Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Collaborations with builders on new construction is a favorite part of my job. I love seeing a house go up from the blueprints to the end of the build. It is always a journey filled with a thousand decisions, some creative on-the-spot thinking and yes, usually a few stressful moments. This Naperville project was a collaboration with a local builder and architect. The Kitchen Studio collaborated by completing the cabinetry design and final layout for the entire home. The kitchen is spacious and opens into the neighboring family room. A 48” Thermador range is centered between two windows, and the sink has a view through a window into the mudroom which is a unique feature. A large island with seating and waterfall countertops creates a beautiful focal point for the room. A bank of refrigeration, including a full-size wine refrigerator completes the picture. The area between the kitchen and dining room houses a second sink and a large walk in pantry. The kitchen features many unique storage elements important to the new homeowners including in-drawer charging stations, a cutlery divider, knife block, microwave drawer, pull out trash, multiple appliance garages, spice pull outs and tray dividers. There’s not much you can’t store in this room! Cabinetry is white shaker inset styling with a gray stain on the island. The back of the island features lap style siding that coordinates with the fireplace in the neighboring family room. Mid-century inspired lighting gives the room a modern vibe. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Builder: Hampton Homes Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This project was featured on an episode of TV show "House Hunters Renovation". Kitchen Studio Designer, Susan Klimala, was brought in to help homeowners design their dream kitchen. Lindsay's style was more vintage and Tyler's more streamlined, so the challenge was trying to get something that worked well for both of them. There were many construction challenges along the way, but the end result is beautiful! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This condo in downtown Chicago has amazing views of the city, Soldier Field and the Shedd Aquarium. The client’s goal was to update the inside view to make it more compatible with those looking out. Upper cabinets hanging over the peninsula of the existing kitchen blocked the magnificent view, so those had to go. The existing layout wasn’t bad but we felt with a few small changes it could be great. We started by separating the ovens and the fridge so that there was more symmetry and functionality to the design. And we made a more dramatic feature wall along the back elevation to showcase the cooktop area. An existing soffit was extended towards the side door to give it a more intentional look and to provide a more built-in appearance to the new pantry cabinets that were added to the left of the fridge. Semi-custom cherry cabinetry, open shelving, waterfall quartz countertops and Carrera marble backsplash tile give the space a decidedly contemporary feel perfect for city living. Now the cook can easily interact with guests and simultaneously enjoy the incredible views that the space offers. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

The path and gate take you from the pool area to the lush side yard. Design by Ben Bowen of Ross NW Watergardens
Inspiration for a large zen backyard home design remodel in Portland

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Our clients moved into their house two years’ ago “in spite of the bathrooms”, intent on remodeling them sometime in the near future. The house is lovely a midcentury ranch set on a sprawling lot. They had saved some photos to Pinterest as inspiration as a starting point so we set out to put all those pieces together. Notice all the wasted space in the hallway by the closet in the before picture? Well, we decided to incorporate that area into the bathroom itself so that we could have extra room for cabinets as well as the light and view from the window to the great outdoors. We mixed metals — chrome fixtures and lighting and black hardware and mirrors. We kept the rest of the materials neutral since it’s a smaller space. The homeowners needed storage, so we did a double vanity with a linen cabinet at one end. We installed an acrylic tub with simple white subway tile and a storage niche for shampoo. The end result is fresh, clean and functional. 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

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Designer, Julie Dunfee, of Julie Dunfee Designs, took on the task of redesigning an entire condominium unit for her clients. The unit which serves as the couple’s pied-a-terre, is located in downtown Chicago and is in near proximity to immediate family, offering the opportunity for both weekend getaways and family get togethers. Julie brought The Kitchen Studio in to help with the kitchen design and cabinetry layout. Below is what the kitchen area looked like before. One of the primary objectives was to have a sleek contemporary feel, so an eco veneer was chosen in a dark stain for the cabinetry in a horizontal grain. Custom appliance panels at the fridge and dishwasher as well as panels along the back wall were added to continue the look of wood around the room. Custom doors cleverly hide the washer and dryer and provide a cohesive look to the space. Other storage solutions include dual pull out pantries and a built-in trash bin. A small beverage station was added to a previously unused corner of the neighboring living room. Here, guests can easily help themselves to coffee or espresso from a built-in coffee unit or a cold beverage from the beverage center. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Interior Designer: Julie Dunfee Designs Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This was a fun and special project for me to work on – it’s my parent’s new (to them) townhome. Downsizing from their previous home, and I collaborated with my architect father on redesigning their kitchen and master bathroom. Opening up the layout on the 1st floor was on the top of their list. They hoped to make it possible for whoever was cooking in the kitchen was still able to interact with people in family room and the dining room easily. An existing wall between the family room and the kitchen, made the kitchen feel cut off from the rest of the house. By removing the wall, we were able to turn the kitchen layout from the standard "U" shape kitchen to a galley which allowed for more storage and countertop space. White Dove frameless cabinetry from Woodharbor was used to give the space a light and fresh feel, while maximizing space within for easy storage. A built in-hutch in the dining room was added for additional storage without encroaching in the room itself. The master bathroom was completely remodeled as well from head-to-toe. The existing layout was not conducive to my parent’s daily lifestyle. It had one vanity, an awkward corner tub with a just as awkward corner shower which seemed more like a dungeon than a shower. We gutted the existing bathroom, relocated a wall to create a large walk-in closet, omitted the tub, and created a nice spa like shower. The new layout also allowed them to have a double vanity with a small make-up area in between. Some features we added into the bathroom were heated floors, which are especially nice during the cold Chicago winters, custom marble tile as an accent in the shower, and a custom shower enclosure which really kept the room open. Designed by: Keri Pryde Photography by: Mike Kaskal For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This Glen Ellyn couple wanted to transform their dated kitchen into a more family-friendly space to use on a daily basis for cooking family meals and for entertaining friends. The existing kitchen was quite chopped up with strange soffits and different ceiling heights. To make the space flow in a more logical manner, we borrowed an unused desk area from the adjoining hallway and reconfigured a neighboring bath. Getting it to work on paper was fairly straightforward, but there was a bit of complicated beam work involved as the new kitchen flows through what was an old exterior wall. The new ceiling is now completely flush as we were able to hide the support in the ceiling joists. A new, larger window was added at the sink, the doorway to the room was widened and the resulting space creates a more easy flow from dining room to family room. The clients chose white inset cabinets, white marble tops and an apron sink to keep the space feeling simple yet original to the home's Colonial styling. Ship lap siding on the back of the island and at the pantry storage ceiling, a walnut butcher block, and antique brass details give the space an updated look. Professional stainless appliances are functional and beautiful. In addition to a large built-in fridge and 36" range, a second oven is housed in the island for flexibility. The pantry area has a convenience station that houses the family's espresso machine along with the microwave drawer. Another large bank of cabinets in the same area serves as pantry storage for dry goods. The bathroom was also remodeled as part of this project. The full bath has a vanity, shower and convenient baby changing area. The floor is encaustic tile, a type of concrete tile recognizable by its bold graphics. The mirror and lighting add a few modern touches to keep it in line with the Owner's personal style. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This Chicago client was tired of living with her outdated and not-so-functional kitchen and came in for an update. The goals were to update the look of the space, enclose the washer/dryer, upgrade the appliances and the cabinets. The space is located in turn-of-the-century brownstone, so we tried to stay in keeping with that era but provide an updated and functional space. One of the primary challenges of this project was a chimney that jutted into the space. The old configuration meandered around the chimney creating some strange configurations and odd depths for the countertop. We finally decided that just flushing out the wall along the chimney instead would create a cleaner look and in the end a better functioning space. It also created the opportunity to access those new pockets of space behind the wall with appliance garages to create a unique and functional feature. The new galley kitchen has the sink on one side and the range opposite with the refrigerator on the end of the run. This very functional layout also provides large runs of counter space and plenty of storage. The washer/dryer were relocated to the opposite side of the kitchen per the client's request, and hide behind a large custom bi-fold door when not in use. A wine fridge and microwave are tucked under the counter so that the primary visual is the custom mullioned doors with antique glass and custom marble backsplash design. White cabinetry, Carrera countertops and an apron sink complete the vintage feel of the space, and polished nickel hardware and light fixtures add a little bit of bling. