When Great Design Stands the Test of Time
In the world of luxury remodeling, the ultimate compliment isn’t just a delighted client at project completion — it’s a space that feels just as intentional, beautiful, and relevant years later. As we look back at projects from nearly a decade ago, we’re often asking: does this design still hold up?
Recently, a national design conversation has provided a fascinating answer. Architectural Digest declared 2025 “The Year of the Deep, Dark Woods,” noting a decisive shift away from the bright, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics that dominated for years toward rich, moody, and grounding timber tones. Designers cite a desire for warmth, stability, and a connection to history as key drivers of this trend.
A Drury Design Rock Star Project in the Spotlight Again
It was with a sense of professional affirmation that we watched one of our flagship projects from 2016 resurface in a recent television feature. This home’s kitchen — defined by its elegant, dark custom cabinetry and warm wood tones — isn’t just holding up; it is a perfect embodiment of the very aesthetic that is defining luxury interiors today. Our design choices, made years ahead of the curve, have proven to be timeless.
Click to see this Drury Design kitchen featured on Open House Chicago
As you can see see, the home has an incredible energy and history all its own. Our role was to craft many of the warm, luxurious, and highly functional interiors within the home, starting with the kitchen.
The vision: make this large 20′ x 21′ foot space the center of everything from family gatherings to hosting little league football teams to everyday afternoon homework.
Crea Brenton quartz was chosen for perimeter countertops – the composition of crushed quartz, glass, mirrors , pigments and polymer resins is gorgeous, not to mention highly resistant to scratches, heat and stains. It’s low maintenance, too – it’s non-porous so simple cleaning keeps it looking brand new.
Despite the expansiveness of the space, the design and layout create a feeling of intimate proximity for each kitchen activity. The rich cabinetry, complimentary details and dramatic dark tones create warmth.
Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry in Numbus and Java paired perfectly for a fusion of luxury and warmth.
“Engineering an elegant kitchen to spec for an actual pizza oven was a fun challenge,” says Drury Design VP of Operations Rick Windgassen. “The extreme heat of a wood-fired pizza oven involves extra considerations for heat ventilation and fire safety. Notice the tile flooring in front of the pizza oven – this is an extra precaution in case any embers spill out.”
This is no ordinary pizza oven, however – it has a starting mechanism that can be controlled through a smart phone app.
The marquee island top features Silver Fusion quartzite inlaid into Crea Brenton quartz with a brass liner in between.
This project reaffirms a core principle at Drury Design: we build and design for the life you live, not just the moment we’re in.
True luxury is found in choices that remain elegant and relevant. The recent spotlight on this home — and the broader trend it now exemplifies — is a powerful reminder that great design is never “done.” It is a lasting foundation that continues to serve, inspire, and impress.
If you are inspired to create a home with enduring style, let’s discuss how timeless design can become your reality.