A Kitchen with Vintage Inspiration
A young family was looking for a solution for their kitchen in their vintage Oak Park residence. The kitchen needed both an update and a change in layout to address the needs of their growing family.
A young family was looking for a solution for their kitchen in their vintage Oak Park residence. The kitchen needed both an update and a change in layout to address the needs of their growing family.
Before the aesthetics could be considered, the first issue to be addressed was the location of the kitchen. The homeowners did not have convenient access to the driveway or garage and were in need of a mudroom to store coats and shoes out of the way. “Swapping the locations of the existing kitchen and eat in area achieved that goal and met the needs of the family,” said Normandy Designer Karen Chanan.
The kitchen was shifted into the adjoining space, allowing the old kitchen footprint to become an eating area, and a primary entry point for the home with a mudroom space. The new eating area was complete with large windows and a built-in storage bench, creating a cozy space for family meals.
“The clients were open to a variety of options,” offered Karen. “And after many conversations and collaboration, we came up with the perfect layout that incorporated everything they wanted in the space.”
“We all agreed that the kitchen needed to be updated but felt the space needed to reflect the feel and age and character of the home,” noted Karen. “It was important to keep the finishes simple, but to infuse some eclectic touches, like a reclaimed wood beam and barn door as well as a salvaged exterior door.”
The cabinets on the perimeter of the kitchen are white with brushed gold hardware, adding a touch of sophistication. The island and custom bar have a driftwood finish, lending a rustic feel to the space. “Since the large island is such focal point, we chose a quartzite countertop giving it a dramatic yet inviting feel,” said Karen.
The personal touches throughout the kitchen, in addition to the transformative feel of the space, made this home one the family can enjoy for years to come.
The judges thought so too, as this kitchen renovation recently won a Remodeling Excellence Award from NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) Greater Chicagoland. This award, which is selected by a panel of experts, recognizes beautiful and well-thought-out designs in the Chicagoland area.
Set up a time to meet with award-winning designer Karen Chanan to start your kitchen remodel. Or, register to attend an upcoming workshop to learn tips and tricks to make your kitchen be the best it can be. You can also follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or check out the Normandy photo gallery for more design ideas and inspiration.