In this Winnetka home, the kitchen was ready to be updated from an ornate traditional style to a more casually elegant, new-traditional look. By reworking the layout and balancing clean lines with classic inset construction and furniture-like details, the redesign honors the home’s original character while better supporting the family’s lifestyle — both aesthetically and functionally.

“Materials like luxurious blue-gray quartzite countertops, crisp painted cabinetry and a blend of polished nickel with brushed gold accents bring the space together in a more pleasing style,” Normandy Designer Laura Barber says. “And the new layout improves their daily family life as well, it’s now a more spacious area to work in, especially when entertaining family and friends.”

The transformation began, as it often does, with function. In the kitchen, the existing two-tiered island felt cramped and dated, while a long built-in desk sat mostly unused. “Layout and function are always my first priority,” Laura said. “Removing those elements opened the space, making room for an expansive island and lounge area by the windows looking out into the backyard, now a favorite gathering spot for the family.”

Between school, sports, and travel schedules, the kitchen needed to work hard while still feeling calm and pulled together for this couple and their three children. In this busy household, it’s mostly grab-and-go during the week when they sit at the island, so the new island better accommodates everyone. A new built-in beverage center placed near the back door is packed with water, perfect for grabbing on their way out.

“They wanted to consolidate their cooking area, so we removed the double ovens and went with a range and a below-counter microwave in the island,” Laura says. “And they decided to keep the two dishwashers from the original kitchen, which makes clean-up easier.”

Visually, the kitchen strikes a careful balance. “The homeowners wanted the primary color to remain white, as future resale was a consideration,” Laura says. “They also wanted a soft accent color, and they like the gray tones, which adds a nice depth without overpowering the space.”

Dramatic quartzite countertops with subtle blue-gray veining, run seamlessly up the range wall to create a full-height backsplash. Polished nickel hardware, scaled intentionally larger, brings a touch of elegance without being too ornate. “It’s such a large space, so we were trying to pay homage to that without overdoing it,” Laura says. “The polished nickel is accented beautifully by the gold in the kitchen island and sink lighting fixtures.”

Architectural updates played a major role as well. Outdated arches and soffits were removed or softened, allowing cabinetry to extend to the full 10-foot ceiling height, which added more storage and honored the proportions of the space. “We kept the original fireplace, which is more ornate, but pairs nicely with this more subdued design,” Laura says.

An antique mirrored hutch offers both storage and visual intrigue. “The homeowners did not want a lot of glass, they prefer to store instead of display items,” Laura said. “The antique mirror is special but practical and offers a beautiful reflection of the greenery in the yard.”

The newly remodeled kitchen is designed not just to look beautiful, but to truly support the specific needs of their daily life.

Creating a kitchen that feels connected to the rest of your home is a process that our Normandy Designers can help guide you through. Set up a time to talk to learn more about how to create your perfect kitchen. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to get regular design ideas and tips delivered right to your inbox or follow us on your favorite social platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.