After living in downtown Chicago their whole lives, these clients were ready for a change of pace. So, they retired and purchased a home near the lake, of course! They both love to cook, and were excited to host big family gatherings. In other words, a full kitchen remodel was in order. The full bath on the main level also needed a complete overhaul. Design Objectives: -Open the kitchen to adjacent family room to create a better space for entertaining -Upgrade appliances and ventilation -Plenty of storage for an extensive collection of cookware and small appliances -Create a dedicated space for baking and pizza making Include a large island for gathering -Select finishes that bring the outdoors in -Create a classic beach vibe with NO white cabinetry! Include tile flooring to flow from laundry room to bathroom to kitchen, while complementing existing hardwood floors -Create direct access to bathroom from laundry room (so family coming from the beach don’t track sand throughout the house) Design Challenges: -Omitting wall between kitchen and family room left very little wall space for cabinetry and appliances -Providing plenty of storage and work surfaces for avid cooks/bakers -Replace existing hardwood with stone floor tile that complements existing hardwood floors as well as cabinetry finishes Design Solutions: -Creating two islands was a key design decision. The large island is for cooking and gathering. The smaller island is for baking and pizza making -Placing the range in the island created a very effective layout for this kitchen -Adding a pocket door from the bath to the laundry room created a direct path for sandy kids and adults alike THE RENEWED KITCHEN AND MORE The finished space feels open and welcoming for the homeowners, their friends and family. The kitchen functions as well for two as it does for a crowd.

The avid gardener who owns this Kenilworth home hoped for a more efficient kitchen — one that would better accommodate her penchant for canning and allow her to enjoy the fruits of her labor year round. An experienced commercial interior designer, she first drew up a plan, then contracted The Hands of Sean Perry Co. to bring her vision to life. The crew constructed a new kitchen extension and mudroom space, then added a back entrance and stoop to the side yard, improving accessibility from the kitchen to the garden. Then, it was the kitchen’s turn for an upgrade. The team worked with Grove Cabinet Gallery to create and install cabinets that were specific to the homeowner’s needs, including a custom open corner base cabinet that puts all cooking necessities at the owner’s fingertips.

After living in downtown Chicago their whole lives, these clients were ready for a change of pace. So, they retired and purchased a home near the lake, of course! They both love to cook, and were excited to host big family gatherings. In other words, a full kitchen remodel was in order. The full bath on the main level also needed a complete overhaul. Design Objectives: -Open the kitchen to adjacent family room to create a better space for entertaining -Upgrade appliances and ventilation -Plenty of storage for an extensive collection of cookware and small appliances -Create a dedicated space for baking and pizza making Include a large island for gathering -Select finishes that bring the outdoors in -Create a classic beach vibe with NO white cabinetry! Include tile flooring to flow from laundry room to bathroom to kitchen, while complementing existing hardwood floors -Create direct access to bathroom from laundry room (so family coming from the beach don’t track sand throughout the house) Design Challenges: -Omitting wall between kitchen and family room left very little wall space for cabinetry and appliances -Providing plenty of storage and work surfaces for avid cooks/bakers -Replace existing hardwood with stone floor tile that complements existing hardwood floors as well as cabinetry finishes Design Solutions: -Creating two islands was a key design decision. The large island is for cooking and gathering. The smaller island is for baking and pizza making -Placing the range in the island created a very effective layout for this kitchen -Adding a pocket door from the bath to the laundry room created a direct path for sandy kids and adults alike THE RENEWED KITCHEN AND MORE The finished space feels open and welcoming for the homeowners, their friends and family. The kitchen functions as well for two as it does for a crowd.

A gut remodel of the lower level of this beach home was needed when the client’s husband, a retired marine biologist and avid surfer, was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s. The master suite with spa bath/shower wet room, and guest bedroom with full bath were redesigned for a whole new look and for better efficiency of the space to prepare for long term care while aging in place.

Rob and Danielle have three children and wanted a kitchen redesign that would function better for their active household. Their kitchen contained tight spaces with a narrow island that blocked flow through the room. Two cooks in the kitchen were one too many as the space wasn’t conducive for it. For entertaining, the island proved to be too small to set out all their food and have room around it for guests to congregate. The only way to walk to the great room, which was where the family hung out most often, was to go through the kitchen and dining area, proving to again congest the area. They are avid sailors, and wanted to bring in the color of the sea into their contemporary design. I added a separate entry point directly from the kitchen to the great room, and created a work triangle in a separate area to relieve the congestion from people passing through the room. The island shape and size were uniquely designed to allow the person at the sink to be able to look directly into the great room, and provide ample space to spread out food for entertaining. A bookcase was integrated into the island to display cookbooks, and the paneled refrigerator made for a seamless wall of beautiful cabinetry. The entry into the formal dining was relocated to remove the necessity of having corner cabinetry. A separate bar area allows family and guests to make their drinks without needing to go into the chef’s space. The glass backsplash tile was selected to reflect the sea colors they love, with crystal pendants to add bling similar to the light that reflects off the water.

