Kitchen Design Partners recently helped create a fabulous new kitchen using modern kitchen cabinets for a busy family of five in Chicago. The original kitchen of cherry cabinets and dark countertops with cherry wood plank flooring felt dark and dated. The kitchen layout was awkward as well. The original refrigerator, sink, dishwasher and range were together with the sink on a diagonal in the corner. When multiple people were in the kitchen including three children, they were right in the center of the work triangle. Much of the cabinet storage was too high to reach thus creating clutter on the countertops.
We set out to eliminate the crowding. This created an island design that would increase countertop space for prepping meals and serving casual buffets. We also provided separate access for the children to make snacks and school lunches, incorporate island seating and more functional storage, and provide the homeowners with a modern style kitchen that evoked their casual yet trendy lifestyle. To aide in decisions about the new layout, the homeowners attended a SubZero Wolf cooking demonstration in Chicago that became a turning point in the project. Speaking with the professional chef helped them feel confident with their new appliance selections, giving the project new clarity and momentum.
What a dramatic transformation! We created a modern kitchen that is both stunning and casual; one that balances both the entertaining and daily activities of the clients. The clients selected SubZero Wolf appliances throughout. The flush installation of the tall appliances with frameless Dura Supreme modern kitchen cabinets allowed for the design to have all tall items on one elevation with additional cabinetry. The column design of the refrigerator, freezer and wine cooler perfectly represented the homeowners’ desire for a modern design. New double ovens and a rangetop replaced their previous bulky range. We were able to spread out the functions of the kitchen and eliminate the bottleneck problem. The pantry and island back side provide the children an area to be self sufficient in preparing lunches and snacks while not interfering with cooking. Tall cabinets, island cabinetry and an expanded pantry behind a sleek sliding door increased their storage and made it more convenient to reach small appliances and dry food.
The pantry was enlarged and now houses a small sink for washing hands and getting drinks. The microwave which is rarely used sits on a shelf. Other small appliances are stored here as well as dry food storage. Between this pantry and the back side of the island, the children can now make their lunches for school without entering the main kitchen space. A barn door matching the cabinetry looks great and easily closes up when the family entertains.
Many accessories in the cabinets provide convenient storage. This includes pullouts by the rangetop, vertical tray dividers, appliance garages, double waste unit, and more. The desk also allows the parents to monitor the children’s computer use. The banquette has storage for the kids are supplies while also displaying decorative items.
Overall, the dark modern kitchen cabinets finishes represent the masculine style of the husband. The contemporary white painted cabinets evoke a more feminine for the wife’s style. The Quartz countertops add a light finish with soft pattern that softens the contrast between the cabinet finishes. Other finishes such as backsplash tile and light fixtures continue the light modern feel of the space. This kitchen uses design principles of repetition, contrast and balance. The various elements all critical in making this kitchen unique and perfect for this family. More images of this project are available on our Sleek and Modern in Chicago project page.
We enjoyed planning this kitchen and every detail for this Chicago family. Collaborating with Ann Randall Designs and Mahogany Builders was a great experience for the homeowners and the entire team. We invite you to check out our website, Houzz.com profile, facebook and Instagram pages.
