Design Challenge: Create a more modern and navigable kitchen for a serious cook without changing the footprint or altering the layout, while keeping as many existing cabinets and appliances as possible.

Solution: A targeted remodel preserved the existing u-shaped footprint and basic layout. Dated cherry cabinets were refinished, and dark countertops and stone tile were replaced to modernize and brighten the room.

The redesign added only four new peninsula cabinets and kept all existing appliances. A new, low pantry cabinet, trash/recycling and spice rollouts, open-shelf cabinets for cookbooks and homework tech and supplies, and compact wine fridge filled storage/decluttering needs and fit seamlessly into the existing footprint. Remaining original cabinets were refinished in a lighter 2-tone palette and a subtly-figured quartz countertop, modern backsplash, and under-cabinet lighting were added to bring light and lightness to the room.

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The finished space not only delighted the client, but also won an ASID Illinois Design Excellence Award for kitchen design.

A few before photos . . .​​​