Creating Room to Gather: An Arlington Home Expansion
For the Moreira family in Arlington, home was always about connection—sharing meals, welcoming friends, and gathering as a family. After moving from Brazil, they built a life filled with community and celebration. But their home’s layout didn’t reflect that spirit. The kitchen was small and closed off, making it difficult to cook, entertain, and spend time together.
They envisioned an open, light-filled kitchen that connected seamlessly with their living area—a space where everyday life and special moments could unfold naturally.
Designing Within the Lines
Their home sat close to Arlington County setback limits, which meant expanding it required careful precision. Working with MOSS, the family found a way to add a 22' x 10' side addition that honored the neighborhood’s requirements while maximizing their space.
The new structure featured four large windows, Hardie siding, and a custom roofline that blended beautifully with the existing home. Inside, new hardwood floors tied the addition to the original kitchen, while careful framing created a natural transition between the old and new spaces.
The family wanted the new kitchen to feel cohesive—and that meant keeping what they loved while improving what no longer worked. MOSS helped design a solution that combined reused cabinetry from the original kitchen with new, custom-built cabinets that matched perfectly.
As the homeowners shared, “The way they matched the new cabinets with the existing ones was very impressive.”
A Vision, Realized—Right on Time
From the beginning, the Moreira family dreamed of hosting Thanksgiving in their new kitchen. It was more than a deadline—it was a moment they had imagined for years: family gathered around a bright, open space that finally felt like home.
When they shared that goal, the MOSS team worked closely with them to make it happen—navigating Arlington’s tight setbacks, coordinating with neighbors and utility companies, and refining every detail to meet both design and timeline goals.
“Right from the start,” they said, “the whole process was super informative, and everything went as planned. They went above and beyond, finishing the project in record time.”
By Thanksgiving, the kitchen was complete—filled with light, laughter, and the smell of family recipes cooking in a brand-new space.
Expanding a Home, Strengthening a Story
The Moreira family’s remodel wasn’t just about more space—it was about creating a home that fit their life. By expanding their kitchen and reimagining the layout, they gained room to gather, cook, and connect.
As they shared, “[MOSS’] responsiveness, attention to detail, and commitment to quality really stood out throughout the project… We’re absolutely thrilled with the results and can’t wait to celebrate Thanksgiving and the holidays with our family and friends in our beautiful new kitchen.”
Their vision led the way. MOSS was simply the guide—helping them bring it to life with care, craftsmanship, and peace of mind.


