Search results for "Client support" in Home Design Ideas
Drury DesignTHE SETUP
Multiple ovens, multiple workspaces, multiple sinks – when you think about it, non-jewish kitchens have been adapting the criteria of kosher kitchens for years.
Gladys’ clients in West Rogers Park are Orthodox Jewish. The house they bought already had a kosher kitchen – it just wasn’t done that well. It needed some more things to be duplicated for the dairy side and the meat side. Plus, it was dark and the configuration wasn’t very conducive for a family of eight.
It was time for a remodel.
Design Objectives
Improve kosher kitchen
Add more storage in the island
Better lighting
More open, lighter feel
Change the wood floor in the kitchen to tile
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges
- We had originally planned on removing a wing wall by the breakfast area. During demolition, we learned it contained a support beam.
- The kitchen is a substantial size, but having two sinks, dishwashers, and ovens presented a challenge – how do we fit it all in and make it flow with the storage still accessible near the work areas?
Where do you stop the materials for the new space? - -- The right tile, paint, lighting, etc. would be needed to make the remodeled area cohesive with the rest of the main floor.
- An existing column limited cabinet options and thus, storage capacity. Could we conceal it without disrupting the cabinetry flow?
Design Solutions
- We had to keep the wing wall, but decided to continue the tile on the sides of the cabinets and maintain the height of the tile to line up with the rest of the backsplash. This actually presented a very nice and cohesive look, especially since the opposite side has a wing wall to the left of the refrigerator.
- We used “L-shaped” corner sinks instead of the rectangular ones set on an angle. This gave us more of the legs of the triangles versus the hypotenuse, which allowed for the two dishwashers, and the pullout utensil canisters and spice pullouts while still keeping the 3-drawer cabinets on either side of the range (by the sinks). The old island had the recess for stools which the family never used. By extending the width of the island 6” and utilizing this leg space, we were able to fit 18”-deep cabinets on this side – adding lots of accessible storage. The family can now work simultaneously on the dairy side (the side with the fridge) and the meat side (opposite) without getting in each other’s way. We separated the cooking by using the range oven for the meat and a built-in microwave in the base cabinet. The wall oven with built-in microwave on top is for dairy.
- Corner sinks opened up the middle area for a wider range – we went from a 30” to a 36”. Removing all the wall cabinets (on the range wall) made a big difference. That opened up the entire space while adding some visual impact. (Not pictured: We also made the cabinets directly opposite the range wall tall and removed the countertop, resulting in more room for rollouts and even more storage!) The kitchen now has more storage than it did before.
- We ended up painting the ceiling of the kitchen into the hallway that leads to the foyer. The living and dining rooms were separated by a soffit, so that became a natural boundary. We kept the tile in the kitchen by stopping it short of the hallway and lining it up with the pantry wall. This creates a border between the breakfast area and family room. The rest of the existing wood floors were refinished to refresh and make the hue darker. We also painted a dark accent wall and carried it into the breakfast area to make the rooms look deeper.
- The in-the-way column housed plumbing and couldn’t be moved. We still built cabinets in that spot – we just had to build a chase inside it to conceal the pipes. There was still plenty of room for new storage. We also took the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The continuous tall cabinets added a functional elegance to the space.
THE RENEWED SPACE
The client’s long-awaited dream of a better kosher kitchen has finally been achieved, beautifully combining enhanced storage solutions with adherence to the family’s orthodox dietary laws. The kitchen’s standout feature, an expanded island, now offers a spacious and efficient workspace. This allows several family members to cook together comfortably, without the inconvenience of bumping into each other, ensuring a harmonious and productive cooking environment.
AMB2 Architects, LLCThis fast pace second level addition in Lakeview has received a lot of attention in this quite neighborhood by neighbors and house visitors. Ana Borden designed the second level addition on this previous one story residence and drew from her experience completing complicated multi-million dollar institutional projects. The overall project, including designing the second level addition included tieing into the existing conditions in order to preserve the remaining exterior lot for a new pool. The Architect constructed a three dimensional model in Revit to convey to the Clients the design intent while adhering to all required building codes. The challenge also included providing roof slopes within the allowable existing chimney distances, stair clearances, desired room sizes and working with the structural engineer to design connections and structural member sizes to fit the constraints listed above. Also, extensive coordination was required for the second addition, including supports designed by the structural engineer in conjunction with the existing pre and post tensioned slab. The Architect’s intent was also to create a seamless addition that appears to have been part of the existing residence while not impacting the remaining lot. Overall, the final construction fulfilled the Client’s goals of adding a bedroom and bathroom as well as additional storage space within their time frame and, of course, budget.