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This was a fun and special project for me to work on – it’s my parent’s new (to them) townhome. Downsizing from their previous home, and I collaborated with my architect father on redesigning their kitchen and master bathroom. Opening up the layout on the 1st floor was on the top of their list. They hoped to make it possible for whoever was cooking in the kitchen was still able to interact with people in family room and the dining room easily. An existing wall between the family room and the kitchen, made the kitchen feel cut off from the rest of the house. By removing the wall, we were able to turn the kitchen layout from the standard "U" shape kitchen to a galley which allowed for more storage and countertop space. White Dove frameless cabinetry from Woodharbor was used to give the space a light and fresh feel, while maximizing space within for easy storage. A built in-hutch in the dining room was added for additional storage without encroaching in the room itself. The master bathroom was completely remodeled as well from head-to-toe. The existing layout was not conducive to my parent’s daily lifestyle. It had one vanity, an awkward corner tub with a just as awkward corner shower which seemed more like a dungeon than a shower. We gutted the existing bathroom, relocated a wall to create a large walk-in closet, omitted the tub, and created a nice spa like shower. The new layout also allowed them to have a double vanity with a small make-up area in between. Some features we added into the bathroom were heated floors, which are especially nice during the cold Chicago winters, custom marble tile as an accent in the shower, and a custom shower enclosure which really kept the room open. Designed by: Keri Pryde Photography by: Mike Kaskal For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This was a fun and special project for me to work on – it’s my parent’s new (to them) townhome. Downsizing from their previous home, and I collaborated with my architect father on redesigning their kitchen and master bathroom. Opening up the layout on the 1st floor was on the top of their list. They hoped to make it possible for whoever was cooking in the kitchen was still able to interact with people in family room and the dining room easily. An existing wall between the family room and the kitchen, made the kitchen feel cut off from the rest of the house. By removing the wall, we were able to turn the kitchen layout from the standard "U" shape kitchen to a galley which allowed for more storage and countertop space. White Dove frameless cabinetry from Woodharbor was used to give the space a light and fresh feel, while maximizing space within for easy storage. A built in-hutch in the dining room was added for additional storage without encroaching in the room itself. The master bathroom was completely remodeled as well from head-to-toe. The existing layout was not conducive to my parent’s daily lifestyle. It had one vanity, an awkward corner tub with a just as awkward corner shower which seemed more like a dungeon than a shower. We gutted the existing bathroom, relocated a wall to create a large walk-in closet, omitted the tub, and created a nice spa like shower. The new layout also allowed them to have a double vanity with a small make-up area in between. Some features we added into the bathroom were heated floors, which are especially nice during the cold Chicago winters, custom marble tile as an accent in the shower, and a custom shower enclosure which really kept the room open. Designed by: Keri Pryde Photography by: Mike Kaskal For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW The homeowners built their traditional Colonial style home 17 years’ ago. It was in great shape but needed some updating. Over the years, their taste had drifted into a more contemporary realm, and they wanted our help to bridge the gap between traditional and modern. We decided the layout of the kitchen worked well in the space and the cabinets were in good shape, so we opted to do a refresh with the kitchen. The original kitchen had blond maple cabinets and granite countertops. This was also a great opportunity to make some updates to the functionality that they were hoping to accomplish. After re-finishing all the first floor wood floors with a gray stain, which helped to remove some of the red tones from the red oak, we painted the cabinetry Benjamin Moore “Repose Gray” a very soft light gray. The new countertops are hardworking quartz, and the waterfall countertop