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.

Valley Village, CA - Accessory Dwelling Unit / Kitchen
This is an example of a small galley eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, white appliances, cement tiles, no island, multi-coloured floor and white benchtop.

All custom made cabinetry that was color matched to the entire suite of GE Cafe matte white appliances paired with champagne bronze hardware that coordinates beautifully with the Delta faucet and cabinet / drawer hardware. The counter surfaces are Artic White quartz with custom hand painted clay tiles for the entire range wall with custom floating shelves and backsplash. We used my favorite farrow & ball Babouche 223 (yellow) paint for the island and Sherwin Williams 7036 Accessible Beige on the walls. Hanging over the island is a pair of glazed clay pots that I customized into light pendants. We also replaced the builder grade hollow core back door with a custom designed iron and glass security door. The barstools were a fabulous find on Craigslist that we became mixologists with a selection of transparent stains to come up with the perfect shade of teal and we installed brand new bamboo flooring! This was such a fun project to do, even amidst Covid with all that the pandemic delayed, and a much needed burst of cheer as a daily result.

Photo of a large scandinavian l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, white appliances, ceramic floors, no island, grey floor, grey benchtop and recessed.

Brookhaven "Sausalito Recessed" cabinets and Open Shelf Wall Brackets in a custom Gray Opaque on Maple. Open Shelves and Bookcase interior in a Bright White Opaque finish on Maple. Wood-Mode Premier Hardware in Polished Nickel. Caesarstone "Pure White" Quartz and Maple Butcher Block countertops. Photo: John Martinelli

Gingold Photography
Design ideas for a large traditional l-shaped separate kitchen in Bridgeport with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Jason Varney
Photo of a small transitional kitchen in Philadelphia with green cabinets, granite benchtops, glass-front cabinets, multi-coloured splashback and white appliances.

Renovation of existing basement space as a completely separate ADU (accessory dwelling unit) registered with the City of Portland. Clients plan to use the new space for short term rentals and potentially a rental on Airbnb. Kuda Photography

This is an example of a transitional l-shaped kitchen in Moscow with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, white benchtop, multi-coloured splashback and no island.

Small traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, white appliances, laminate floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

The chef's kitchen, with coffered ceiling, granite countertops, and custom cabinetry by C A Miller Custom Woodworking in Burton, Ohio (whose Amish craftsmen, who don’t drive themselves, had to be driven to the home-site), is a welcoming spot for the couple, who are both vegan and enjoy preparing most of their meals at home. David Burroughs Photography

Photo of a traditional eat-in kitchen in Other with multi-coloured splashback, light hardwood floors, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white appliances and a peninsula.

Работа над проектом началась именно с кухонной зоны - заказчица сразу сказала, что всю жизнь мечтала о синей деревянной кухне. Вдоль основной части кухни за двустворчатыми маятниковыми дверьми расположилась кладовая для кухонной утвари и припасов. Кухня выполнена по индивидуально нашему проекту из массива сосны компанией "Старина Мебель" Ксения Розанцева, Лариса Шатская

Карина Чиркина
Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Moscow with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, white appliances and no island.

Inspiration for a small contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Moscow with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, solid surface benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass sheet splashback, white appliances and light hardwood floors.

Crown Point Cabinetry
Inspiration for a large arts and crafts u-shaped open plan kitchen in Phoenix with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, white appliances, concrete floors, multiple islands and grey floor.

"Let There Be Light" by Poggenpohl. Splendidly designed cabinetry, gorgeous countertops, backsplash and seamless Sub-Zero and Wolf application complete this custom kitchen.

The beautifully warm and organic feel of Laminex "Possum Natural" cabinets teamed with the natural birch ply open shelving and birch edged benchtop, make this snug kitchen space warm and inviting. We are also totally loving the white appliances and sink that help open up and brighten the space. And check out that pantry! Practical drawers make for easy access to all your goodies!

Александр Медведев
Photo of a country l-shaped kitchen in Moscow with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, white appliances, multi-coloured floor and white benchtop.