Mid-sized transitional foyer in Milwaukee with white walls, light hardwood floors, a dutch front door, a black front door, brown floor and exposed beam.

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.

The glass entry in this new construction allows views from the front steps, through the house, to a waterfall feature in the back yard. Wood on walls, floors & ceilings (beams, doors, insets, etc.,) warms the cool, hard feel of steel/glass.

Inspiration for a small transitional mudroom in Indianapolis with white walls, a single front door, a white front door, grey floor and planked wall panelling.

Foyer with stairs and Dining Room beyond.
Design ideas for an expansive transitional foyer in Houston with white walls, limestone floors, a double front door, a dark wood front door and grey floor.

This mudroom opens directly to the custom front door, encased in an opening with custom molding hand built. The mudroom features six enclosed lockers for storage and has additional open storage on both the top and bottom. This room was completed using an area rug to add texture.

Photo of a transitional mudroom in Other with white walls and brown floor.

Chad Chenier Photography
Inspiration for a transitional foyer in New Orleans with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a single front door and a medium wood front door.

Interior Design: Anne Norton AND interior Design Studio Berkeley, CA 94707
Inspiration for an expansive transitional foyer in San Francisco with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a single front door, a black front door and brown floor.

Grand Foyer
Photo of a mid-sized transitional foyer in Orange County with white walls, light hardwood floors, a double front door, a black front door, exposed beam and wallpaper.

This is an example of a transitional entryway in Orange County with light hardwood floors, a single front door, a medium wood front door, white walls and beige floor.

This is an example of a transitional mudroom in Austin with white walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Mid-sized transitional mudroom in Chicago with white walls, light hardwood floors, a double front door, a medium wood front door, grey floor and panelled walls.

This warm and inviting mudroom with entry from the garage is the inspiration you need for your next custom home build. The walk-in closet to the left holds enough space for shoes, coats and other storage items for the entire year-round, while the white oak custom storage benches and compartments in the entry make for an organized and clutter free space for your daily out-the-door items. The built-in-mirror and table-top area is perfect for one last look as you head out the door, or the perfect place to set your keys as you look to spend the rest of your night in.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional mudroom in Boston with white walls, light hardwood floors, a single front door and beige floor.

This is an example of a transitional mudroom in Minneapolis with white walls and multi-coloured floor.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional foyer in Orlando with white walls, light hardwood floors, a single front door, a medium wood front door and beige floor.

Photo of a transitional mudroom in Philadelphia with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Classy entryway in San Francisco
Transitional foyer in San Francisco with white walls.