The best homes are immediately welcoming. Everyone feels at ease and guests sense that they’re going to enjoy themselves. A time-tested approach to creating these vibrant spaces is to lean into classic design elements, then add pops of color and personality.

It certainly worked for this young Hinsdale, Illinois family. Normandy Designer Abby Osborn crafted the perfect blend of gleaming white finishes with the vibrant twist of a gorgeous green finish on the island cabinetry. “The homeowner fell in love with the idea of green cabinetry and  wanted to achieve timeless style. Keeping most of the cabinetry white and adding color to the island and a touch of green at the bar backsplash is the perfect solution,” Abby says.

The secret to elevating a white kitchen is in layering the finishes. “We carefully considered the tones of the tiles and the marble-look quartz countertops,” Abby says, adding, “By layering the textures and ensuring the harmony of hues, it all pairs perfectly.” Gold hardware, including custom strapping on the cabinetry-style hood tie everything together and add the ideal amount of glamour.

Beyond looking gorgeous, the family needed better flow and function from the space. “It was a little tight, the sink and refrigerator weren’t well positioned, and the island was oddly shaped and lacked storage,” Abby explains.

Together they decided that opening the wall to the dining space would alleviate the tightness. “With the wall down, we had space for a useful island with storage and a second dishwasher. Mom, dad, and the two children spend a lot of time at the island, and now it suits their needs,”  says Abby.

The refrigerator has a new home away from the prep and cleanup areas. New double ovens to the left of the range make cooking holiday meals a breeze while still letting in lovely natural light from the nearest window.

This kitchen and the adjoining rooms are truly the heart of the home. With this renovation the family will enjoy their time together for years to come. That’s the beauty of classic choices with special details.

If you love your home but have a few issues in the kitchen that are preventing your family from fully enjoying meal prep and leisure time, you can make an appointment with Abby to discuss how remodeling can keep you in the home you love. Want some inspiration before starting the process? Find it in our photo gallery or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. We share beautiful projects and problem-solving tips on all your favorite social networks.