When interior designer Mary Douglas Drysdale ’s clients purchased their circa-1980s traditional brick house in Washington, D.C., it had a lot of selling points—including its location in the tony Foxhall neighborhood—but the kitchen was a challenge. “It was outdated and arranged in a U-shape with no island,” says Drysdale, who is based in Dupont Circle. “Whether you were standing at the sink or the stove, you always had your back turned to someone.” This was a frustrating problem for the clients—she’s a lawyer, he’s in international business—who enjoy a close relationship with their children and grandchildren and like to entertain them. Working with the same footprint—borrowing a mere foot from the neighboring garage—the designer set out to create a better flow in the 18-by-11-foot space by installing an island and maximizing the narrow dimensions. The ultimate goal was a kitchen that was functional but also a prime gathering space. Here’s how Drysdale’s thoughtful plans fulfilled the family’s need.

To maximize the slim shape of the kitchen, Drysdale installed a 12-foot-by-36-inch island. “This isn’t an overly wide island , but it was the perfect fit for the narrow room,” said Drysdale. To compensate for the short width, the island was lengthened to create additional storage and functional work surface.

The clients described the original layout of their cook space as “antisocial.” The desperately needed island facilitates conversation and creates a place for the grandchildren to color and do homework.

To make the space feel larger, Drysdale used Benjamin Moore ’s Chantilly Lace to set a monochromatic tone. “There should be no contrast to stop the eye and everything should blend in,” she says. Hanging pendant lights over the island would interrupt the open space, so recessed fixtures and natural light function as the light sources. The appliances also have white wood panels for a cleaner look.

Drysdale designed drawer fronts on both ends of the island for visual interest. The ones closer to the cooktop open to store pots and pans; the other side is decorative only.