Chicago Interior Design Ideas
Your guide to home renovation, luxury inspiration, and kitchen and bath designs.
In Memorium: Matt Dominowski
Back to Blog We are sad to say that Matt Dominowski, one of our installers, passed away this past week. Matt struggled with various health issues over the past few years but one might never have known. He always had an even temperament, a smile on his face, and a...
Rethinking Lighting in Your Kitchen Design
Back to Blog During kitchen remodeling, homeowners often prioritize consideration of elements like countertops, cabinets and appliances. One aspect that is often overlooked is lighting. "Lighting is the jewelry of your home," says Lisa Cauldren, a lighting design...
Does Having a Bathtub Increase My Home’s Resale Value?
Back to Blog Dear Drury Design, I'm thinking about selling my home in the next few years. I'm wondering if it's important for the primary bathroom to have a bathtub. I know some people prefer showers, but I'm not sure if that's the majority of homebuyers. Sincerely,...
Drury Design Wins Best of Houzz Honors 2023
Back to Blog We did it again! We're honored to win our sixteenth consecutive "Best of Houzz" award. This year we took home both the Best of Houzz Design and Best of Houzz Service honors. Drury Design was chosen by the millions of homeowners who comprise the Houzz...
Latest Kitchen Accessories
Back to Blog Dear Drury Design, What kitchen accessories should I be thinking about when redesigning my kitchen? Sincerely, Clyde from Downtown Chicago Our expert providing the answer to this week’s question is Designer Samantha Schoell, CKBD. Samantha has...
Why Are Some Refrigerators More Expensive?
Back to Blog Dear Drury Design, I am totally lost about refrigerators. I can find one at a big box store for $2,000 yet I also find some well over $10,000 in appliance stores. Help me understand please! Sincerely, Lynette from Lake View Our expert providing...
Bathroom Safety Features
Back to Blog Dear Drury Design, I'd like to make my bathroom safer. I'm getting a bit older and will likely need support rails and grab bars before long. However, when I think of bathrooms with extra support, my mind goes to those big stainless-steel support rails...
Cabinet Trends: Timeless Design Styles and Colors
Back to Blog Cabinetry is about more than just storage. Cabinetry is about style. When remodeling your kitchen or building the house of your dreams from scratch, cabinets go a long way in setting the tone for the everything else. Cabinet colors and styles may seem...
Linear Shower Drain Pros and Cons
Back to Blog Dear Drury Design, I like the look of linear shower drains but I’ve heard they can be problematic. I assume you install them all the time and know of the pros and cons. What advice do you have for someone considering a linear shower drain? Sincerely,...
What Should I Know About Ceiling Design?
Back to Blog Dear Drury Design, I'm interested in remodeling my kitchen and would like to do something to the ceiling. However, I'm not quite sure what I should know about ceiling design. Help! Sincerely, Ginger from Lincoln Park This week's answer is provided by...
What’s the difference between a range, a rangetop and a cooktop?
Back to Blog Dear Drury Design, I think I'm behind the times when it comes to ranges and the names used for different kinds. What is the difference between a range and a rangetop? What is the difference between a rangetop and a cooktop? I'm confused. Also, from a...
Do you do more than just kitchens and bathrooms?
Back to Blog Dear Drury Design, Do you do more than just kitchens and baths? I’m interested in remodeling some other areas of my home one day. Sincerely, Lily from Oak Brook This week's answer is provided by Senior Designer Diana Burton. Diana has been with Drury...
Open Shelving Pros and Cons
Back to Blog Dear Drury Design, What are the pros and cons of open shelving in a kitchen? Sincerely, Cookie from Naperville This week's answer is provided by Designer Samantha Schoell, CKBD, who has been with Drury Design for almost 7 years. Hi Cookie, We’ve...
How Long Does a Project Take?
Back to Blog Dear Drury Design, I have a question that's probably hard to answer, but I'm going to ask anyway. 🙂 How long does it take to complete a kitchen remodel? What about a primary bath project? I'm sure that the size of the space, scope of the project...
Founder Profile: Gail Drury, CMKBD
Back to Blog As Gail Drury transitions into retirement, we thought we'd asked her about the early days of her career journey, the many changes she’s seen along the way, and why she believes the company she founded is so well-positioned for the future. Talk about your...
Thank You from Gail Drury
Back to Blog Dear Clients, Partners and Friends, In case you didn’t know, Jim and I quietly stepped back from Drury Design after thirty-five years. We sold the business in late 2021 and have been working diligently for the past year to ensure a seamless transition....
Designer Profile – Gladys Schanstra, CMKBD, Allied ASID
Back to Blog How do you help clients zero in on a design style for a project? My approach to understanding design style is evolving. Inspiration is everywhere and, like all designers, I know a thing or two about the process of looking for, clipping and assembling bits...
Designer Profile – Diana Burton
Back to Blog How would you describe your overall approach to what you do? My first priority is to get a good understanding of the client’s needs and goals for the space. Reviewing our in-depth design survey with the homeowner really helps facilitate the conversation....
Designer Profile – Alicia Saso, CKBD
Back to Blog You've done quite a few "dream projects," so to speak. What's a "dream project" you're excited to do but haven't done yet? I'd love to design an ultra feminine or ultra masculine space for someone. An ultra feminine space would be a makeup room or a...
Designer Profile – Janice Teague, CMKBD
Back to Blog Any notable trends in what your current customers are asking for? Multiple colors on cabinetry and warmer tones. Some form of blue seems to be prevalent now but moreover, the combination of natural textures and sleek finishes are popular. How would you...
Designer Profile – Sam Schoell, CKBD
Back to Blog What’s notable about your most recent kitchen project? A few of the kitchens I have done recently involved taking out a main wall between rooms to create an open-concept space. One in particular involved removing the dining room wall. The kitchen was...
Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa
Back to Blog Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa Your bathroom is your sanctuary. It’s a place where you can relax, unwind and indulge as you rejuvenate after a long day. You spend a fair amount of time in there so why not heighten the experience and transform the space...
Calia Stone and Drury Design
Calia Stone and Drury Design We're always excited to work with industry partners to bring style and fun to Chicago area kitchen and bath design. We recently participated in a Calia Stone fashion show that featured industry professionals walking the runway in fashions...
Creating a Kitchen for Entertaining
Back to Blog Creating a Kitchen for Entertaining Kitchen design is an essential component of creating a kitchen for entertaining in the modern home, as today’s kitchen is often the main place for socializing and entertaining. Read on to learn about renovations and...