Whether you’re ready to fully move from your longtime house into a smaller space or want to prep a property and rent it out until that time comes, downsizing can still embody elements of your previous home – and remodeling can help make it truly yours. We talked with Normandy Designer Ashley Noethe about tips for downsizing and remodeling your new space.

Ashley recently worked with a Glen Ellyn, IL couple who decided to downsize and move into a condo in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago for their retirement years. “Normandy remodeled their kitchen over twenty years ago and they really liked their island set-up, so we looked up that blueprint and they chose to have some elements in the same places, like the trash and silverware drawer, so that it was an easier adjustment,” Ashley says. “But they did choose a larger island this time around since they wanted more room for their grandkids to belly up when they visit!”

The larger island was made possible by bringing down a wall that formed the original galley-style kitchen, which was closed off from the rest of the living and dining areas. “It was dark and tight, and there wasn’t much counter space or room for more than just one person. There were so many windows in the rest of the space, so it just made sense to open everything up, because they love to entertain,” Ashley says. “It was helpful talking with the building manager, who gave us tips from two other units who had done similar projects.”

Another feature that brought in elements from their former home was a display area for their art collection. “One of the walls around the balcony was curved and made the furniture layout tough, so we squared that off and created an area to showcase the art pieces they’ve collected from all their travels,” Ashley says. “Function first, that’s where I always start. Then we can make anything beautiful.”

With the layout adjusted and opened up, Ashley focused on the aesthetics of their new urban space. “Since they’re in the city now, in this fabulous older building, we wanted to capture that vintage charm but give it a sleek city vibe that was cozy but not flashy,” Ashley says. “We decided on a ‘sleek industrial’ look by bringing in deep brown and blacks, with a pop of white on the island countertop, which is the start of everything brightening up as you move towards these beautiful windows.”

The range hood and cabinetry are maple with rich stains and the backsplash is a quartz slab in a sophisticated chocolate brown. The kitchen also features an induction cooktop and elegant light fixtures.

“It was technically just a kitchen remodel, but it wound up more like a full first-floor remodel since we addressed the kitchen, dining and living areas,” Ashley says. “Now this is a great space for all types of gatherings, all together in one room and not cornered into one little space.”

If you’d like to talk more about how to create your perfect condo, you can set up a time to talk with Ashley. For more examples of home designs, visit our photo gallery. For regular updates on design trends and tips on home remodeling, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest!