Living in a row house offers undeniable charm—historic details, close-knit neighborhoods, and a vertical layout that’s unique to urban living in Washington, DC and southern Montgomery County, MD. Yet, these homes often pose design challenges: narrow floorplans, limited natural light, and small outdoor areas.
This guide explores row house design and remodeling ideas that maximize space, add value, and modernize your home while preserving its character. Whether you’re dreaming of a brighter kitchen, a smarter storage plan, or a sustainable renovation, you’ll learn strategies that balance beauty with practicality.
Key Takeaways
- Row house architecture features narrow, multi-story living spaces that emphasize vertical design.
- Key elements of row house design include open floor plans and maximizing natural light.
- Vertical storage solutions can help maximize space in row houses, making small areas feel larger.
- Budget-friendly remodeling ideas can transform a row house with minimal expenses and time.
- Sustainable practices in renovation include using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances.
Understanding Row House Architecture
Row houses are iconic in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and Bethesda. Typically two to three stories tall, they share walls with neighbors and make efficient use of compact city lots.
Key characteristics include:
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Vertical living – narrow width balanced with multiple floors
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Shared walls – efficient for heating/cooling but limited natural light
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Historic details – brick facades, bay windows, decorative moldings
Understanding this layout is the foundation for smart renovations. For many DC homeowners, working with a design-build firm ensures architectural drawings and construction are aligned from the start, avoiding costly missteps.
Key Elements of Row House Remodeling
Open Floor Plans
For many homeowners, the most impactful way to transform a row house is by creating an open floor plan. Traditional layouts often divide the kitchen, dining, and living areas into small, closed-off rooms, which can make the home feel dark and cramped. By removing non-load-bearing walls, you can create a seamless flow that encourages natural light, improves sightlines, and makes entertaining easier. In Washington, DC row houses, this strategy not only enhances daily functionality but also boosts resale appeal, since open layouts are in high demand among buyers. When considering structural changes, it’s important to partner with a whole home renovation team who can provide architectural drawings and ensure the updates complement the home’s historic character.
Maximizing Natural Light
One of the biggest challenges in row house design is limited natural light, due to shared walls with neighbors. Thoughtful renovations can overcome this limitation. Installing skylights, adding transom windows above doors, or replacing rear walls with glass doors leading to patios can dramatically brighten interiors. Even a simple shift to lighter color palettes for walls and cabinetry enhances brightness, making narrow spaces feel larger. Homeowners also find that investing in window and door upgrades improves both natural light and energy efficiency, creating a more comfortable living environment. For ideas, explore luxury window and door options designed to complement historic DC architecture while providing modern performance.
Outdoor Living Opportunities
Outdoor spaces are highly coveted in urban areas, and DC row homes often come with small yards, balconies, or rooftops that can be transformed into valuable living areas. A well-designed outdoor extension can provide a private retreat in the heart of the city, perfect for entertaining, gardening, or relaxation. Options include patios with built-in seating, balconies that connect seamlessly to interior spaces, and rooftop decks that capture skyline views. For many homeowners, adding a rooftop retreat has become one of the most rewarding upgrades—see our guide on adding a rooftop deck to your DC rowhome to explore what’s possible. These enhancements not only expand your square footage but also increase property value, making them smart investments for the long term.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most frequently used rooms in any home, and in row houses, their design plays a crucial role in daily comfort and functionality. A modern kitchen remodel can introduce efficient layouts, custom cabinetry, and high-performance appliances that make cooking and entertaining effortless—even in compact footprints. Bathrooms, meanwhile, can be upgraded with walk-in showers, sleek tile, and thoughtful storage solutions that transform them into spa-like retreats. Since these rooms are also top priorities for buyers, updates in these areas deliver strong return on investment. For inspiration, see our bathroom remodeling services, where we highlight design strategies tailored for DC row homes.
Storage Solutions
Maximizing storage is one of the biggest priorities in row house remodeling. Because these homes have narrow layouts, every square foot must work harder. Built-in shelving, under-stair storage, and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry are excellent ways to use vertical height without adding bulk. Many homeowners also incorporate custom furniture with hidden compartments to keep interiors organized and clutter-free. Another option is to transform basements into multi-purpose spaces that include storage, laundry, or even guest suites—an approach made possible through basement remodeling. With creative storage solutions, row houses can feel just as functional and spacious as larger suburban homes.
Understanding Row House Architecture
Row houses are an essential part of Washington, DC’s historic neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and Bethesda, offering both charm and efficiency for urban living. These homes are typically two to three stories tall, featuring a narrow width that maximizes vertical space. Because they share walls with neighboring properties, row houses are often more energy-efficient than detached homes, keeping heating and cooling costs lower. However, this layout can also limit natural light, making thoughtful design choices crucial during renovations.
The defining features of row house architecture include brick facades, bay windows, and intricate decorative moldings that give each property a timeless character. Preserving these details while updating interiors allows homeowners to enjoy the best of old-world craftsmanship and modern comfort. For example, a Georgetown row house may retain its historic exterior while featuring an open, contemporary interior designed for today’s lifestyles.
Understanding this layout is the foundation of a successful remodel. Because row houses often have structural limitations, such as load-bearing walls and narrow foundations, it’s essential to collaborate with professionals. Choosing a design-build firm ensures that architectural drawings and construction are developed together, avoiding missteps and aligning every detail with your vision. This integrated approach not only saves time but also helps you navigate local building codes in Washington, DC and Montgomery County, MD.
Key Elements of Row House Remodeling
Open Floor Plans
One of the most transformative row house remodeling ideas is to open the first floor by removing non-load-bearing walls. This creates a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, instantly making the space feel larger and more welcoming. An open floor plan also allows natural light to travel deeper into the home—something row house owners often find challenging. For homeowners considering major interior updates, exploring whole home renovations is a great way to integrate layout changes with cohesive design upgrades.
Maximizing Natural Light
Natural light is one of the most important factors in improving row house interiors. Without careful planning, shared walls can leave these homes feeling dark or cramped. Options like skylights, transom windows above doors, and glass rear walls leading to patios can dramatically brighten a home. Even small updates, such as using reflective surfaces or a lighter paint palette, enhance brightness and make narrow spaces feel more expansive. Many of our clients in Bethesda and Silver Spring also invest in window and door upgrades that improve both energy efficiency and aesthetics.
Outdoor Living Opportunities
Row houses often include compact backyards, patios, or rooftops that can be converted into valuable outdoor living areas. Adding a deck, balcony, or rooftop terrace not only extends usable square footage but also increases home value. Our guide on adding a rooftop deck to your DC rowhome shows how homeowners are transforming overlooked spaces into private retreats for entertaining, gardening, or simply relaxing. These outdoor upgrades are especially appealing in walkable neighborhoods where outdoor living enhances the sense of community.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
The kitchen and bathroom are often the most-used—and most-valuable—spaces in a row house. Renovating these areas can bring significant improvements to functionality, comfort, and resale value. A well-designed kitchen remodel might include custom cabinetry, updated appliances, and improved layouts that suit urban living. Likewise, a modern bathroom renovation with walk-in showers, efficient storage, and stylish finishes can make even the smallest footprint feel like a spa-like retreat. These upgrades are often the centerpiece of a broader row house renovation strategy.
Storage Solutions
Smart storage is critical in narrow homes. Row houses benefit from built-in shelving, under-stair storage, and custom cabinetry that takes advantage of vertical height. Incorporating hidden storage in furniture or designing multifunctional built-ins helps eliminate clutter without sacrificing style. Many homeowners who pursue basement remodeling also use that level for extra storage, laundry rooms, or guest suites—maximizing the property’s potential from top to bottom.
Trends in Row House Interior Design
Current design trends for row homes in DC and Maryland include:
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Biophilic design – adding greenery and natural finishes indoors
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Home offices integrated seamlessly into living areas
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Cohesive color palettes with lighter tones to visually enlarge spaces
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Minimalist built-ins for storage without bulk
See our portfolio of whole home renovations for before-and-after transformations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Ignoring structural limits – consult professionals before removing walls
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Over-customizing – balance personal style with resale value
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Neglecting permits – DC and Montgomery County require approvals for most structural changes
Learn more about permits in our guide on bathroom permits in Washington DC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a row house?
A narrow, attached multi-story home that shares walls with neighboring houses.
How do I make my row house feel larger?
Use open floor plans, light colors, large windows, and built-in storage.
What’s the best way to add outdoor space?
Rear patios, rooftop decks, and small balconies maximize usability.
Are row houses good candidates for sustainable remodeling?
Yes—tight footprints make them efficient for insulation, smart systems, and eco-friendly materials.
Should I hire a design-build firm for a row house remodel?
Yes. A design-build approach ensures your architect and contractor work as one team.
Conclusion
Row houses may come with challenges, but with thoughtful design, they can become some of the most beautiful and functional homes in Washington, DC and Montgomery County. From maximizing space to embracing sustainable practices, your renovation choices will enhance both your lifestyle and your home’s long-term value.
Ready to explore the possibilities for your row house? Contact Hammer Design Build Remodel at 202-559-3990 to schedule your consultation today.