Sometimes a home redesign project is just that: A new fresh look that more reflects “you” for a space where you spend much of your day. When this family bought their Clarendon Hills home, Traci didn’t feel very connected to the craftsmen aesthetic of the kitchen. Other home remodeling projects needed to take priority, but then came the right time to make over not just the kitchen, but the adjoining butler’s pantry and wet bar corridors, along with adding a fireplace in the connecting family room where she and her husband, their sons, and their dog Chuck spend quality time.

Normandy Designer Ashley Noethe stepped in and first addressed the functional concerns of the kitchen. The original island was tucked away at one end of the kitchen and created an awkward flow and the need for another table for seating.

“We adjusted the size and location of island for better aisle clearances, seating, storage, and proper proportion,” Ashley says. “We took aspects from recent projects they had completed in the home – the basement bar/lounge, mudroom, living room, and dining room – and made the kitchen feel cohesive with all of them, given the open and flowing layout of the home.”

Ashley added striking focal points such as the rift cut white oak range hood, dimensional backsplash tile mixed with full-height slab backsplashes, and the island with its complementary reeded details and metal feet. Professional-grade paneled refrigerators, tri-color cabinetry, and recessed niches added dimension and depth to the kitchen. The adjoining butler’s pantry got a similar earth-tone treatment and features metal mesh for the cabinet panes.

For the wet bar, “We played around with making that space a little library and reading nook, but ultimately found more value in updating the existing wet bar,” Ashley says. The updated refresh included new hardware and faucet, as well as a beautiful new backsplash, decorative ceiling, and wall sconces. Just through the doorway is the amazing new fireplace addition in the family room, which works as a great space to cozy up with a book.

“This project was purely focused on creating their perfect home base,” Ashley says. “This was about making sure the entire home fit their lifestyle, preferences, and functioned well for years to come. We’re so pleased with the results.”

If you’re looking to expand or renovate your kitchen, set up a time to talk to Ashley about transforming your space into a place you love. Looking for inspiration? Click through our photo galleries. Prefer a daily dose of design? We share ideas, photography, and projects on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Follow along.