We’ve been working for a few months with a client in Palatine, IL to update and refresh the family’s kitchen. Our goals were simple: We wanted to reuse as much as possible, namely the cabinets. More importantly, we wanted to make improvements so this somewhat dated kitchen would feel more updated like the rest of the home.
Since we had a large unused area by the fireplace, we started by designing a larger kitchen island that would accommodate at least 3 of the existing red counter stools. We also wanted the island to house the microwave originally over the stove. Steve with Royal Kitchen & Bath Cabinets in Niles, IL helped us configure and order the additional cabinetry necessary for the larger island. Since we planned to keep and paint the existing cabinetry Sherwin Williams SW 7025 Backdrop, we repeated the shaker door fronts so the style of the new cabinetry matched as much as possible.
Next, new granite was selected for the island. Since it would’ve have been practically impossible to match the existing granite, we opted for a totally different and lighter granite that still picked up some of the same colors from the counters in the rest of the kitchen.
Before
The newly enlarged island begged for additional lighting. Two large seeded-glass pendants were selected to add both light & drama to the space. A new brushed nickel fixture was also added above the eat-in kitchen table.
The dated 4×4 sandy tile backsplash was replaced. New, beveled subway tiles in off-white helped brighten the kitchen while complimenting the lighter island granite and contrasting with the darker cabinets. Brushed nickel hardware was added to the painted cabinets adding bling and coordinating with the appliances and light fixtures.
After
Keeping with the warm gray and white, we replaced the kitchen table and chairs to coordinate with the new look of the cabinets and island.
Before
The existing red stools were repurposed and provided the needed punch color in the monochromatic gray and cream kitchen. A new sink, faucet, stove, range hood, dishwasher and microwave along with a beautiful two-toned Canadel kitchen table and chairs completed the overhaul.
After
Styling with new accessories and a wreath for the double-sided fireplace helped pull it all together.
While we saved the flooring for another day, the difference in this kitchen is night and day. The owners are thrilled with their new kitchen and have received numerous compliments already.
With a fresh coat of paint (Benjamin Moore’s Litchfield Gray HC-78) on the walls and the painted cabinets along with a little work coordinating the rest of the look, we were able to bring this kitchen forward to a more contemporary look for a fraction of the price of replacing the entire kitchen.
From Decor Designs Owner & Chief Creative,