The original intent of this project was to replace the island, hood, countertops, and a few appliances. A primary bath remodel was the main priority. But once the couple realized certain features would enhance the functionality of the kitchen – not to mention completely change the aesthetic – they put the master bath on hold and decided to remodel the entire kitchen first. Design objectives: -Omit separate table, plan for a larger island that would seat 7 people -Simple, clean lines – no rounded corners or weird angles -Nothing trendy – use modern classic details -Uncluttered countertops -Better pantry storage for food & small appliances -Integrated major appliances -Coffee bar -Avoid “1 color on perimeter with second color on island” -Integrate a harmonious variety of finishes -Integrate black & handmade metals Design challenges: -Island shape to fit within confines of existing half wall between kitchen & family room & bay window/door to backyard -Narrow kitchen with major walkway -Planning for 7 seats at the island -Keep guest social area away from the cook’s zone -Place appliances according to use -Point-of-use storage for an avid cook within a relatively small space -Integrate colors without looking too busy THE NEW KITCHEN -While the island is mostly rectangular, the seating area utilizes the bay extension without interfering with the exterior door -All seating is placed on the outside perimeter of the island, giving the cook dedicated prep space -The L-shaped seating area & adjacent coffee bar encourage guests to gather on the outside edge of the kitchen where they can still interact with the cook -Island prep space includes 5 feet of versatile drawer storage, double waste basket and an open paper towel dispenser -One pantry designated for food; the other for small appliances & bulk storage; creates visual armoire look -Microwave drawer in island faces refrigerator for easy access & less interference with cook’s zone -Appliance garages avoid clutter on the countertops -Off-white upper cabinets make the kitchen look larger while the black bases offer contrast without closing in the space Once the client committed to remodeling her entire kitchen, she had a good idea of the direction she wanted the space to take. Even so, there were many details that remained open to explore & contemplate. The end result is modern, clean and ultimately transitional – a creative vision anchored in functionality and artistry! A powder room remodel was added to the project that beautifully compliments the kitchen aesthetic. The entire staircase, all trim & doors were painted in the same tones as the kitchen, transforming the entire first floor into a cohesive & welcoming space. It was a great collaborative partnership!

The location of the dinette and kitchen were flipped to create an open floor plan to the living room and better follow in the kitchen for an avid cook. A single door was also replaced with the three door slider to provide more natural light and easy connection with the outdoor deck.

This vintage home was built in 1897 in Downers Grove. The homeowner is an avid chef and needed a better design work flow. She wanted to keep the same vintage feel in the kitchen as throughout the home. We added a work / dining island, new cabinetry and storage, upgraded the cooking equipment and widened and upgraded the windows for additional natural light. We added the archway into the dining room to repeat the original archway elsewhere in the home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Rustic retreat with this custom size frameless heavy glass shower enclosure with brushed nickel hardware. Our clients are avid horse back riders what better way to show that off than a first of its kind bronze cast glass horse head for a door pull. Customers have the option of clips or u-channel for the stationary glass panel installation, clips were chosen here. Happy Trails...

This vintage home was built in 1897 in Downers Grove. The homeowner is an avid chef and needed a better design work flow. She wanted to keep the same vintage feel in the kitchen as throughout the home. We added a work / dining island, new cabinetry and storage, upgraded the cooking equipment and widened and upgraded the windows for additional natural light. We added the archway into the dining room to repeat the original archway elsewhere in the home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

The avid gardener who owns this Kenilworth home hoped for a more efficient kitchen — one that would better accommodate her penchant for canning and allow her to enjoy the fruits of her labor year round. An experienced commercial interior designer, she first drew up a plan, then contracted The Hands of Sean Perry Co. to bring her vision to life. The crew constructed a new kitchen extension and mudroom space, then added a back entrance and stoop to the side yard, improving accessibility from the kitchen to the garden. Then, it was the kitchen’s turn for an upgrade. The team worked with Grove Cabinet Gallery to create and install cabinets that were specific to the homeowner’s needs, including a custom open corner base cabinet that puts all cooking necessities at the owner’s fingertips.

