well.
- Attic or Third Floor: If your townhouse has an attic or third floor, this space can be transformed into a luxurious primary bedroom or a cozy family room with access to a rooftop terrace.
Basement:
The basement is a great opportunity to add a guest bedroom (with proper egress), a full bathroom, and additional entertainment space like a family room with a wet bar. In some cases, the basement can even be converted into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for rental income. Learn more about basement renovations here: Transform Your Unfinished Basement into a Functional Space
Don't Forget About Outdoor Spaces:
Outdoor areas are essential to townhouse living and can become beautiful extensions of your home. Whether it's a deck, patio, or rooftop terrace, these spaces can be designed for relaxation and entertainment. Here are a few outdoor design ideas:
- Backyard Oasis: Transform your backyard into a relaxing retreat with seating areas, a fire pit, or an outdoor kitchen. With thoughtful planning, you can create a space that you’ll enjoy throughout the year.
- Rooftop Terrace: Rooftop terraces have gained popularity, especially since the pandemic. They offer an additional outdoor space with fantastic city views. We recommend incorporating a wet bar or kitchenette for convenience when entertaining.
- Porches and Balconies: Even a small porch or balcony can be an inviting outdoor space. Adding custom railing, built-in seating, or string lights can create a charming spot for enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding in the evening.
Need More Space in Your Townhome?
If you need more square footage, consider a rear or top-floor addition. Before you start, it’s essential to review the zoning regulations to understand what’s feasible. For rear additions, you must meet minimum yard dimensions and lot coverage requirements, and the size of the addition cannot extend more than 10 feet beyond your immediate neighbors' homes without special approval.
For top-floor additions, a survey with topographic information will determine if the additional floor complies with zoning regulations. Additionally, check whether the addition will impact your neighbors' chimneys, as you may need their permission to extend them if affected.
The Value of Working with a DC-Based Architect
Partnering with a DC-based architect like Axis Architects brings a deep understanding of the city's architectural landscape, zoning regulations, and historic preservation guidelines. We’ll help you navigate these complexities and ensure your renovation blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment while maximizing the potential of your home.
Case Studies: Inspiring Townhouse Renovations in DC
For a dose of inspiration, here are a few examples of our successful townhouse renovation projects in the DC area:
- Interior Renovation in Near Northeast, DC
- Home Renovation in Logan Circle
- Home Addition in Eckington
- Townhouse Renovation with ADU in Mt. Pleasant NW, DC
- Townhouse Addition with ADU in Brookland NE DC
- Home Renovation and Interior Design in Edgewood
Partner with Axis Architects for Your DC Townhouse Renovation
At Axis Architects, we are passionate about creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable living spaces that reflect your unique lifestyle. Contact us today at (202) 361-8811 to schedule a consultation and discuss your DC townhouse renovation dreams. Together, we can turn your vision into reality
