Warm, Inviting Kitchen – Elmhurst, IL

The Setup

Senior Designer Diana Burton’s client loved her sixties-era home – it just needed some work. The cozy galley kitchen was narrow and mostly closed off from the family room. A  pass-through window served as a limited pipeline for treats and chatter. The appliances were failing, too. It was simply time for an overhaul.

Design Objectives:

• Remove load bearing wall and open kitchen to the family room
• Omit large unused fireplace in family room
• Increase work surfaces and overall storage solutions
• Dedicated small countertop appliance storage
• Seating for 3 or 4 at island
• Add pantry storage
• Offer solution for lack of mudroom
• Upgrade all appliances

The Remodel

Design Challenges:

• Finding a location to hide structural support for new beam
• Reworking awkward configuration of existing walls
• Adding a walk-in pantry
• Creating mudroom storage
• Allowing room for large sectional in family room 

Design Solutions:

• Add a discreet column by the fridge to hide essential support
• Flush out wall by bath to be even with the range wall, where the new walk in pantry exists
• Use void space behind new wall for large appliance garage
• Create combination walk in pantry/mudroom by adding bench with shoe storage and hooks
• Maintain island depth for comfortable seating without infringing on space for the sectional

The Renewed Space

This cramped, dated kitchen has a new lease on life! Opening it to the family room dramatically transformed the space. Diana’s client now has plenty of storage, a big island for food prep, and an open-concept space that’s perfect for entertaining and hanging out with friends and family.

Our Process | Get to Know Us