The avid gardener who owns this Kenilworth home hoped for a more efficient kitchen — one that would better accommodate her penchant for canning and allow her to enjoy the fruits of her labor year round. An experienced commercial interior designer, she first drew up a plan, then contracted The Hands of Sean Perry Co. to bring her vision to life. The crew constructed a new kitchen extension and mudroom space, then added a back entrance and stoop to the side yard, improving accessibility from the kitchen to the garden. Then, it was the kitchen’s turn for an upgrade. The team worked with Grove Cabinet Gallery to create and install cabinets that were specific to the homeowner’s needs, including a custom open corner base cabinet that puts all cooking necessities at the owner’s fingertips.

Rob and Danielle have three children and wanted a kitchen redesign that would function better for their active household. Their kitchen contained tight spaces with a narrow island that blocked flow through the room. Two cooks in the kitchen were one too many as the space wasn’t conducive for it. For entertaining, the island proved to be too small to set out all their food and have room around it for guests to congregate. The only way to walk to the great room, which was where the family hung out most often, was to go through the kitchen and dining area, proving to again congest the area. They are avid sailors, and wanted to bring in the color of the sea into their contemporary design. I added a separate entry point directly from the kitchen to the great room, and created a work triangle in a separate area to relieve the congestion from people passing through the room. The island shape and size were uniquely designed to allow the person at the sink to be able to look directly into the great room, and provide ample space to spread out food for entertaining. A bookcase was integrated into the island to display cookbooks, and the paneled refrigerator made for a seamless wall of beautiful cabinetry. The entry into the formal dining was relocated to remove the necessity of having corner cabinetry. A separate bar area allows family and guests to make their drinks without needing to go into the chef’s space. The glass backsplash tile was selected to reflect the sea colors they love, with crystal pendants to add bling similar to the light that reflects off the water.

The avid gardener who owns this Kenilworth home hoped for a more efficient kitchen — one that would better accommodate her penchant for canning and allow her to enjoy the fruits of her labor year round. An experienced commercial interior designer, she first drew up a plan, then contracted The Hands of Sean Perry Co. to bring her vision to life. The crew constructed a new kitchen extension and mudroom space, then added a back entrance and stoop to the side yard, improving accessibility from the kitchen to the garden. Then, it was the kitchen’s turn for an upgrade. The team worked with Grove Cabinet Gallery to create and install cabinets that were specific to the homeowner’s needs, including a custom open corner base cabinet that puts all cooking necessities at the owner’s fingertips.

Rob and Danielle have three children and wanted a kitchen redesign that would function better for their active household. Their kitchen contained tight spaces with a narrow island that blocked flow through the room. Two cooks in the kitchen were one too many as the space wasn’t conducive for it. For entertaining, the island proved to be too small to set out all their food and have room around it for guests to congregate. The only way to walk to the great room, which was where the family hung out most often, was to go through the kitchen and dining area, proving to again congest the area. They are avid sailors, and wanted to bring in the color of the sea into their contemporary design. I added a separate entry point directly from the kitchen to the great room, and created a work triangle in a separate area to relieve the congestion from people passing through the room. The island shape and size were uniquely designed to allow the person at the sink to be able to look directly into the great room, and provide ample space to spread out food for entertaining. A bookcase was integrated into the island to display cookbooks, and the paneled refrigerator made for a seamless wall of beautiful cabinetry. The entry into the formal dining was relocated to remove the necessity of having corner cabinetry. A separate bar area allows family and guests to make their drinks without needing to go into the chef’s space. The glass backsplash tile was selected to reflect the sea colors they love, with crystal pendants to add bling similar to the light that reflects off the water.

This vintage home was built in 1897 in Downers Grove. The homeowner is an avid chef and needed a better design work flow. She wanted to keep the same vintage feel in the kitchen as throughout the home. We added a work / dining island, new cabinetry and storage, upgraded the cooking equipment and widened and upgraded the windows for additional natural light. We added the archway into the dining room to repeat the original archway elsewhere in the home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A gut remodel of the lower level of this beach home was needed when the client’s husband, a retired marine biologist and avid surfer, was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s. The master suite with spa bath/shower wet room, and guest bedroom with full bath were redesigned for a whole new look and for better efficiency of the space to prepare for long term care while aging in place.

A gut remodel of the lower level of this beach home was needed when the client’s husband, a retired marine biologist and avid surfer, was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s. The master suite with spa bath/shower wet room, and guest bedroom with full bath were redesigned for a whole new look and for better efficiency of the space to prepare for long term care while aging in place.

A gut remodel of the lower level of this beach home was needed when the client’s husband, a retired marine biologist and avid surfer, was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s. The master suite with spa bath/shower wet room, and guest bedroom with full bath were redesigned for a whole new look and for better efficiency of the space to prepare for long term care while aging in place.