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Design the Perfect Kitchen

Chicago - Galley Style Kitchen

Miami Kitchen

Behind The Design

Young professionals in Chicago renovate a 3 Flat.

Chicago

Client Profile:

Vicky and Andrew Richmond recently purchased their first home: the top floor of a 3 Flat in North Chicago. Vicky likes the neighborhood feel and the easy walk to the El, which is how she commutes to her Marketing job. Andrew bikes to his photography studio when weather permits. They’re remodeling their 3-bedroom flat and have put a large portion of their budget into the structure of the building, closing windows that looked onto brick walls and adding clerestory windows for light. They also added a back deck so they can barbeque when the weather is good.

The Challenge:

Keeping budget in mind, The Richmonds wanted this remodel to be timeless, not trendy. They wanted the materials to be compatible with the age of the flat so it would feel like they’ve been there forever, and they prefer clean lines. They make some weekday meals at home together and enjoy experimenting with “take-out fusion,” the practice of combining leftovers from favorite restaurants and adding new ingredients. A kitchen with lots of workspace that could also be used as a gathering place for family and friends was a must.

The Solution:

A combination of traditional materials with the clean streamlined lines of Bosch appliances gives the Richmond kitchen the perfect modern feel that will stand the test of time. The soft off-white perimeter cabinets keep the feel light and are a great companion for the dark cherry island and banquette cabinets. The brushed nickel handles and pyramid knobs make a beautiful statement on both the off-white and cherry cabinets and give a nod to the Mission Period. A simple, oversized fabric light fixture is a clean contemporary complement to the rectangular island.

• All homeowners appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Sketches

Sketch

Small Footprint:

The stainless steel gives more traditional material choices an edge, and the Bosch appliances’ clean lines quietly support the design. The 30" cooking center answers every need with 5 gas burners, a microwave that ventilates, a European convection oven and a warming drawer. It’s a lot of capability in a small footprint.

Sketch

Multi-Tasking Appliances:

When working with a small space, consolidate functions into one appliance when possible. Having a warming drawer included in the dual fuel slide-in range is a great example of a multi-tasking appliance.

Sketch

Additional Storage:

Turning wall depth cabinets to the side of an island counter adds visual interest to the island and provides convenient dish and glass storage near the dishwasher.

Blueprints

Sketch

Versatile Counters:

Eating areas on the same level as the work surface allow large counters for production cooking (like holiday cookies) and a great place for laying out a buffet.

Sketch

Stainless Steel Appliances:

Stainless steel appliances are the perfect counterpart to traditional materials, giving the overall design a clean, modern accent.

Styleboard

Styleboard

Styleboard Materials

To achieve a truly modern look, combine elegant traditional materials with clean contemporary styling. Using a delicate-looking motion granite with a clean square-mitered edge and combining it with a geometric stone tile splash combines the best of traditional and contemporary. Using formal finishes on cabinetry but flattening the profile and squaring the edge detail is another great way to transition.

Cabinet:
Off-white painted raised panel.

Countertop for Perimeter and Island:
Granite.

Backsplash:
Beige limestone basketweave tile.

Flooring:
Porcelain tile.

Sink:
Fireclay single-basin farmhouse.

Faucet:
Touch-activated, stainless steel.

Cabinet Pulls:
Brushed nickel.

Cabinet Knobs:
Pyramid knob with backplate.

Products In This Kitchen

30" Gas Slide-In Range 800 Series
HGI8054UC
Fits into any freestanding range cutout, and features five burners to cook more dishes at once.
-Gas-Slide-in-Range
30" Over-the-Range Microwave/Convection Oven with Ventilation 800 Series
HMV8052U
Convection cooking capability allows use as a second oven.
Chicago-30-inch-over-the-range-microwave-
36" French Door Counter-Depth Refrigerator 800 Series
B22CT80SNS
Installs nearly flush in all major cutouts and features LED lighting for easier viewing.
-french-door-refrigerator
24" Recessed Handle 44 dBA Dishwasher 800 Series
SHE68T55UC
The 3rd rack offers 30% more loading area.* Perfect for ramekins, cooking utensils and extra-long silverware.
24-inch-stainless-steel-dishwasher-