Paul Bentham was hired to overhaul a dated Northwest DC kitchen with an open floor plan and a clean, contemporary look. Bentham removed a wall between the living area and kitchen and took out a peninsula that awkwardly separated the kitchen from the dining area. Sliding patio doors now flank a floor-to-ceiling pantry and a four-foot-wide island with waterfall counters provides additional storage and a place for the sink.

A custom oak table extends from one end of the island,“ replacing the predictable table and chairs,” Bentham says. Stained dark to match the floors, the table measures 36 by 100 inches and had to be lifted in through the patio doors by crane.

Torquay quartz countertops by Cambria and white cabinetry create a crisp contrast to the dark wood of the table. Playful translucent pendant lights—controlled by an iPad app—can change colors to suit the mood of the moment.

The Details   KITCHEN DESIGN: Paul Bentham, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Ltd., Chevy Chase, Maryland. CONTRACTOR: Marios Nicolaou, Marnic Contractors, Washington, DC. CABINETRY: decorcabinets.com. COUNTERTOPS & BACKSPLASH: cambriausa.com. WOOD TABLE: glumber.com. APPLIANCES: Owned by the client. LIGHTING: Le Klint Pendants through lumens.com.