Christina and Adam loved their neighborhood in Wilmette, but found that their cramped kitchen wasn’t keeping up with their growing family’s needs.  The kitchen was closed off from the rest of the house, with only a small doorway opening to the adjacent family room.  The kitchen table had become a hub of activity for homework and household chores, making the modestly sized kitchen seem even more crowded.

They began working with Normandy Designer Vince Weber, to create a kitchen that would function for their family and feel more connected to the rest of the home.  After considering the various options, it was decided that the best solution would be to create a small addition to give the kitchen more square footage, and to remove an interior wall to open it up to the rest of the house.

The addition includes a light filled breakfast nook, with ample seating for the family and additional storage under the benches. The archway over the breakfast area helps to define the space, while keeping it very much connected to the rest of the kitchen.  The new closet just inside the door offers ample storage for cleaning supplies and coats.

“One of the redesign goals of the homeowners was to tie the kitchen with the living room to create a ‘living kitchen’ that would function as the central gathering space for the family,” says Vince.  The resulting design paired timeless colors and classic inset cabinetry to give the kitchen a casual elegance.

The classic white cabinetry is given some added personality with soft green countertops and backsplash tile.  “The island is in a rich wood tone, which help to create a visual divide between the kitchen and the family room,” noted Vince.”The dark color is also a practical choice since it will more easily hide any scuffs and will stand up to wear much better.”

This kitchen addition is not only loved by Christina and Adam, it has received industry accolades as well.  This North Shore kitchen renovation has won multiple design and remodeling awards and has been featured in multiple national magazines.

If you would like to talk with Vince about expanding your kitchen to make it a better fit for your family, schedule a time for a chat.  You can also learn more about the remodeling and home addition process at an upcoming educational seminar, or find additional photos and inspiration for your own kitchen remodel.