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.

Inspiration for a mediterranean dark wood floor dining room remodel in Dallas with multicolored walls and no fireplace

Inside, walls and ceiling in a cool gray are met with a warm pewter wallcovering, boasting hints of blue and a sheen to truly anchor the head of the room.

Phoenix photographic
Example of a large classic slate floor basement design in Detroit with brown walls, no fireplace and a bar

photo by Marco Ricca
Inspiration for a large coastal open concept dark wood floor living room remodel in New York with beige walls

Outdoor living at its finest. Stained ceilings, rock mantle and bluestone flooring complement each other and provide durability in the weather.
Inspiration for a large coastal backyard stone patio kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a roof extension

Photograph showing the beautiful lightly colored travertine paver tiles on the rear porch of this Awendaw beach home retreat. The clear coat wood stained cypress ceiling is gorgeous.

The sheer height of the Master Bath with the ship lap Ceiling in Sky Blue gives the room a very nautical look. We repeated the octagonal look of the ceiling on the floor using ceramic weathered plank flooring.

This dining room was designed to be a wow factor with a wallpapered ceiling, clustered pendant lights, and walnut and glass custom built-ins for china. A rounded square pedestal table is in the center with cream dining chairs.

This beautiful light filled dining room is graced by two large glass icicle chandeliers and a metallic cork wallpapered ceiling. The stunning Caracole dining table features golden accents and seats up to 10 guests. Custom drapery flanks both sides of the oval dining room, while a custom Alex Turco art piece echoes all of the neutral colors in the room. The dining room is both opulent and inviting, offering a beautiful space for hours of dining and conversation.

Kitchen by Jinx McDonald Interior Designs
Example of a transitional l-shaped kitchen design in Tampa with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Asher Associates Architects; D.L. Miner, Builders; Summer House Design, Interiors; Euro Line Designe (Kitchen); John Dimaio, Photography
Example of a large beach style open concept dark wood floor living room design in Philadelphia with gray walls and a standard fireplace

The custom banquette, white oak millwork, and open-grain cypress ceilings modernize the home. A large island allows for entertaining and multiple chefs to work in the kitchen. The trellis structure above the kitchen gives a structure for artificial lighting but allows for natural light from the transom windows to filter into the centrally-located kitchen. Custom designed banquette, chairs are the Round Chairs by Hans Wegner, stools are the Jim Counterstools by Montis. Interior by Allison Burke Interior Design Architecture by A Parallel Paul Finkel Photography

Contemporary open floor plan incorporates outdoors
Example of a large trendy open concept and formal ceramic tile and beige floor living room design in Miami with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a tile fireplace

This beautiful kitchen remodel includes a complete renovation of the existing space. We vaulted the ceiling, added skylights, walls ovens, appliance garages, and stunning pendant lighting. A formerly small, closed-off kitchen was transformed into a beautiful, open space perfectly designed for food, friends, and entertainment.

Interior Designer Kim Scrodo designed her award-winning desert haven featuring DuChâteau's Slat from The Heritage Timber Edition
Example of a tuscan hallway design in San Diego

Miami Interior Designers - Residential Interior Design Project in Aventura, FL. A classic Mediterranean home turns Transitional and Contemporary by DKOR Interiors. Photo: Alexia Fodere Interior Design by Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Interior Designers, DKOR Interiors. www.dkorinteriors.com

an oversized nelson bubble lamp is centered on the sky blue dining room ceiling, complementing the walnut finishes at the mid-century furniture. jimmy cheng photography

Barron Designs' faux wood beams are the perfect way to elevate any space. Realistic looking, custom, made in the US, and made with amazing quality. The potential uses are practically endless. Numerous styles, finishes and custom sizes are available along with the unfinished