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.

A nod to the custom black hood in the kitchen, the dark Blackstone finish on the wet bar cabinets in Grabill's Harrison door style is a showstopper. The glass door uppers sparkle against the black tile backsplash and gray quartz countertop.

This home was built in the early 2000’s. We completely reconfigured the kitchen, updated the breakfast room, added a bar to the living room, updated a powder room, a staircase and several fireplaces. Interior Styling by Kristy Oatman. Photographs by Jordan Katz. FEATURED IN Colorado Nest

The kitchen at The Peacock Project was designed around a family with strong roots to their heritage with a need for cooking, entertaining, and the everyday life. We also incorporated a lot of personal details into this home with custom artwork and pottery by our client's children.

This home bar is designed to impress with its built-in wine storage and stylish floating shelves. The cabinets are painted in Benjamin Moore's Cliffside Gray HC-180, perfectly matching the kitchen cabinets for a cohesive and unified look. The wine storage provides a convenient and organized space for your favorite bottles, while the floating shelves offer a display area for glassware or decorative items. The bar/scullery is a tasteful addition to any home, combining functionality and aesthetics in a harmonious way.

Recast Homes | Design + Build | Portland, Oregon | Photographer: @dibblephoto

The expansive basement entertainment area features a tv room, a kitchenette and a custom bar for entertaining. The custom entertainment center and bar areas feature bright blue cabinets with white oak accents. Lucite and gold cabinet hardware adds a modern touch. The sitting area features a comfortable sectional sofa and geometric accent pillows that mimic the design of the kitchenette backsplash tile. The kitchenette features a beverage fridge, a sink, a dishwasher and an undercounter microwave drawer. The large island is a favorite hangout spot for the clients' teenage children and family friends. The convenient kitchenette is located on the basement level to prevent frequent trips upstairs to the main kitchen. The custom bar features lots of storage for bar ware, glass display cabinets and white oak display shelves. Locking liquor cabinets keep the alcohol out of reach for the younger generation.

Photo credit Stylish Productions Tile selection by Splendor Styling