Smart Media
Reico Kitchen & BathLauren Hunt from Reico Kitchen and Bath in Charlotte, NC, worked with The Atta Group to design a transitional-inspired kitchen and bar using Masterpiece cabinetry. The kitchen features Masterpiece cabinets in the Martel Evercore doorstyle in a Frost finish on the perimeter.
The kitchen island and bar area both features the same doorstyle with a combination of two different finishes, Riverbed and Shortbread. The countertops are Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Sapien Stone Porcelain.
The client shared their experience, saying, “I love the range hood and the slatted island decor. Riverbed is a beautiful color in both sun and shade. Lauren’s advice to get samples and lay them out in different lighting was invaluable. She went above and beyond, even coming out in the parking lot on a hot summer day to help us. We truly couldn’t have done this without her. Lauren was always patient and supportive as we made decisions, and she never pressured us. Any future projects we have, we’ll 100% reach out to Lauren. She even welcomed our newborn to the showroom!”
Lauren shared, “The clients came with a clear aesthetic vision and plenty of inspiration photos, but they gave me the freedom to recommend and create a space that worked for their growing family while still looking great. We added design details like two-toned dining room cabinets, dark accent shelves in glass towers, an arched valance to match the doorways, and a custom hood that pulls from the island finishes. My favorite element is the slatted accent on the island, which the installers executed perfectly.
This renovation was a big project, starting with a blank slate, which can be overwhelming with so many options. But it was incredibly rewarding to work with these clients who had such a creative vision. We really worked together to create a space that met their needs while showcasing their style. It was a team effort, and I hope that comes through in the final design.”
Photos courtesy of Six Cents Media.
Find the right local pro for your project
ZFA Structural EngineersThis Mill Valley project features a groundbreaking prefabricated bamboo panel structural wall system that eliminates traditional wood framing. The clients sought a design that complemented not only their environmental ethic but also their need for a healthy home. 361 Architecture assembled a collaborative team that worked together to develop a solution that met the clients’ needs. The result is a highly sustainable, super energy efficient and healthy home with net zero energy goals. The project concept focused on wrapping the buildings and gardens around the central patio and pool, with views from each room. At the north end of the patio sits a detached studio comprised of two parts: an artist studio and a writing studio, supporting the respective professions of the clients.
361 Architecture
All Around JoeWe recently finished this basement for a client and ran into a challenge when we reached this section of the room. Plumbing + 2 supports with concrete bases couldn’t be moved. If we boxed them in, it would make everything too tight and unusable.
Since this client LOVES trains, we decided to get creative. The result – a custom train table to go around the columns.
We even had enough scrap material to add to one of the walls so the client could hand a dart board. Talk about a fun basement!
Living with LoloLiving Room in Bronco | Key Feature: A Scottsdale new-build rooted in sculptural modernism, Bronco Revival balances bold black-and-white contrast with organic textures, natural wood elements, and statement lighting. As a groundbreaking “Live Lab” designer residence, it’s a first-of-its-kind space where luxury furnishings are tested in real-world conditions before being introduced into high-profile client homes.
Challenge: Because Bronco Revival was the designer’s personal residence, the project carried a unique level of pressure and intention. The challenge was creating a Scottsdale new-build that felt elevated and editorial while still functioning as a true family home. Every selection had to balance bold sculptural modernism (high contrast, statement lighting, architectural furnishings) with durability, comfort, and day-to-day livability. In addition, the home served as a “Live Lab,” meaning new vendors, materials, and luxury furnishings needed to be tested in real-life conditions before being trusted for future high-profile client projects.
Solution: We approached the project with a highly curated, test-and-refine design strategy, treating each space as both a finished interior and a real-world evaluation environment. Key furnishings, textiles, and materials were selected to support the modern organic vision while also standing up to the demands of everyday family life. We worked through selections intentionally, layering in bold contrast, natural woods, and sculptural statement pieces, while prioritizing performance materials, pet-friendly durability, and timeless foundational elements. By using the home as a lived-in showroom, we were able to validate what truly performs beautifully, refine our vendor relationships, and confidently carry those proven selections into future client designs.
