Designer Spotlight: Basia Kozub 

Some designers create beauty. Others solve problems. Basia Kozub does both—and insists that one shouldn’t come without the other. Known for her tenacity and deep knowledge of how people actually live in their homes, Basia brings a detail-driven, engineering-minded approach to kitchen and bath design. Her spaces aren’t just stylish — they’re built around how her clients move, cook, organize, and unwind. With more than two decades of experience and a reputation for pushing past “that can’t be done,” Basia is a designer that clients trust to get it right—and to make it work.

Q: What’s one project you’re especially proud of?
A: The Hinsdale Spacious Kitchen for Entertaining project really stands out. It’s contemporary — which I love — but what makes it special is how tailored it is to the homeowner’s lifestyle. We put in a lot of thought and detail, and the result wasn’t just pretty; it was deeply personal. That kitchen fits them like a glove. I still keep in touch with the client, and every time I see her, she raves about how much easier and better her life is because of that space. That’s what it’s all about!

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in kitchen and bath design?
A: I grew up surrounded by remodeling. From an early age, I understood how important a functional space can be — not just for how a home looks, but for how it feels to live in it. I also loved being in the kitchen and paying attention to how everything was laid out. Visiting friends and family made me realize how differently people use their spaces—and how off it can feel when the layout doesn’t support your routines. That curiosity, combined with my love for helping people bring their ideas to life, made design the natural path for my career.

Q: You’ve been in the industry for about 20 years. What key lessons have shaped your approach?
A: No two clients — or projects — are the same. You have to listen closely, not just to what they say but to what they don’t say. Real trust is built by staying engaged from start to finish. Being available throughout the process is what brings clients back.

Basia drew from mid-century inspiration to create this beautifully remodeled smaller kitchen, blending its classic lines with touches of transitional design. Her approach combines sleek, clean elements with inviting comfort, achieving a balance that’s both timeless and modern.

Q: How would you describe your personal design evolution?
A: My natural style leans contemporary or modern. Over the years, though, I’ve grown to appreciate transitional and more traditional styles. Experience has taught me to see the beauty in subtle details I might have overlooked earlier in my career. Now I find myself drawn to cozy transitional spaces—warm, inviting, and clean.

Q: What sets you apart as a designer?
A: Fighting for your client’s vision sometimes involves working through what appears to be a stop sign – when something seems unfeasible or impossible. If a client asks for something challenging or unconventional, I start engineering — figuring out how it can be done. I’ll talk to my team, installers, and explore every possible solution. That persistence helps me deliver spaces that feel personal and complete.

This remodel included a refresh to the adjacent living room and dry bar for entertaining. 

Q: How would you describe your design style in three words?
A: Functional. Cohesive. Livable.

Q: How do you balance aesthetics and functionality?
A: I begin every project with functionality in mind. Even at the early sketch stage, I’m thinking through buildability and workflow. I also love symmetry — it creates order and flow when used well. At the same time, every design choice has to earn its place by contributing to how the space will be used.

Q: What’s the most common design challenge homeowners face?
A: Storage. Everyone has more stuff than they realize, and not enough places to put it. I enjoy finding smart ways to use every inch — whether it’s narrow side-access cabinets or creative corner solutions. Structural challenges are also common, and I enjoy the chance to disguise columns or ceiling drops with thoughtful design.

Q: How do you keep up with trends while delivering timeless results?
A: I keep the major elements — cabinetry, countertops — classic and lasting. Trends come into play in the more changeable areas, like lighting, hardware, and faucets. Those are easier to update down the road and can give a space some personality without locking the homeowner into a dated look.

Dimensional tile can make smaller spaces seem bigger. 

Q: Which trends are you into right now?
A: Dimensional tile. The texture it brings to a space adds interest without being over the top.

This project was more than just a remodeling project. This new kitchen gave Basia’s client a new lease on life.

Q: How do you tailor a space to a client’s lifestyle?
A: Listening and observation. We spend around two months working through the design phase, and that gives me time to learn how they think, live, and move. Small design decisions — cabinet placement, lighting layers, storage types — can all reflect that knowledge.

Q: What would be in your no-limits dream kitchen?
A: Wolf appliances, for sure — the range with a double griddle and a convection steam oven. I’d also include quartzite countertops; I love the warmth and movement of natural stone. And a Galley workstation — it’s versatile and smart.

Q: Any small details you love that clients might not think of?
A: Side-access cabinets. In those narrow 8–12″ spaces at the end of a cabinet run, they offer shallow, wide storage that’s perfect for canned goods or jars. Much more useful than letting the space go to waste.

Basia designed this symmetrical kitchen, thoughtfully incorporating the ancient principles of Vastu Shastra as requested by the client.

Q: What’s your go-to trick for making a small space feel bigger?
A: Brighten it up with white countertops and backsplash tile. That gives you permission to go darker with cabinetry and still have the space feel open. We did this in the Sleek Modern Remodel project, and it worked beautifully.

Q: How do you help clients who aren’t confident in their design preferences?
A: I bring samples to their home and walk them through a process of elimination. Once we’re down to two options, I have them live with each in different lighting throughout the day. That approach gives them clarity and confidence.

Ready to work with Basia?
Reach out by email at basia@drurydesigns.com or call 630-446-7651 to schedule a consultation and start planning your next project.