In the process of renovating this house for a multi-generational family, we restored the original Shingle Style façade with a flared lower edge that covers window bays and added a brick cladding to the lower story. On the interior, we introduced a continuous stairway that runs from the first to the fourth floors. The stairs surround a steel and glass elevator that is centered below a skylight and invites natural light down to each level. The home’s traditionally proportioned formal rooms flow naturally into more contemporary adjacent spaces that are unified through consistency of materials and trim details.

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.

Designed and built for the NASCAR fan utilizing a red and black theme, this bar is a winner. The checkered flag pattern of the ceramic tile completes the design and highlights the maple and oak cabinetry.

New Season Photography
Seated home bar - large contemporary single-wall seated home bar idea in Dallas with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, beige cabinets, onyx countertops, brown backsplash and white countertops

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Hunter Coon - True Homes Photography
Example of a classic l-shaped dark wood floor seated home bar design in Dallas with no sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash and mosaic tile backsplash

Greg Reigler
Wet bar - mid-sized coastal single-wall medium tone wood floor wet bar idea in Atlanta with a drop-in sink and medium tone wood cabinets

Seated home bar - mid-sized traditional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor seated home bar idea in Dallas with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash and matchstick tile backsplash

Bernard Andre'
Example of a large transitional single-wall dark wood floor wet bar design in San Francisco with dark wood cabinets, wood countertops and mirror backsplash

Full bar with custom cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steal back splash.
Large minimalist single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor seated home bar photo in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash and metal backsplash

Randy Colwell
Inspiration for a small timeless single-wall dark wood floor wet bar remodel in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets and granite countertops

Example of a mid-sized trendy single-wall ceramic tile and beige floor wet bar design in Orlando with no sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and granite countertops

This bar features Stingray skin surrounded by brushed aluminum for drawer fronts. It has a mitered edge honed black granite countertop that sits atop two metal X-shaped wine boxes with a sand through rough finish on the steel. It also features floating starphire (ultra clear) glass shelves that sit in front of fabric wallpaper. This bar features hidden LED light strips and recessed LED lights to give it a unique feel. It also features a digital in drawer climate controlled humidor.

Example of a mid-sized classic l-shaped ceramic tile home bar design in New York with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash and stone tile backsplash

Inspiration for a transitional single-wall carpeted and gray floor home bar remodel in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets and gray countertops

Seated home bar - huge contemporary l-shaped gray floor seated home bar idea in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, mirror backsplash and white countertops

The Foundry is a locally owned and operated nonprofit company, We were privileged to work with them in finishing the Coffee and Bar Space. With specific design and functions, we helped create a workable space with function and design.

Wet bar - large contemporary single-wall porcelain tile wet bar idea in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, granite countertops, metal backsplash and black countertops