Materials: MadeGoods: Sculptural Davion coffee tables |
Loloi: Custom performance rug collection |
Schumacher: Bespoke drapery fabrication |
Aesthetic Wall Coverings: Pioneering wallpaper application on ceiling beams |
Zac + Fox: Exclusive textile collaboration via Made Resource Group |
Budget ($ Range): $300K |
Timeline (Duration): 4 MONTHS
Ancient Elements StoneworksOver the years Ancient Elements Stoneworks strives to not only make their clients dreams turn into reality but they also focus on giving back to the community that has given so much to them. Throughout the time Ancient Elements Stoneworks has been in the Laramie community and surrounding areas we have received countless thank you cards and wanted to share with our online community. Ancient Elements Stoneworks continues to appreciate the work that comes through the doors and the growing support of the business. Thank you for supporting this companies dreams and ambitions throughout the years.
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Snider & Metcalf Interior Design, LTD
Leading Interior Designers in Columbus, Ohio & Ponte Vedra, Florida
Reico Kitchen & BathDesigned by Catherine Neitzey of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Fredericksburg, VA in collaboration with Heritage Contracting Services, this transitional style inspired two-finish kitchen design features Merillat Classic Tolani Maple Kona and Merillat Masterpiece Montresano with Aged Picket Fence finish cabinets. The bathroom also features Tolani Maple Kona cabinetry. The kitchen includes an Imagery Glass Mosaic 3x6 in Rain material Glass GM07412 tile backsplash.
“We walked into Reico without an appointment, because 2 friends highly recommended them.
We were warmly greeted by Cat, even without an appointment,” said the client. “Cat listened, and then pulled out samples as she guided us patiently through the process. She brought to our attention a cabinet larger than the actual area in our plan. We were able to adjust before it was ordered. Her guidance, suggestions and attention to our likes and dislikes proved to be invaluable.”
“This project was remodeling a basement to add to a multi-generation home with an eye on creating a space to enjoy,” said Cat. “I hit it off with the client right away, meeting prior to selecting a contractor which changed the dynamic of our roles for the duration of the project.”
The client added, “One of the best services Reico provided was computer generated visuals. It helped us see what the overall look would be. The kitchen and bathroom are beyond our expectations. We love the look and the flow!”
“We changed the wall cabinet color as the space started to come together with all of the supporting selections made,” said Cat. “The Aged Picket Fence painted finish with its artisan random distressing contrasts the contemporary base cabinets and glass tile in the best way. It is such a warm version of today's popular white and gray color schemes. Added greens and textures really keep the space so warm and inviting.”
Photos by Tim Snyder Photography.
Drury DesignThe objectives were:
Make better use of the dining room – create a space ideal for informal gatherings
Create a display space that is Marvel Spectacular-worthy
Create a wow-worthy focal point that is visible as guests walk in the front door
Incorporate a sink into the bar
Plenty of storage
Incorporate the client’s custom “barrel” secret mini bar into the design
Design challenges we solved for:
Make the two areas feel as one
Provide enough support for the bar’s thick wood-top so that it would not need legs that would interfere with the seating area
Find a way to incorporate as much bar seating as possible
Make the room’s finishes flow with the rest of the house
THE RENEWED SPACE
Design solutions:
Add open cabinets on the back bar wall with lights and display sections – this ties the bar area to the open display cabinets
Back bar wall base cabinets provide lots of storage
U-shaped island allows for more seating
Custom shelving adjustable to accommodate a wide range of collectibles
Finishes that tie into the secret barrel bar integrate nicely with the rest of the house
Transforming the former dining room area into a bar with lots of display shelving gives the clients a new, functional gathering place that reflects their personal style. It feels more fun and modern, and it feels more like “them.” After all, this is their own special area in their own home and it’s a perfect place for hanging out with friends.
Reico Kitchen & BathLauren Hunt from Reico Kitchen and Bath in Charlotte, NC, worked with The Atta Group to design a transitional-inspired kitchen and bar using Masterpiece cabinetry. The kitchen features Masterpiece cabinets in the Martel Evercore doorstyle in a Frost finish on the perimeter.
