Kitchen Design: Traditionally Different

Kitchen Design

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A more functional layout for the kitchen and mudroom are integrated with whimsy in this Glen Ellyn home.

The Mission

This Glen Ellyn remodeling project was driven by the homeowner’s desire for a more functional layout for the kitchen and mudroom area. The homeowner wanted the style of the kitchen to be in keeping with her traditional home but she also wanted some whimsical touches added to match her personality.

The Challenge

The initial challenge was that the existing layout had an adjacent unattractive laundry room by the most frequently used entrance to the home. After drawing and discussing many design options the decision was made to move the laundry room upstairs and make the mudroom area smaller to afford more space to the kitchen. By squaring off the angles the space became much larger and more functional.

The Solution

The kitchen originally had a long wall backed up to the existing family room filled up with cabinetry. This unattractive wall was brought to life by centering the hood between two new openings to the family room. A wet bar was then designed to also frame these openings from the family room side.

The “L” shaped island keeps the traffic and guests out of the work space but still leaves plenty of room for 2 or more people to work together preparing a meal. Five stools were a must but the owner wanted as much work space as possible on the island.

Traditional English turnings, Astragal moldings and decorative corbels were used along with many different materials to give more of a furniture look to this Glen Ellyn kitchen design. The intricate eclectic mix of tumbled marble, metal inserts and glass tiles on the backsplash adds visual excitement to the room. With the help of Interior Designer Janie Petkus, the pierced metal light fixtures, colorful drapes and accessories selections the complemented the tile backsplash and added the whimsical touch the homeowner was looking for.

Co-designer: Janie Petkus of Janie Petkus Interiors in Hinsdale, IL