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.

Photo : BCDF Studio
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary foyer in Paris with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a double front door, a white front door and brown floor.

Advisement + Design - Construction advisement, custom millwork & custom furniture design, interior design & art curation by Chango & Co.
Large transitional front door in New York with white walls, light hardwood floors, a double front door, a white front door, brown floor, vaulted and wood walls.

This is an example of a mid-sized scandinavian front door in Moscow with grey walls, laminate floors, a white front door and brown floor.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Troy Thies, Photography | Swan Architecture, Architect | Great Neighborhood Homes, Builder Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For info about our work: design@oharainteriors.com

The entryway, living, and dining room in this Chevy Chase home were renovated with structural changes to accommodate a family of five. It features a bright palette, functional furniture, a built-in BBQ/grill, and statement lights. Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, click here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/home-renovation-la-canada/

Transitional mudroom in Minneapolis with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a double front door, a white front door and brown floor.

Vue sur l'entrée
Photo of a transitional entry hall in Paris with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a single front door, a white front door and brown floor.

Photo Credit: Aimée Mazzenga
Large modern foyer in Chicago with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a double front door, a white front door and brown floor.

Country foyer in Other with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a dutch front door, a white front door and brown floor.

We shifted the closet from the stair-side of the foyer to the front-door side. Adding a new front door glass, flanked by two sidelights, and replacing the dark tile floor creates a more welcoming entry. Using the same wood flooring throughout this level connects the rooms. HDBros

The entrance light fixture received a facelift with a larger scaled, rustic fixture.
Design ideas for a large transitional vestibule in Nashville with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a white front door and brown floor.

Margaret Wright Photography © 2018 Houzz
Inspiration for a beach style foyer in Charleston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a single front door, a white front door and brown floor.

Design ideas for an expansive traditional foyer in Other with dark hardwood floors, a double front door, a white front door, brown floor and white walls.

Large country foyer in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a single front door, a white front door and brown floor.

The entryway, living room, kitchen and dining room have a large open-concept floor plan that is ideal for entertaining. The white walls brighten up the space, while the tongue and groove details and blue painted ceiling create a soothing and intimate environment.

Transitional entryway in Portland with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a single front door, a white front door and brown floor.

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury entry hall in Paris with white walls, light hardwood floors, a white front door and brown floor.

Transitional homes are a mix of traditional and contemporary, helping you to create a fun personality for your space with bold colors and clean lines. The casing, crown, and baseboard moulding stand out against this blue wall and the white Belleville door with Naples glass is a beautiful addition to add artful detail. Door: BLS-404-366-2 Sidelite: SIA151-366 Crown: 444MUL-3 Baseboard: 372MUL-5 Casing: 158MUL-4 Visit us at: www.elandelwoodproducts.com (©Vadim Andrushchenko/AdobeStock)