The kitchen island and bar area both features the same doorstyle with a combination of two different finishes, Riverbed and Shortbread. The countertops are Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Sapien Stone Porcelain.
The client shared their experience, saying, “I love the range hood and the slatted island decor. Riverbed is a beautiful color in both sun and shade. Lauren’s advice to get samples and lay them out in different lighting was invaluable. She went above and beyond, even coming out in the parking lot on a hot summer day to help us. We truly couldn’t have done this without her. Lauren was always patient and supportive as we made decisions, and she never pressured us. Any future projects we have, we’ll 100% reach out to Lauren. She even welcomed our newborn to the showroom!”
Lauren shared, “The clients came with a clear aesthetic vision and plenty of inspiration photos, but they gave me the freedom to recommend and create a space that worked for their growing family while still looking great. We added design details like two-toned dining room cabinets, dark accent shelves in glass towers, an arched valance to match the doorways, and a custom hood that pulls from the island finishes. My favorite element is the slatted accent on the island, which the installers executed perfectly.
This renovation was a big project, starting with a blank slate, which can be overwhelming with so many options. But it was incredibly rewarding to work with these clients who had such a creative vision. We really worked together to create a space that met their needs while showcasing their style. It was a team effort, and I hope that comes through in the final design.”
Photos courtesy of Six Cents Media.
Williamsons KitchensWhile this project was a supply-only kitchen, our client in Fraserburgh had a clear vision for a modern, functional space with high-quality finishes. We supported them by providing a full 3D CAD design to help visualise the layout and materials and detailed plans for their joiner and on-site trades. We also played a key project management role in ensuring a smooth process throughout.
This kitchen features Nolte’s sleek Velutto range, ideal for a modern, understated aesthetic. The base units in a Lava finish add depth without overwhelming the space. These are paired with overhead units in Oak Graphite Silver, bringing warmth to the design.
For the worktops, we supplied Nolte’s 25mm Sand Lime Cream, offering a light, elegant surface that complements the deeper tones of the cabinetry.
The kitchen is fully equipped with NEFF appliances, including a single oven with a Slide & Hide® door, a combi microwave, an induction hob, and a sleek integrated extractor. These appliances were carefully selected to meet the client’s needs while keeping the look streamlined.
The finishing touches elevate both style and functionality in this kitchen. A Blanco Sona single bowl sink in Tartufo adds depth and character, while the Quooker Chrome Flex tap, complete with a pull-out hose, delivers instant boiling water and flexibility for everyday use.
Considering a kitchen renovation? Contact us and let's discuss your vision.
AMB2 Architects, LLCThis fast pace second level addition in Lakeview has received a lot of attention in this quite neighborhood by neighbors and house visitors. Ana Borden designed the second level addition on this previous one story residence and drew from her experience completing complicated multi-million dollar institutional projects. The overall project, including designing the second level addition included tieing into the existing conditions in order to preserve the remaining exterior lot for a new pool. The Architect constructed a three dimensional model in Revit to convey to the Clients the design intent while adhering to all required building codes. The challenge also included providing roof slopes within the allowable existing chimney distances, stair clearances, desired room sizes and working with the structural engineer to design connections and structural member sizes to fit the constraints listed above. Also, extensive coordination was required for the second addition, including supports designed by the structural engineer in conjunction with the existing pre and post tensioned slab. The Architect’s intent was also to create a seamless addition that appears to have been part of the existing residence while not impacting the remaining lot. Overall, the final construction fulfilled the Client’s goals of adding a bedroom and bathroom as well as additional storage space within their time frame and, of course, budget.
Smart Media
Ashley SouthworthWe are excited to share the completion of Southworth Interior Design’s most recent project!
Our client uses this bedroom as a guest room but they also keep office supplies such as their printer, internet tower, and important paperwork in this room. To accommodate the functionality of the room, we found the perfect nightstand which also serves as a filing cabinet. A matching bookshelf now displays special keepsakes and an updated printer stand provides extra storage for office supplies.
Wait until you hear this… the wood paneling on the walls were installed in the 80s! ? We removed the paneling on the wall with the window and replaced the dark wood blinds with some new custom white faux wood blinds. We kept the paneling on the other wall because it created a subtle shiplap effect once painted.
