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.

Mid-sized transitional master blue tile and subway tile white floor corner shower photo in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

New View Photography
Example of a mid-sized urban white tile and subway tile porcelain tile and brown floor alcove shower design in Raleigh with furniture-like cabinets, black cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Transitional kids' white tile and subway tile bathroom photo in Los Angeles

Matt Dunmore Photography
Mid-sized elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Other with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash and an island

Location: Nantucket, MA, USA A gorgeous New England beach compound which features a tranquil, sophisticated kitchen. The blue backsplash is the perfect backdrop to a sunny breakfast at the island or a glamorous dinner party in the paneled banquet. The cabinets are accented with hand-made European hardware that enhances the bespoke nature of the kitchen. The children's bathroom has a fun penny tile on the floor juxtaposed against the over-sized subway wall tile. The master bath features crystal fixtures and fittings imported from France. threshold interiors loves working with our clients to produce the perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication in your beach home! Photographed by: Michael Partenio

Bethesda, Maryland Traditional Kitchen Design by #JenniferGilmer http://www.gilmerkitchens.com/

Jenn Cohen
Example of a large country l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Denver with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, an island, a farmhouse sink, solid surface countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Example of a large farmhouse u-shaped brick floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and a farmhouse sink

Design a kitchen that will make your inner chef happy by using our white Glazed Thin Brick on the backsplash in a subway pattern. DESIGN R Titus Designs PHOTOS Kip Dawkins Photography Tile Shown: Glazed Thin Brick in Olympic

Scot Zimmerman
Inspiration for a large craftsman l-shaped brick floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a large farmhouse u-shaped brick floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo credits: In Over My Head Photography
Example of a mid-sized country u-shaped brick floor and brown floor kitchen design in Oklahoma City with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Small minimalist u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Inspiration for a large transitional master white tile and subway tile marble floor and white floor corner shower remodel in Louisville with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door and white countertops

In Over My Head Photography
Mid-sized country u-shaped brick floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Oklahoma City with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

photo cred: tessa neustadt
Bathroom - mid-sized scandinavian master black and white tile and cement tile mosaic tile floor and multicolored floor bathroom idea in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

Kitchen - large cottage single-wall light wood floor kitchen idea in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, marble countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, no island, blue cabinets, stainless steel appliances and shaker cabinets

Photos provided by: Obeo Inc. http://www.obeo.com Cabinets by: Kitchen Crafters Inc, Altamonte Springs, Fl.