This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

Iron Fence Painting Lincoln Park Chicago - Professional Metal Refinishing Windy City Painters completed this comprehensive iron fence painting project for a beautiful Lincoln Park greystone property. Lincoln Park's historic architecture demands careful attention to detail, and furthermore, Chicago's harsh weather conditions require professional-grade materials and techniques for lasting protection. We utilized premium Sherwin-Williams rust inhibiting primer and Benjamin Moore exterior metal paint for maximum durability. Additionally, our team employed specialized rust removal tools and surface preparation equipment to ensure optimal adhesion and longevity. Our four-step process included complete rust removal and surface cleaning, minor repairs to damaged sections, premium primer application with proper curing time, and final topcoat application using spray and brush techniques for even coverage. Chicago's unique challenges include extreme temperature fluctuations, salt exposure from winter treatments, and moisture from Lake Michigan. Moreover, older properties often have multiple paint layers requiring careful removal. Therefore, professional expertise ensures proper preparation and material selection. The results exceeded client expectations with a smooth, durable finish that enhances the property's curb appeal. Subsequently, the fence now provides years of protection while complementing the neighborhood's architectural character perfectly. Before starting similar projects, homeowners should understand that proper surface preparation accounts for 80% of project success. Additionally, weather conditions significantly impact application timing and results. See more work and request free estimate at windypainters.com. Frequently Asked Questions: Q: How much does iron fence painting cost in Lincoln Park Chicago? A: Iron fence painting costs vary based on fence size, existing condition, rust damage extent, and preparation requirements needed. Q: What preparation is required for successful iron fence painting projects? A: Iron fence painting requires thorough rust removal, surface cleaning, minor repairs, primer application, and proper weather conditions. Q: How long does professional iron fence painting last in Chicago weather? A: Professional iron fence painting typically lasts 8-12 years with quality materials, proper preparation, and regular maintenance. Q: When is the best season for iron fence painting in Chicago? A: Spring through early fall provides optimal conditions for iron fence painting with appropriate temperature and humidity levels. Q: Can you match existing colors for iron fence painting restoration projects? A: Yes, we provide custom color matching services for iron fence painting to complement existing architectural elements perfectly. Q: Do you warranty iron fence painting work in Lincoln Park? A: Windy City Painters provides comprehensive warranties on all iron fence painting projects ensuring quality and customer satisfaction. Q: What makes professional iron fence painting worth the investment cost? A: Professional iron fence painting ensures proper preparation, quality materials, expert application techniques, and significantly extended fence lifespan. Q: How do you prevent rust from returning after iron fence painting? A: Our iron fence painting process includes rust inhibiting primer, quality topcoats, and proper surface preparation for maximum protection. Q: Can iron fence painting increase Lincoln Park property values significantly? A: Professional iron fence painting enhances curb appeal, property aesthetics, and market value in desirable Lincoln Park neighborhood. Q: What safety precautions are necessary during iron fence painting projects? A: Iron fence painting requires proper ventilation, protective equipment, lead paint testing, and professional safety protocols throughout.

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

Powder room with glam geometric wallpaper complimented with a vessel sink rustic vanity with riveted hardware. Counter top is quartz Viatera - Truffle. Mirror framed wall mirror. Ryan Hainey

Small elegant gray one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charleston

Shop the Look, See the Photo Tour here: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2016/4/4/modern-mountain-home-tour Watch the Webisode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtwvqrNPjhU Travis J Photography

Whon Photography
Large urban underground carpeted staircase photo in Indianapolis with gray walls and no fireplace

Rob Karosis
Example of a classic hallway design in New York

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

A custom-built barn door provides some needed privacy for the guestroom.