The client requested a tan paint with blue accents. We selected Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams and found a lovely reversible blue quilt from Pottery Barn (still waiting on the shams which are back ordered) as well as a light blue lamp from Wayfair.
Lastly, we showcased some special art work for the client that was painted by their family member.
What do you think of the final result?! We are loving the calm and relaxing vibe of this room refresh. Swipe to see before photos and some different angles of the room.
Please support our small business by liking, commenting, and sharing!
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH
Infinite HomeThe most transformative part of the project was the addition of the primary suite. Our clients wanted this space to be more than just a bedroom—it needed to become an integral part of their daily routine, where they could truly unwind after a long day and start each morning with intention. Because they worked from home, we connected the suite to their lounge office through a private seating room, allowing them to ease into the workday feeling refreshed and retreat just as easily afterward without ever leaving their sanctuary.
Designed as a retreat, the suite features exposed wood beams that add character and warmth, while the walls are painted in White Flour by Sherwin-Williams for a soft, airy backdrop. Overhead, a Williams Sonoma Ingrid chandelier serves as a warm focal point, bringing elegance with a modern edge. A walk-in closet with glass-and-iron doors provides a boutique-like entrance, while the bedroom flows seamlessly into the spa bathroom.
The bathroom walls are painted in that same Swiss Coffee by Sherwin-Williams, creating a light and calming foundation for the warm wood tones of the floating double vanity. At the heart of the room, the freestanding Kohler tub rests on a bed of smooth river stones, creating a grounding focal point that welcomes our clients to truly unwind. The zero-entry shower, finished with Kenridge Ribbon Maple Matte porcelain tile, adds an organic warmth, while Kohler matte black fixtures provide a modern contrast.
This balance of natural warmth and modern refinement turned the suite into more than just a functional addition—it became the personal retreat our clients had envisioned, perfectly supporting their lifestyle of working, resting, and recharging at home.
Creative Wood ProductsThis project required us to remove the old existing deck and start over from scratch.
There were several different design challenges that made the job very interesting and a lot of fun!
The project features Gossen Passport Series London Gray PVC used for the decking and fascias.
The railing is tempered glass panels by Stevens Glass. The railposts are wolmanized subframe with Acme brand vinyl white post sleeves. The postcaps are custom made on the jobsite with white pvc material.
The project has the main support beams and posts wrapped in Azek white PVC and a Drysnap watershed ceiling system was installed underneath the deck to allow the clients to entertain and use the space even if it is raining .
The existing timber retaining wall had to be modified to allow room for the client's hot tub. The timber wall modification and paverstone patio re-work were handled by Barkman Landscaping, as well as some of the changes to the existing landscape that the clients have done through the years.
The project turned fantastic and it was a very fun and challenging job!
Thank you very much Mr. & Mrs. Kriss for allowing us to help create your dream outdoor entertaining paradise!
Reico Kitchen & BathLauren Hunt from Reico Kitchen and Bath in Charlotte, NC, worked with The Atta Group to design a transitional-inspired kitchen and bar using Masterpiece cabinetry. The kitchen features Masterpiece cabinets in the Martel Evercore doorstyle in a Frost finish on the perimeter.
The kitchen island and bar area both features the same doorstyle with a combination of two different finishes, Riverbed and Shortbread. The countertops are Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Sapien Stone Porcelain.
The client shared their experience, saying, “I love the range hood and the slatted island decor. Riverbed is a beautiful color in both sun and shade. Lauren’s advice to get samples and lay them out in different lighting was invaluable. She went above and beyond, even coming out in the parking lot on a hot summer day to help us. We truly couldn’t have done this without her. Lauren was always patient and supportive as we made decisions, and she never pressured us. Any future projects we have, we’ll 100% reach out to Lauren. She even welcomed our newborn to the showroom!”
Lauren shared, “The clients came with a clear aesthetic vision and plenty of inspiration photos, but they gave me the freedom to recommend and create a space that worked for their growing family while still looking great. We added design details like two-toned dining room cabinets, dark accent shelves in glass towers, an arched valance to match the doorways, and a custom hood that pulls from the island finishes. My favorite element is the slatted accent on the island, which the installers executed perfectly.
This renovation was a big project, starting with a blank slate, which can be overwhelming with so many options. But it was incredibly rewarding to work with these clients who had such a creative vision. We really worked together to create a space that met their needs while showcasing their style. It was a team effort, and I hope that comes through in the final design.”
