Month: May 2026

This Wilmette family of four was simply running out of room. With two young kids and a work-from-home routine, they needed a larger kitchen, clearer sightlines between the kitchen and family room, and a dedicated office that wouldn’t get displaced every time guests came to stay.

To make that happen within tight zoning restrictions, Normandy Designer Jeremy Paris came up with a solution: They carved out a section of the existing family room to create a room for a dedicated office, added a small bump-out addition in the back of the home, and shifted the family room into that new space.

“This plan subtly transformed the first-floor layout without relocating major elements like the fireplace,” Jeremy says. “The fireplace never moved, but it went from the left-hand side of the room to the right in the new configuration.”

The kitchen redesign played an equally pivotal role. Previously closed off and constrained by a peninsula, the space lacked both function and visibility. “There weren’t any sightlines from the kitchen to the family room,” Jeremy says.

They removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room, combining the two spaces to create a larger kitchen, anchored by a new island. “This layout is not only a more open and connected layout, but now they can see where the kids are playing and what’s going on in the family room from the kitchen,” Jeremy adds.

Storage and usability were also top priorities. The updated kitchen includes an appliance garage and all-drawer lower cabinets, maximizing efficiency for a busy household. A designated “command center” for calendars and family organization was incorporated as well, a request by the homeowner to help keep track of activities and schedules.

Architectural constraints presented challenges, but also opportunities. The home, originally a one-story structure with a second-floor addition, had limited outward expansion potential. However, the team was able to locate and reclaim ceiling height from when the second-floor addition was added — raising it by eight inches. “Recapturing that ceiling height made a big difference,” Jeremy explains. “It helped the space feel more open and improved sightlines throughout the first floor.”

Visually, the home transitioned from a dated, late-80s aesthetic to a more refined, modern classic look. Shaker cabinetry, applied molding, and a softened white palette is combined with exposed beams and the original brick wall that add a cozy warmth and contrast. “We also added a window, so now two windows flank the range, which brings in more natural light and nice sense of symmetry,” Jeremy says. “This was a very rewarding project, as the transformation is not only visual, but helps ease the stress of everyday family life.”

Could your family home benefit from more space and details that make each day easier? Set up a time to talk with a designer about the possibilities an addition can bring to life. Visit our photo galleries for more ideas. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to get regular design ideas and tips delivered right to your inbox, or follow us on your favorite social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Pinterest.