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.

Whit Preston
Example of a trendy dark wood floor kitchen design in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, multicolored backsplash and stone slab backsplash

Designed by: Jeff Andrews of Andrews Home Design Group ph:888-826-3632 www.AndrewsHomeDesign.com Built by: C.Blake Homes ph:435-673-8371 www.Cblakehomes.com

This large, custom kitchen has multiple built-ins and a large, cerused oak island. There is tons of storage and this kitchen was designed to be functional for a busy family that loves to entertain guests.

Photographed by Todd Yarrington.
Elegant kitchen photo in Columbus with shaker cabinets, a farmhouse sink, white cabinets and blue backsplash

Utility room - large farmhouse galley medium tone wood floor and gray floor utility room idea in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, solid surface countertops, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Example of a large trendy l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Seattle with an island, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Sequined Asphalt Studio
Example of a transitional mudroom design in New York with white walls

Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2017 Houzz

www.steinbergerphotos.com
Beach style painted u-shaped wood railing staircase photo in Milwaukee with painted risers

Inspiration for a large transitional women's medium tone wood floor and brown floor walk-in closet remodel in Dallas with recessed-panel cabinets and white cabinets

terracotta floors, minty gray cabinets and gold fixtures
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped terra-cotta tile and red floor dedicated laundry room design in Oklahoma City with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Example of a mid-sized transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor utility room design in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and black countertops

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped ceramic tile, white floor and shiplap wall utility room remodel in Atlanta with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate countertops, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Accents of navy blue and baskets for storage add personality to this mud room. Photo by Fernando De Los Santos
Example of a transitional dark wood floor foyer design in Dallas with gray walls

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2013 Houzz
Example of an eclectic kitchen design in New York with glass-front cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and metallic backsplash

Martin Tessler Photographer
Freestanding bathtub - large contemporary master white tile and stone tile marble floor freestanding bathtub idea in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

Positioned next to the washing machine/tumble dryer cupboard is this laundry/boot cupboard. Whether it's for hanging freshly washed shirts or for storing your everyday coats and shoes, this tall cupboard with hanging rail and a pull out shoe drawer creates practical extra storage space.

There are surprises behind every door in this beautiful bootility. Rooms like this can be designed to house a range of storage solutions and bulky appliances that usually take up a considerable amount of space in the kitchen. Moving large appliances to a dedicated full-height cabinet allows you to hide them out of sight when not in use. Stacking them vertically also frees up valuable floor space and makes it easier for you to load washing.