Designed with serene, nature-inspired tones, featuring soft sage-green cabinetry and a textured green tile backsplash that adds depth and character. The L-shaped layout maximizes storage and workflow, while under-cabinet lighting, stainless steel appliances, and a statement range hood bring a modern touch. Warm wood flooring and a cozy window-side seating area complete the space, creating a functional kitchen that feels bright, inviting, and connected to everyday living. Project designed by Chi Renovation, a renowned renovation firm based in Skokie. We specialize in general contracting, kitchen and bath remodeling, and design & build services. We cater to the entire Chicago area and its surrounding suburbs, with emphasis on the North Side and North Shore regions. You'll find our work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more info about Chi Renovation, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/

An original 1930’s English Tudor with only 2 bedrooms and 1 bath spanning about 1730 sq.ft. was purchased by a family with 2 amazing young kids, we saw the potential of this property to become a wonderful nest for the family to grow. The plan was to reach a 2550 sq. ft. home with 4 bedroom and 4 baths spanning over 2 stories. With continuation of the exiting architectural style of the existing home. A large 1000sq. ft. addition was constructed at the back portion of the house to include the expended master bedroom and a second-floor guest suite with a large observation balcony overlooking the mountains of Angeles Forest. An L shape staircase leading to the upstairs creates a moment of modern art with an all white walls and ceilings of this vaulted space act as a picture frame for a tall window facing the northern mountains almost as a live landscape painting that changes throughout the different times of day. Tall high sloped roof created an amazing, vaulted space in the guest suite with 4 uniquely designed windows extruding out with separate gable roof above. The downstairs bedroom boasts 9’ ceilings, extremely tall windows to enjoy the greenery of the backyard, vertical wood paneling on the walls add a warmth that is not seen very often in today’s new build. The master bathroom has a showcase 42sq. walk-in shower with its own private south facing window to illuminate the space with natural morning light. A larger format wood siding was using for the vanity backsplash wall and a private water closet for privacy. In the interior reconfiguration and remodel portion of the project the area serving as a family room was transformed to an additional bedroom with a private bath, a laundry room and hallway. The old bathroom was divided with a wall and a pocket door into a powder room the leads to a tub room. The biggest change was the kitchen area, as befitting to the 1930’s the dining room, kitchen, utility room and laundry room were all compartmentalized and enclosed. We eliminated all these partitions and walls to create a large open kitchen area that is completely open to the vaulted dining room. This way the natural light the washes the kitchen in the morning and the rays of sun that hit the dining room in the afternoon can be shared by the two areas. The opening to the living room remained only at 8’ to keep a division of space.

This boy’s room is built around his love of the national parks. We designed a mountain range feature wall in navy, sage green, and white that rises behind the bed and frames both windows. Carved wood letters with trees and mountains spell out his name above an illustrated national parks map, and black swing-arm sconces give him reading light on each side. Across the room, a gallery of twelve vintage-style park posters, from Acadia to Joshua Tree, turns the wall into a travel bucket list. A black storage bed, plaid patchwork quilt, and bear pillow keep the cabin feel going, while a wood and metal desk, a blue task chair, and floating shelves give him a place to study and display his finds.

Designed with serene, nature-inspired tones, featuring soft sage-green cabinetry and a textured green tile backsplash that adds depth and character. The L-shaped layout maximizes storage and workflow, while under-cabinet lighting, stainless steel appliances, and a statement range hood bring a modern touch. Warm wood flooring and a cozy window-side seating area complete the space, creating a functional kitchen that feels bright, inviting, and connected to everyday living. Project designed by Chi Renovation, a renowned renovation firm based in Skokie. We specialize in general contracting, kitchen and bath remodeling, and design & build services. We cater to the entire Chicago area and its surrounding suburbs, with emphasis on the North Side and North Shore regions. You'll find our work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more info about Chi Renovation, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/

This boy’s room is built around his love of the national parks. We designed a mountain range feature wall in navy, sage green, and white that rises behind the bed and frames both windows. Carved wood letters with trees and mountains spell out his name above an illustrated national parks map, and black swing-arm sconces give him reading light on each side. Across the room, a gallery of twelve vintage-style park posters, from Acadia to Joshua Tree, turns the wall into a travel bucket list. A black storage bed, plaid patchwork quilt, and bear pillow keep the cabin feel going, while a wood and metal desk, a blue task chair, and floating shelves give him a place to study and display his finds.

