Crammed in an 11-ft. by 9-ft. kitchen, a downtown Chicago couple needed more space and style. Designer Brandy Cohen of Plain & Fancy Chicago gave them both with contrasting textures and a new layout.
By adding cabinets to the back wall and relocating the appliances to one area, the kitchen boasts more storage and functionality. An L-shaped bar opens up the space, which previously was enclosed by walls and now opens up to the living area.
The client’s more transitional taste clashed with the previous design’s high-gloss cabinetry and aluminum and stainless-steel trim. “The owner’s aesthetic style sat firmly right in the middle of contemporary and traditional,” explained Cohen.
Dark brown-stained walnut wood cabinetry gives the kitchen a traditional feel, while contrasting white glass upper cabinets gave the room both lightness and a modern edge.
“The main challenge was just trying to get the maximum amount of storage without having the cabinets overwhelm you,” said Cohen. “The white glass cabinets really did help create that balance we were looking for.” A pull-out dog dish drawer completes this couple’s ideal kitchen.