to the left of the sink gives a bit of the contemporary flavor. We reworked the refrigerator wall to create more pantry storage and eliminated the double oven in favor of a single oven and a steam oven. The existing cooktop was replaced with a new range paired with a Venetian plaster hood above. The glossy finish from the hood is echoed in the pendant lights. A touch of gold in the lighting and hardware adds some contrast to the gray and white. A theme we repeated down to the smallest detail illustrated by the Jason Wu faucet by Brizo with its similar touches of white and gold (the arrival of which we eagerly awaited for months due to ripples in the supply chain – but worth it!). The original breakfast room was pleasant enough with its windows looking into the backyard. Now with its colorful window treatments, new blue chairs and sculptural light fixture, this space flows seamlessly into the kitchen and gives more of a punch to the space. The original butler’s pantry was functional but was also starting to show its age. The new space was inspired by a wallpaper selection that our client had set aside as a possibility for a future project. It worked perfectly with our pallet and gave a fun eclectic vibe to this functional space. We eliminated some upper cabinets in favor of open shelving and painted the cabinetry in a high gloss finish, added a beautiful quartzite countertop and some statement lighting. The new room is anything but cookie cutter. Next the mudroom. You can see a peek of the mudroom across the way from the butler’s pantry which got a facelift with new paint, tile floor, lighting and hardware. Simple updates but a dramatic change! The first floor powder room got the glam treatment with its own update of wainscoting, wallpaper, console sink, fixtures and artwork. A great little introduction to what’s to come in the rest of the home. The whole first floor now flows together in a cohesive pallet of green and blue, reflects the homeowner’s desire for a more modern aesthetic, and feels like a thoughtful and intentional evolution. Our clients were wonderful to work with! Their style meshed perfectly with our brand aesthetic which created the opportunity for wonderful things to happen. We know they will enjoy their remodel for many years to come! Photography by Margaret Rajic Photography

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This was a fun and special project for me to work on – it’s my parent’s new (to them) townhome. Downsizing from their previous home, and I collaborated with my architect father on redesigning their kitchen and master bathroom. Opening up the layout on the 1st floor was on the top of their list. They hoped to make it possible for whoever was cooking in the kitchen was still able to interact with people in family room and the dining room easily. An existing wall between the family room and the kitchen, made the kitchen feel cut off from the rest of the house. By removing the wall, we were able to turn the kitchen layout from the standard "U" shape kitchen to a galley which allowed for more storage and countertop space. White Dove frameless cabinetry from Woodharbor was used to give the space a light and fresh feel, while maximizing space within for easy storage. A built in-hutch in the dining room was added for additional storage without encroaching in the room itself. The master bathroom was completely remodeled as well from head-to-toe. The existing layout was not conducive to my parent’s daily lifestyle. It had one vanity, an awkward corner tub with a just as awkward corner shower which seemed more like a dungeon than a shower. We gutted the existing bathroom, relocated a wall to create a large walk-in closet, omitted the tub, and created a nice spa like shower. The new layout also allowed them to have a double vanity with a small make-up area in between. Some features we added into the bathroom were heated floors, which are especially nice during the cold Chicago winters, custom marble tile as an accent in the shower, and a custom shower enclosure which really kept the room open. Designed by: Keri Pryde Photography by: Mike Kaskal For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Designer, Julie Dunfee, of Julie Dunfee Designs, took on the task of redesigning an entire condominium unit for her clients. The unit which serves as the couple’s pied-a-terre, is located in downtown Chicago and is in near proximity to immediate family, offering the opportunity for both weekend getaways and family get togethers. Julie brought The Kitchen Studio in to help with the kitchen design and cabinetry layout. Below is what the kitchen area looked like before. One of the primary objectives was to have a sleek contemporary feel, so an eco veneer was chosen in a dark stain for the cabinetry in a horizontal grain. Custom appliance panels at the fridge and dishwasher as well as panels along the back wall were added to continue the look of wood around the room. Custom doors cleverly hide the washer and dryer and provide a cohesive look to the space. Other storage solutions include dual pull out pantries and a built-in trash bin. A small beverage station was added to a previously unused corner of the neighboring living room. Here, guests can easily help themselves to coffee or espresso from a built-in coffee unit or a cold beverage from the beverage center. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Interior Designer: Julie Dunfee Designs Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This project was featured on an episode of TV show "House Hunters Renovation". Kitchen Studio Designer, Susan Klimala, was brought in to help homeowners design their dream kitchen. Lindsay's style was more vintage and Tyler's more streamlined, so the challenge was trying to get something that worked well for both of them. There were many construction challenges along the way, but the end result is beautiful! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This Chicago client was tired of living with her outdated and not-so-functional kitchen and came in for an update. The goals were to update the look of the space, enclose the washer/dryer, upgrade the appliances and the cabinets. The space is located in turn-of-the-century brownstone, so we tried to stay in keeping with that era but provide an updated and functional space. One of the primary challenges of this project was a chimney that jutted into the space. The old configuration meandered around the chimney creating some strange configurations and odd depths for the countertop. We finally decided that just flushing out the wall along the chimney instead would create a cleaner look and in the end a better functioning space. It also created the opportunity to access those new pockets of space behind the wall with appliance garages to create a unique and functional feature. The new galley kitchen has the sink on one side and the range opposite with the refrigerator on the end of the run. This very functional layout also provides large runs of counter space and plenty of storage. The washer/dryer were relocated to the opposite side of the kitchen per the client's request, and hide behind a large custom bi-fold door when not in use. A wine fridge and microwave are tucked under the counter so that the primary visual is the custom mullioned doors with antique glass and custom marble backsplash design. White cabinetry, Carrera countertops and an apron sink complete the vintage feel of the space, and polished nickel hardware and light fixtures add a little bit of bling. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This condo in downtown Chicago has amazing views of the city, Soldier Field and the Shedd Aquarium. The client’s goal was to update the inside view to make it more compatible with those looking out. Upper cabinets hanging over the peninsula of the existing kitchen blocked the magnificent view, so those had to go. The existing layout wasn’t bad but we felt with a few small changes it could be great. We started by separating the ovens and the fridge so that there was more symmetry and functionality to the design. And we made a more dramatic feature wall along the back elevation to showcase the cooktop area. An existing soffit was extended towards the side door to give it a more intentional look and to provide a more built-in appearance to the new pantry cabinets that were added to the left of the fridge. Semi-custom cherry cabinetry, open shelving, waterfall quartz countertops and Carrera marble backsplash tile give the space a decidedly contemporary feel perfect for city living. Now the cook can easily interact with guests and simultaneously enjoy the incredible views that the space offers. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client wanted a complete update of their kitchen and came to us with several objectives. They wanted a larger island and easier access to the dining room. They also wanted to eliminate the existing cooktop location from the island and make the island larger. Because the existing space was not able to accommodate all those requests, we decided to eliminate the breakfast area and incorporate that space into the kitchen. By eliminating an existing bay window and making the kitchen sink window larger, we were able to make the new layout work without sacrificing any natural light. A French door to the newly added and adjoining sunroom and casual outdoor dining spot still allows for multiple dining options. And by enlarging the opening to the dining room, it allows for easier access to this space on a daily basis versus for special occasions only. The client already had a large desk in the kitchen and spends a lot of time at this area. We were able to make the new desk even larger by moving the refrigerator to another area. The refrigerator is covered in decorative panels so that it blends nicely into the furniture look of the room. The larger island can now seat several people comfortably. The room’s traditional feel was achieved by providing different finishes on the perimeter, island and desk cabinetry. Handmade gray backsplash tile, a combination of soapstone and Carrera marble give the space a classic appeal. Details provide interest – custom glass mullions, decorative wood hood and bronze hardware give the space character and charm. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Interior Design by: Rachel Alcorn Architect: Rick Rearick Contractor: KJN Renovations Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com