Photography by Patrick Brickman
Inspiration for a transitional brick front porch remodel in Charleston with a roof extension

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.

Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic beige floor mudroom remodel in Other with brown walls

Gridley+Graves Photographers
Mid-sized country single-wall brick floor and red floor eat-in kitchen photo in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, an island, beige cabinets, concrete countertops, paneled appliances and gray countertops

Photo by Ryann Ford
Staircase - scandinavian wooden l-shaped staircase idea in Austin with wooden risers

Example of a mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

Custom designed "cubbies" insure that the Mud Room stays neat & tidy. Robert Benson Photography
Example of a large cottage medium tone wood floor entryway design in New York with gray walls and a white front door

Michael J. Lee Photography
Elegant brick floor entryway photo in Boston with a blue front door and beige walls

Built by Old Hampshire Designs, Inc. John W. Hession, Photographer
Large mountain style brown two-story wood exterior home photo in Boston with a shingle roof

L+M's ADU is a basement converted to an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with exterior & main level access, wet bar, living space with movie center & ethanol fireplace, office divided by custom steel & glass "window" grid, guest bathroom, & guest bedroom. Along with an efficient & versatile layout, we were able to get playful with the design, reflecting the whimsical personalties of the home owners. credits design: Matthew O. Daby - m.o.daby design interior design: Angela Mechaley - m.o.daby design construction: Hammish Murray Construction custom steel fabricator: Flux Design reclaimed wood resource: Viridian Wood photography: Darius Kuzmickas - KuDa Photography

Beth Singer Photography. Ellwood Interiors.
Inspiration for a french country master medium tone wood floor bedroom remodel in Detroit with gray walls

Bruce Cole
Example of a mid-sized trendy gray floor basement design in Other with white walls

Great room - mid-sized contemporary light wood floor and brown floor great room idea in New York with no fireplace

Casey Dunn
Inspiration for a contemporary dark wood floor dining room remodel in Austin with white walls

Photography by Corey Gaff
Example of a mid-sized classic limestone floor entryway design in Minneapolis with white walls

Photo: Dustin Halleck
Beach style slate floor and brown floor great room photo in Chicago with green walls

Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts medium tone wood floor and brown floor entryway design in Atlanta with a dark wood front door and white walls

Example of a mountain style entryway design in Seattle with beige walls and a gray front door

Lars Fraser
Example of a transitional master bedroom design in Austin with white walls