Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

The LOFT 3 Post Back Bar Unit

Amuneal Manufacturing Corp.

This beautiful bar cabinet with burnt oak adjustable shelves is part of our Loft Shelving System. Our Loft posts in blackened gunmetal and fully machined brass fittings in our buffed brass finish mount from the top of our cabinet and tie back to the wall to support 8 shelves. Amuneal’s proprietary machined hardware clamps onto the posts so that the shelves can be easily adjusted at any time. The burnt oak shelves are milled in house from solid white oak to a thickness of 1.5” before being hand-finished using the traditional Shou Sugi Ban process of burning the wood. Once completed, the shelves are sealed with a protective coating that keeps that burnt finish from rubbing off. The combination of blackened steel posts, machined and patinated brass hardware and the charred oak shelves make this a stunning and sculptural shelving option for any space. Integrated bronze bottle stops and wine glass holders add detail and purpose. The lower portion of this bar system is a tall credenza in one of Amuneal’s new finishes, cerused chestnut. The credenza storage highlights the system’s flexibility with drawers, cabinets and glass fronted doors, all with Amuneal fully machined and full width drawer pulls. Behind the glass doors, are a series of pull-out wine trays, carved from solid oak, allowing both display and storage in this unit. This unit is fabricated in our Philadelphia-based furniture studio and can be customized with different metal and wood finishes as well as different shelf widths, sizes and configurations.

Minnetonka Mod Dry Bar

Crystal Kitchen + Bath

Located in Minnetonka, MN, this remodel was designed for a couple who wanted to transform their lower level into an upscale, entertaining retreat. The husband envisioned a sleek, fully stocked bar with room for barware, a beverage fridge, and his whiskey collection. We delivered with a custom quarter sawn oak and black cabinetry design, topped with durable Cambria quartz, and accented with warm brass hardware. The adjacent movie room was given dramatic depth with the blackest paint we could source, creating a true cinematic atmosphere. A nearby powder bath received a complete refresh with quality, low-maintenance materials, including a stylish wood vanity, coordinating mirror, modern fixtures, and new flooring. Though the original plan called for removing a wall in the movie room, structural limitations led to a design pivot, focusing instead on maximizing style and function within the existing layout. Materials were repeated throughout the home for a cohesive, high-end feel. Now, the homeowners can comfortably host friends and family in a space that blends modern sophistication with easy, everyday living.

Wildwood Home Remodel

Liston Design Build

Small transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor dry bar photo in St Louis with no sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, wood countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash and brown countertops

From Ashes to Family Legacy in Annandale

Murphy Bros. Design | Build | Remodel

This rustic-modern built-in features natural wood cabinets, floating shelves, and decorative tile, adding storage and style to this lake cabin rebuild.

KSD Kirkland Raise the Roof

Kate Savitch Design

This bespoke bar cabinet is a gorgeous design element that draws the eye up to the newly raised ceiling and creates a seamless transition between kitchen and dining nook.

M Streets

Karia Designs

We created this moody custom built in bar area for our clients in the M streets. We contrasted the dark blue with a dark walnut wood stain counter top and shelves. Added the finishing touches by add a textured grasscloth wallpaper and shelf lights

Lakefront Cottage Built-In

Studio Haven Interiors

Accent lighting highlights this built-in bar and storage in this lakefront cottage kitchen.
Example of a mid-sized eclectic single-wall light wood floor dry bar design with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, terra-cotta backsplash and beige countertops

Mid-Century Modern Highland Park West Home

Mosier Luxury Homes

Example of a small 1950s single-wall light wood floor dry bar design in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, marble countertops, brick backsplash and gray countertops

The Perfect Nook

Design Studio West

A perfect nook for that coffee and tea station, or side bar when entertaining in the formal dining area, the simplicity of the side bar greets visitors as they enter from the front door. The clean, sleek lines, and organic textures give a glimpse of what is to come once one turns the corner and enters the kitchen.

The Beaver Dam- Kitchen, Bar, Living Room, Sunroom

Delphinium Design

GC: Ekren Construction Photography: Tiffany Ringwald
Inspiration for a small transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor dry bar remodel in Charlotte with no sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite countertops, black backsplash, wood backsplash and black countertops

York Maine

East coast Marble & Granite INC

Inspiration for a transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor dry bar remodel in Boston with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets and white countertops

Bar Cabinetry Rustic Wood Warm Brown Mosaic

DEW Design Company

A perfect basement bar nook in a rustic alder with a warm brown tile mosaic and warm gray wall
Example of a small transitional single-wall dry bar design in Chicago with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, brown backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and white countertops

Home Bar

C&E Builders AZ

Custom bar built for the homeowner, with butcher block countertops, custom made cabinets with built-in beverage fridge, & 8 lighted floating shelves. The cabinets color is Behr cracked pepper and the brick is Mcnear Greenich.

Custom Pull Out Cabinetry

Gayler Design Build

Custom pull-out shelving.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor dry bar remodel in San Francisco with no sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash and white countertops

Bar Service

Design Studio West

Mid-sized transitional single-wall dry bar photo in San Diego with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash and white countertops

OLD MILL SHAWNEE

Don Justice Cabinet Makers

Classic Bourbon & Smoking room cabinetry in ML Campbell brand "Tobacco" stained Zebrawood. Sealed glass door humidors display this special Cigar selection on roll out trays with a center Bourbon Bar display. Glowback Brand lighting provides the "glow effect" in this relaxing enviroment.

Moody Beverage Center

Tracy Berman Interiors

This beverage center is located adjacent to the kitchen and joint living area composed of greys, whites and blue accents. Our main focus was to create a space that would grab people’s attention, and be a feature of the kitchen. The cabinet color is a rich blue (amalfi) that creates a moody, elegant, and sleek atmosphere for the perfect cocktail hour. This client is one who is not afraid to add sparkle, use fun patterns, and design with bold colors. For that added fun design we utilized glass Vihara tile in a iridescent finish along the back wall and behind the floating shelves. The cabinets with glass doors also have a wood mullion for an added accent. This gave our client a space to feature his beautiful collection of specialty glassware. The quilted hardware in a polished chrome finish adds that extra sparkle element to the design. This design maximizes storage space with a lazy susan in the corner, and pull-out cabinet organizers for beverages, spirits, and utensils.

A Basement Built for Entertaining – With a Speakeasy Bar and Golf Simulator

KSI Kitchen & Bath

When we first worked with this family a few years ago on their primary bathroom, we created a space they absolutely loved. So when they came back to us for their basement renovation, we knew this project had the potential to be something really special. The homeowners are a young, active family who love to entertain, and they’re also huge golfers. Their vision was ambitious but exciting: create a lower-level space where they could practice golf year-round, host family and friends, and enjoy a basement that felt every bit as intentional and designed as the rest of their home.

O'Brien Harris Cool & Colorful

O'Brien Harris LLC

Inspiration for a transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor dry bar remodel in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, green backsplash and white countertops

Dry bar Ideas

Dry bar Ideas