Photos courtesy of Six Cents Media.
Living with LoloPool House in Bronco | Key Feature: A Scottsdale new-build rooted in sculptural modernism, Bronco Revival balances bold black-and-white contrast with organic textures, natural wood elements, and statement lighting. As a groundbreaking “Live Lab” designer residence, it’s a first-of-its-kind space where luxury furnishings are tested in real-world conditions before being introduced into high-profile client homes.
Challenge: Because Bronco Revival was the designer’s personal residence, the project carried a unique level of pressure and intention. The challenge was creating a Scottsdale new-build that felt elevated and editorial while still functioning as a true family home. Every selection had to balance bold sculptural modernism (high contrast, statement lighting, architectural furnishings) with durability, comfort, and day-to-day livability. In addition, the home served as a “Live Lab,” meaning new vendors, materials, and luxury furnishings needed to be tested in real-life conditions before being trusted for future high-profile client projects.
Solution: We approached the project with a highly curated, test-and-refine design strategy, treating each space as both a finished interior and a real-world evaluation environment. Key furnishings, textiles, and materials were selected to support the modern organic vision while also standing up to the demands of everyday family life. We worked through selections intentionally, layering in bold contrast, natural woods, and sculptural statement pieces, while prioritizing performance materials, pet-friendly durability, and timeless foundational elements. By using the home as a lived-in showroom, we were able to validate what truly performs beautifully, refine our vendor relationships, and confidently carry those proven selections into future client designs.
Materials: MadeGoods: Sculptural Davion coffee tables |
Loloi: Custom performance rug collection |
Schumacher: Bespoke drapery fabrication |
Aesthetic Wall Coverings: Pioneering wallpaper application on ceiling beams |
Zac + Fox: Exclusive textile collaboration via Made Resource Group |
Budget ($ Range): $300K |
Timeline (Duration): 4 MONTHS
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH
Living with LoloPool House in Bronco | Key Feature: A Scottsdale new-build rooted in sculptural modernism, Bronco Revival balances bold black-and-white contrast with organic textures, natural wood elements, and statement lighting. As a groundbreaking “Live Lab” designer residence, it’s a first-of-its-kind space where luxury furnishings are tested in real-world conditions before being introduced into high-profile client homes.
Challenge: Because Bronco Revival was the designer’s personal residence, the project carried a unique level of pressure and intention. The challenge was creating a Scottsdale new-build that felt elevated and editorial while still functioning as a true family home. Every selection had to balance bold sculptural modernism (high contrast, statement lighting, architectural furnishings) with durability, comfort, and day-to-day livability. In addition, the home served as a “Live Lab,” meaning new vendors, materials, and luxury furnishings needed to be tested in real-life conditions before being trusted for future high-profile client projects.
Solution: We approached the project with a highly curated, test-and-refine design strategy, treating each space as both a finished interior and a real-world evaluation environment. Key furnishings, textiles, and materials were selected to support the modern organic vision while also standing up to the demands of everyday family life. We worked through selections intentionally, layering in bold contrast, natural woods, and sculptural statement pieces, while prioritizing performance materials, pet-friendly durability, and timeless foundational elements. By using the home as a lived-in showroom, we were able to validate what truly performs beautifully, refine our vendor relationships, and confidently carry those proven selections into future client designs.
Materials: MadeGoods: Sculptural Davion coffee tables |
Loloi: Custom performance rug collection |
Schumacher: Bespoke drapery fabrication |
Aesthetic Wall Coverings: Pioneering wallpaper application on ceiling beams |
Zac + Fox: Exclusive textile collaboration via Made Resource Group |
Budget ($ Range): $300K |
Timeline (Duration): 4 MONTHS
Drury DesignTHE SETUP
Multiple ovens, multiple workspaces, multiple sinks – when you think about it, non-jewish kitchens have been adapting the criteria of kosher kitchens for years.
Gladys’ clients in West Rogers Park are Orthodox Jewish. The house they bought already had a kosher kitchen – it just wasn’t done that well. It needed some more things to be duplicated for the dairy side and the meat side. Plus, it was dark and the configuration wasn’t very conducive for a family of eight.
It was time for a remodel.
