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The challenge of this interior design project was to provide a kitchen area and adjoining room that was functional for entertaining and allowed for free movement from a dining area into the kitchen. The existing floor plan of this North Shore home, which was laid out in a traditional manner, was incompatible with the client’s lifestyle. The solution was to create a space that provided this client full accessibility to her guests while she was engaged in the kitchen.
Linda Eisenberg of Collaborate Design Studio in Deerfield, Illinois and Kelly Thayer of Kitchens and Baths Unlimited in Glenview, Illinois collaborated on this project. The kitchen was designed using custom cabinetry with two finishes, in champagne on maple and black painted finish on maple, which is carried into the dining space. Oceanside glass mosaic tiles in harvest, bronze and pewter brings the color scheme into the kitchen. Decorative columns and feet provide details on the cabinetry, while a television on a swivel is hidden behind cabinetry doors. An island features gentle curves and counter height seating. A buffet bridges the two functional spaces and also provides serving and storage space. The existing breakfast table is comfortably modern and provides an area for informal dining.
The sitting area was dismantled and in its place, a dining room emerged that easily transitioned from the kitchen area. This resulted in a logical flow throughout this space. A hand-rubbed antique caramel trestle draw top table with wide planks gives the family a formal dining space, however, its comfortable design also allows for casual gatherings. Upholstered seating surrounds the table, with browns, copper and black striped hostess chairs and brown textured side chairs.
Although the room as a whole is coordinated, in order to separate the functions, different finishes and fabrics were used. In addition, the space combines a blend of traditional and contemporary features. The metal and smoked glass breakfast table contrasts with the lightly distressed wood plank dining table and upholstered seating. The lighting was selected so that the chandeliers over the island, breakfast table and dining table were not matched, but carefully blended. This lighting plan was enhanced by the use of recessed lighting as well as accent and task illumination.
Earth hues, used predominately throughout the design, are punctuated by different tones and textures found in the stainless, glass, woven woods, leather, fabrics and other finishes.
This design transformed a traditional floor plan into a functional and effective use of space for this client. This newly created room now permits ample space for cooking, dining and entertaining.
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Kitchen Transformed
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