KBB

KBB

Projects: 

September 19, 2019

Most of the time designers hear requests for a spa-like feel in the bathroom, but for today’s busy homeowners, it shouldn’t be a surprise to hear it for the kitchen as well. Designer Stephanie Nickolson of Buffalo Grove, Ill.-based Stephanie Nickolson Design was given this request for a kitchen remodel and set out to transform the outdated space into both a peaceful and functional room.

Enhancing Daily Life
The kitchen was outdated and hadn’t been renovated in a long time, and there was also a desk area that was non-functional for the clients. Using 2020 Design because of its comprehensive capabilities, Nickolson planned to convert the desk area into a coffee bar. She also eliminated one of the two pantries and instead made the one pantry wider and taller, as well as extending the island.

“The island is functional for cooking prep and works as a traditional hub for entertaining and gatherings,” said Nickolson, adding that the island also has a side cabinet for additional storage.

The rest of the U-shaped kitchen is meant to optimize the views of the pond and greenery outside. There is a window over the sink and five floor-to-ceiling windows that surround a breakfast nook – all of which reveal views to the outside and let in an abundance of natural light.

“The view with the pond and swans really created the backdrop for this Zen-like space,” said Nickolson.

Serene Design Choices
To highlight this view and accomplish her goals, the designer decided to establish a sense of airiness with a palette of white and cream. Meanwhile, accents of gold, silver and pale blue add to the serene vibe of the kitchen.

The simple white-painted cabinets were chosen because of their level of quality, affordable price point and door and stain selection. For contrast, Nickolson had the island and coffee station cabinetry done in a dark taupe. This cabinetry company was also able to provide the mullion style Nickolson wanted to inset in the glass doors – two of which frame either side of the hood; another is over an additional prep area by the fridge, as well as above the new coffee station.

“We were challenged by some longer-than-average lead times with some products, such as the mullions in the glass cabinet doors and the custom hood,” said Nickolson, explaining that they had to adjust installation dates to accommodate these products.

The custom hood is white painted as well, but two gray and gold stripes extending down it bring a touch of sophistication to the piece. The colors also tie into the custom backsplash below the hood – a neutral-toned pattern reminiscent of slices of geode rocks.

“I went crazy over this backsplash design as soon as I saw it and made it work,” said the designer. “I had to be careful though while designing the hood over the cooktop so as not to distract or compete with the patterned tile design.”

Touch of Luxury
Along with the airy palette and the functional layout, Nickolson wanted to include a few hints of opulence to appeal to her client. 

“This homeowner always likes a bit of glam juxtaposed into her spaces without being overly feminine,” said the designer.

She incorporated this through subtle elements like the countertops, which are a white quartz around the perimeter and a more dramatic brown-and-gray granite for the island and coffee station. The granite’s edge, a double ogee, gives those areas substantial depth and character.

For a final suggestion of luxury, Nickolson included crystal in the pendants over the island. These also tie into the large light fixture in the adjacent eating area.

“I must have – collaboratively with my client – viewed more than 1,000 light fixtures until we found the perfect ones,” she said. “I wanted to make sure each and every detail was exactly right for this space.”

Source List

Designer: Stephanie Nickolson, Stephanie Nickolson Design
Photographer: Norman Sizemore Photography

Cabinetry: Woodland Cabinetry
Double Oven: Thermador
Faucet: Moen
Hardware: Amerock
Hood: Custom by Modern-Aire
Light Over Table: Inmod
Microwave: Sharp
Pendant Lighting: Elegant Lighting
Rangetop: Thermador
Refrigerator:
Sub-Zero
Sink: Blanco
Soap Dispenser: Grohe
Tile: Artistic Tile

More Projects