Design Objectives
Improve kosher kitchen
Add more storage in the island
Better lighting
More open, lighter feel
Change the wood floor in the kitchen to tile
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges
- We had originally planned on removing a wing wall by the breakfast area. During demolition, we learned it contained a support beam.
- The kitchen is a substantial size, but having two sinks, dishwashers, and ovens presented a challenge – how do we fit it all in and make it flow with the storage still accessible near the work areas?
Where do you stop the materials for the new space? - -- The right tile, paint, lighting, etc. would be needed to make the remodeled area cohesive with the rest of the main floor.
- An existing column limited cabinet options and thus, storage capacity. Could we conceal it without disrupting the cabinetry flow?
Design Solutions
- We had to keep the wing wall, but decided to continue the tile on the sides of the cabinets and maintain the height of the tile to line up with the rest of the backsplash. This actually presented a very nice and cohesive look, especially since the opposite side has a wing wall to the left of the refrigerator.
- We used “L-shaped” corner sinks instead of the rectangular ones set on an angle. This gave us more of the legs of the triangles versus the hypotenuse, which allowed for the two dishwashers, and the pullout utensil canisters and spice pullouts while still keeping the 3-drawer cabinets on either side of the range (by the sinks). The old island had the recess for stools which the family never used. By extending the width of the island 6” and utilizing this leg space, we were able to fit 18”-deep cabinets on this side – adding lots of accessible storage. The family can now work simultaneously on the dairy side (the side with the fridge) and the meat side (opposite) without getting in each other’s way. We separated the cooking by using the range oven for the meat and a built-in microwave in the base cabinet. The wall oven with built-in microwave on top is for dairy.
- Corner sinks opened up the middle area for a wider range – we went from a 30” to a 36”. Removing all the wall cabinets (on the range wall) made a big difference. That opened up the entire space while adding some visual impact. (Not pictured: We also made the cabinets directly opposite the range wall tall and removed the countertop, resulting in more room for rollouts and even more storage!) The kitchen now has more storage than it did before.
- We ended up painting the ceiling of the kitchen into the hallway that leads to the foyer. The living and dining rooms were separated by a soffit, so that became a natural boundary. We kept the tile in the kitchen by stopping it short of the hallway and lining it up with the pantry wall. This creates a border between the breakfast area and family room. The rest of the existing wood floors were refinished to refresh and make the hue darker. We also painted a dark accent wall and carried it into the breakfast area to make the rooms look deeper.
- The in-the-way column housed plumbing and couldn’t be moved. We still built cabinets in that spot – we just had to build a chase inside it to conceal the pipes. There was still plenty of room for new storage. We also took the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The continuous tall cabinets added a functional elegance to the space.
THE RENEWED SPACE
The client’s long-awaited dream of a better kosher kitchen has finally been achieved, beautifully combining enhanced storage solutions with adherence to the family’s orthodox dietary laws. The kitchen’s standout feature, an expanded island, now offers a spacious and efficient workspace. This allows several family members to cook together comfortably, without the inconvenience of bumping into each other, ensuring a harmonious and productive cooking environment.
Williamsons KitchensWhile this project was a supply-only kitchen, our client in Fraserburgh had a clear vision for a modern, functional space with high-quality finishes. We supported them by providing a full 3D CAD design to help visualise the layout and materials and detailed plans for their joiner and on-site trades. We also played a key project management role in ensuring a smooth process throughout.
This kitchen features Nolte’s sleek Velutto range, ideal for a modern, understated aesthetic. The base units in a Lava finish add depth without overwhelming the space. These are paired with overhead units in Oak Graphite Silver, bringing warmth to the design.
For the worktops, we supplied Nolte’s 25mm Sand Lime Cream, offering a light, elegant surface that complements the deeper tones of the cabinetry.
The kitchen is fully equipped with NEFF appliances, including a single oven with a Slide & Hide® door, a combi microwave, an induction hob, and a sleek integrated extractor. These appliances were carefully selected to meet the client’s needs while keeping the look streamlined.
The finishing touches elevate both style and functionality in this kitchen. A Blanco Sona single bowl sink in Tartufo adds depth and character, while the Quooker Chrome Flex tap, complete with a pull-out hose, delivers instant boiling water and flexibility for everyday use.
Considering a kitchen renovation? Contact us and let's discuss your vision.
79