This boy’s room is built around his love of the national parks. We designed a mountain range feature wall in navy, sage green, and white that rises behind the bed and frames both windows. Carved wood letters with trees and mountains spell out his name above an illustrated national parks map, and black swing-arm sconces give him reading light on each side. Across the room, a gallery of twelve vintage-style park posters, from Acadia to Joshua Tree, turns the wall into a travel bucket list. A black storage bed, plaid patchwork quilt, and bear pillow keep the cabin feel going, while a wood and metal desk, a blue task chair, and floating shelves give him a place to study and display his finds.

This boy’s room is built around his love of the national parks. We designed a mountain range feature wall in navy, sage green, and white that rises behind the bed and frames both windows. Carved wood letters with trees and mountains spell out his name above an illustrated national parks map, and black swing-arm sconces give him reading light on each side. Across the room, a gallery of twelve vintage-style park posters, from Acadia to Joshua Tree, turns the wall into a travel bucket list. A black storage bed, plaid patchwork quilt, and bear pillow keep the cabin feel going, while a wood and metal desk, a blue task chair, and floating shelves give him a place to study and display his finds.

This boy’s room is built around his love of the national parks. We designed a mountain range feature wall in navy, sage green, and white that rises behind the bed and frames both windows. Carved wood letters with trees and mountains spell out his name above an illustrated national parks map, and black swing-arm sconces give him reading light on each side. Across the room, a gallery of twelve vintage-style park posters, from Acadia to Joshua Tree, turns the wall into a travel bucket list. A black storage bed, plaid patchwork quilt, and bear pillow keep the cabin feel going, while a wood and metal desk, a blue task chair, and floating shelves give him a place to study and display his finds.

This boy’s room is built around his love of the national parks. We designed a mountain range feature wall in navy, sage green, and white that rises behind the bed and frames both windows. Carved wood letters with trees and mountains spell out his name above an illustrated national parks map, and black swing-arm sconces give him reading light on each side. Across the room, a gallery of twelve vintage-style park posters, from Acadia to Joshua Tree, turns the wall into a travel bucket list. A black storage bed, plaid patchwork quilt, and bear pillow keep the cabin feel going, while a wood and metal desk, a blue task chair, and floating shelves give him a place to study and display his finds.

This boy’s room is built around his love of the national parks. We designed a mountain range feature wall in navy, sage green, and white that rises behind the bed and frames both windows. Carved wood letters with trees and mountains spell out his name above an illustrated national parks map, and black swing-arm sconces give him reading light on each side. Across the room, a gallery of twelve vintage-style park posters, from Acadia to Joshua Tree, turns the wall into a travel bucket list. A black storage bed, plaid patchwork quilt, and bear pillow keep the cabin feel going, while a wood and metal desk, a blue task chair, and floating shelves give him a place to study and display his finds.

This boy’s room is built around his love of the national parks. We designed a mountain range feature wall in navy, sage green, and white that rises behind the bed and frames both windows. Carved wood letters with trees and mountains spell out his name above an illustrated national parks map, and black swing-arm sconces give him reading light on each side. Across the room, a gallery of twelve vintage-style park posters, from Acadia to Joshua Tree, turns the wall into a travel bucket list. A black storage bed, plaid patchwork quilt, and bear pillow keep the cabin feel going, while a wood and metal desk, a blue task chair, and floating shelves give him a place to study and display his finds.

Doug Gorsline ashcreekphoto.com
Example of a large classic u-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Portland with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

A small arbor over an existing fence can provide a decorative privacy screen when there isn't room for large shrubs or trees. This arbor is covered with a fruiting passion fruit vine and provides a place to hang a light to light up the BBQ.

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.