fbpx

Design Studios

630.455.5600 847.291.7701
Request An Appointment

What is Design Build?

See Our Work

Make a Payment

630.455.5600 847.291.7701

Make a Payment

Request An Appointment
CLOSE MENU

Let’s get started!

To request an appointment please call 630.455.5600

    Month: May 2017

    Column Consultation: Incorporating Columns into Your Design

    Posted on by normandy

    Big screen TV in basement with sectional and decorative columnsColumns can be an integral part of your home’s structure. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be a beautiful design element too. Whether incorporated into your basement, living room, or kitchen design, here are some tips from Normandy Designer Leslie Lee on creating a perfect pillar.

    “When working on a renovation, oftentimes there can be plumbing or mechanics that have already been set in place,” says Leslie. “If we know about a pipe in a critical location and determine that it will be costly to move then it often makes sense to disguise it with a decorative column.”

    Casual dining space separated by columns and cabinets from kitchen“However, columns can be purely decorative too. For instance, if one column is hiding mechanicals you can add more that are purely decorative. Or, you can also use columns as a way to tie two rooms together,” adds Leslie.

    Curious how a column is created? Typically, this part is handled by Normandy’s skilled set of carpenters who fabricate the columns. In most instances, especially for a basement or entryway, the column will be comprised of customized millwork from the lumberyard. Once the carpenter fabricates the column to the designer’s specifications it is installed and painted.

    In the case of a kitchen remodel, the column can also be wrapped with cabinetry material. This helps it to better blend with its surroundings.

    Kitchen island that's anchored by vertical columns“Columns aren’t just used to disguise construction components,” says Leslie. “For example, there can be structural requirements when you are building an addition to your kitchen. In that case, we may be required to incorporate a column into your kitchen design. The good news is that we have the tools and skills to make it look like a purposeful design element.”

    For more information on unique design solutions, follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also schedule a call with Leslie to learn more about the remodeling process.

    Lower level basement bar with performance stageLounge area and bar in lower level

    Small North Shore Kitchen Makes the Most of the Space

    Posted on by normandy

    Small white kitchen with island on Chicago's North ShoreIn homes of modest size, kitchens can tend to be on the small side, but that doesn’t mean they need to feel cramped.  Thanks to some layout changes and creative design, this kitchen remodel by Normandy Remodeling Designer Leslie Molloy, CKD was able to overcome its small footprint to create an open floorplan that connects the kitchen, dining, and family rooms.

    The original kitchen in this Evanston home had a peninsula in the middle, bisecting the room into two spaces; a smaller work area of the kitchen, and essentially a walkway to the stairs.  Removing this peninsula and replacing it with an island helped the traffic flow of the home and created better sightlines throughout; making the home feel more spacious.

    Evanston kitchen remodel with white painted cabinets

    The cabinetry behind the island stools is slightly more shallow than normal, to provide adequate walk space in the kitchen. Adding a microwave just below the countertop in this section of the kitchen gives the space purpose.

    Additional steps were taken to create a more open feel to the home. “By combining the dining and kitchen space, the two areas now have a greater tie to one another, and it created additional options for changing the layout of the room,” says Leslie. “We further opened up the doorway between the dining room and the adjoining living space, and flanked the opening with decorative cabinetry to provide additional storage to the kitchen area.”

    Dining area open to living space framed by cabinetsAt the opposite end of the kitchen, behind a set of pocket doors, you’ll find a mudroom area that gives the family a place to keep everything organized and out of sight.  The pocket doors are solid wood on the bottom to conceal any clutter, and glass on the top to help the mudroom area feel more open.

    Details make this kitchen a perfect fit for the home & the family. The storage niche behind the range features penny round tiles and provides some bonus storage. The chalkboard paint in the kitchen lets the kids play “Pictionary” while dinner is being made, and the mudroom pocket doors have become the perfect sound damper for sleeping in on lazy Sunday mornings.

    Logo for Designer Kitchens of the North Shore by JLENSThis kitchen will be featured on the 2017 Designer Kitchens of the North Shore by the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore happening Friday, May 5th. Tickets and additional tour details are available if you would like to get an in-person look at this lovely kitchen.

    If you’re feeling inspired, and your kitchen layout isn’t working for you, schedule a time to talk with Leslie about the possibilities for your home. You can also register for an upcoming kitchen remodeling seminar, or find inspiration photos in our photo gallery, on Facebook, or Instagram.

    Explore More

    Schedule an Appointment