Wadsworth, IL
Fresh and Functional
An expansive new kitchen for a retired couple who loves to cook and entertain.
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Because this kitchen is located in the center of the house, with no outside windows, I wanted to open up the sight lines through the house to the outdoors. I significantly increased the size of the window above the farm house sink to create a view through the living room to the front yard. I also replaced the three-sided island with a straight, wider version to improve the traffic pattern. Lighting is much better now, also, with a chandelier above the island, a fixture above the sink, recessed can lighting in the ceiling and under-counter lighting for work and ambiance. -
Recessed panel cabinets in two finishes give this contemporary kitchen a clean-lined, uncluttered look. To keep the client’s cookbooks handy but organized, I designed open storage for them on the back side of the island. They are protected from spills, but easy to reach. Our clients don’t use their microwave much, so I placed the built-in Sharp microwave drawer on the back of the island where it out of the way but easily accessible. -
Through the French doors behind the island is the dining room, conveniently close to the kitchen. I extended the granite countertop beneath the upper white cabinets so that family and friends can easily drop off their dishes as they enter the kitchen from the dining room after a meal. -
The white farm house sink gives this white kitchen a warm, welcoming feeling. It is positioned in front of a gleaming glass mosaic tile wall that extends along the adjacent wall, below the cabinets. Changing the color scheme in this neutral kitchen is easy – just add new accessories. -
When I replaced the three-sided island with a rectangular version, there was a gap between the existing tile floor and the base of the island. I designed a complimentary mosaic tile border that blends so well with the 25-year-old floor, you would never know it is new. -
To keep appliances better organized, I installed a pop-up electrical plug on the countertop instead of on the side of the island. It prevents cords from dangling off the countertop and getting snagged by passersby. -
The satin finish, granite countertops introduce organic texture and are easy to maintain. The double roundover edge is consistent with the clean, contemporary kitchen style.
Making the kitchen work with open sightlines and improved traffic flow.
After 25 years of living in their home, this retired couple commissioned us to virtually gut and reimagine their kitchen with equal emphasis on form and function. The location of the kitchen in the center of the home was the major challenge. The space has no exterior windows, so it felt closed in and did not enjoy much natural light. The homeowners love to cook, entertain and want to use their island as a buffet during large parties.
We opened up sight lines through adjacent rooms including the living room to the outdoors, which improved ambient, task and natural lighting. The redesign greatly improved traffic flow and streamlined the overall appearance by lining up the height and depth of the cabinets. We also gave the clients much-needed storage by eliminating the substantial wasted space. As we developed the design plan, we took into account that the clients are going to convert the guest bedroom opposite the kitchen into a four-seasons sunroom with a patio.
The use and variety of different cabinetry and stone is stunning! I love to cook and the redesigned kitchen functions better on so many levels. There is not one thing I would change. The design, function and quality were beyond our imagination!
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I replaced the low, glass-block window above the white fam house sink with a full-sized, clear window, increasing light and providing a long view through the living room to the yard. The mosaic tile wall surrounding the window creates a focal point and a pretty backdrop for the mundane task of dishwashing. The glass and metal wall sconce provides task lighting. Notice the square cabinet pulls? They echo the shape of the recessed-panel cabinets. -
To add more oven and storage space, I created a focal wall by eliminating the single oven across the kitchen, and installing double LG convection ovens on the opposite wall. The two units are framed with white pantries, cabinets and drawers that provide substantial storage space. -
White kitchens need texture. Here I contrasted the mini rectangles of the glass mosaic tile backsplash with the natural grain of the granite shelf, which matches the countertops. Seen close up, the tile texture almost has a honeycomb effect. -
The cooktop is located on top of the island, within arm’s reach of pots and pans in the pull-out drawers just below.
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Phone: 312-291-4466
Our Studio
77 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 4500
Chicago, IL 60601
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