Traditional Kitchen/Diner Ideas and Designs

Your Huntley, IL Neighbor’s Kitchen Renovation
Your Huntley, IL Neighbor’s Kitchen Renovation
Advance Design Studio, Ltd.Advance Design Studio, Ltd.
After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”
Bohemian Abode
Bohemian Abode
Mountainwood HomesMountainwood Homes
Oak hardwoods were laced into the existing floors, butcher block countertops contrast against the painted shaker cabinets, matte brass fixtures add sophistication, while the custom subway tile range hood and feature wall with floating shelves pop against the dark wall. The best feature? A dishwasher. After all these years as a couple, this is the first time the two have a dishwasher. The new space makes the home feel twice as big and utilizes classic choices as the backdrop to their unique style. Photo by: Vern Uyetake
Urban Distinction
Urban Distinction
Vivid Interior Design - Danielle LovenVivid Interior Design - Danielle Loven
Frontier Structures Alyssa Lee Photography
This is an example of an expansive classic kitchen/diner in Minneapolis with a submerged sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, metallic splashback, glass tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, multiple islands, brown floors and white worktops.
Chelsea, London
Chelsea, London
Fontana Art & DesignFontana Art & Design
Kitchen manufactured by Key Cucine. Installation 2018 Chelsea, London.
Medium sized classic single-wall kitchen/diner in London with an island, green cabinets, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, beige floors, white worktops and shaker cabinets.
Contemporary Rustic Home on Lake George
Contemporary Rustic Home on Lake George
Ann Stillman O'LearyAnn Stillman O'Leary
Inspiration for a classic l-shaped kitchen/diner in Burlington with a submerged sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, beige splashback, metro tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and grey worktops.
Modern Spanish Estate - Breakfast Nook
Modern Spanish Estate - Breakfast Nook
H. Ryan StudioH. Ryan Studio
Heather Ryan, Interior Designer H.Ryan Studio - Scottsdale, AZ www.hryanstudio.com
Expansive traditional u-shaped kitchen/diner in Phoenix with a belfast sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, terracotta splashback, stainless steel appliances, terracotta flooring, an island, multi-coloured floors, grey worktops and a wood ceiling.
Brookmere at Johns Creek
Brookmere at Johns Creek
The Providence Group of Georgia, LLCThe Providence Group of Georgia, LLC
Gourmet Kitchen with Extended Island - Hatteras Model
Inspiration for a traditional galley kitchen/diner in Atlanta with stainless steel appliances, an island, a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, white splashback, medium hardwood flooring, brown floors and grey worktops.
Traditional Grey Herringbone Kitchen
Traditional Grey Herringbone Kitchen
Fireclay TileFireclay Tile
Photos by Courtney Apple
Medium sized classic kitchen/diner in Newark with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble worktops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic flooring, an island, black floors and grey worktops.
Courtyard Glen Pl.
Courtyard Glen Pl.
Melissa Mathe Interior Design, LLCMelissa Mathe Interior Design, LLC
Photo: Ansel Olson Photography
This is an example of a classic u-shaped kitchen/diner in Richmond with a belfast sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, brown floors and black worktops.
Whole House Remodel
Whole House Remodel
Rolf Schroeder General Contractors, Inc.Rolf Schroeder General Contractors, Inc.
Cabinet Organizer to make useful space of a blind cabinet.
This is an example of a large classic l-shaped kitchen/diner in Philadelphia with a belfast sink, beaded cabinets, white cabinets, granite worktops, grey splashback, metro tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.
Napa, Vineyard Estates, Custom Home
Napa, Vineyard Estates, Custom Home
CRC Builders Inc.CRC Builders Inc.
Inspiration for a large classic kitchen/diner in San Francisco with marble worktops, red splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, an island, grey floors, grey worktops, a submerged sink, recessed-panel cabinets and medium wood cabinets.
Century Mill Estates, Bolton MA - TaylorMadeCabinets.NET
Century Mill Estates, Bolton MA - TaylorMadeCabinets.NET
Taylor Made Cabinets, Leominster MATaylor Made Cabinets, Leominster MA
Angela Taylor, TaylorMadeCabinets.NET Leominster MA
Large classic u-shaped kitchen/diner in Boston with a belfast sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, composite countertops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and black worktops.
North Tustin Kitchen remodel
North Tustin Kitchen remodel
Mlm Custom CabinetsMlm Custom Cabinets
White kitchen with a hale Navy blue island
This is an example of a medium sized classic l-shaped kitchen/diner in Orange County with a submerged sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite worktops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.
Cunnnington Kitchen
Cunnnington Kitchen
Rob Crawshaw PhotoRob Crawshaw Photo
Rob Crawshaw
This is an example of a large traditional l-shaped kitchen/diner in Other with shaker cabinets, granite worktops, metallic splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone flooring, an island, beige floors, white worktops and a belfast sink.
Mayfair Kitchen Update
Mayfair Kitchen Update
Cook Design HouseCook Design House
photos by Callie Hobbs Photography
Medium sized traditional galley kitchen/diner in Denver with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, a breakfast bar, brown floors and white worktops.
Midtown Project
Midtown Project
Stellar RenovationsStellar Renovations
This is an example of a large classic l-shaped kitchen/diner in Sacramento with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, composite countertops, white splashback, metro tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.
Albert Court Lighting Design
Albert Court Lighting Design
Light House Designs LtdLight House Designs Ltd
Pendants ground the island in a kitchen with a tall ceiling, providing practical and decorative light. Small downlights create a soft wash of practical light around the stove without the use of a cold extractor light. An LED strip concealed under the kitchen island provides an extra layer of lighting, and softens the shadowing under the breakfast bar. Photo Credits: Tom St Aubyn
O'Brien Harris Chathem Oak Kitchen
O'Brien Harris Chathem Oak Kitchen
O'Brien Harris LLCO'Brien Harris LLC
This bright urban oasis is perfectly appointed with O'Brien Harris Cabinetry in Chicago's bespoke Chatham White Oak cabinetry. The scope of the project included a kitchen that is open to the great room and a bar. The open-concept design is perfect for entertaining. Countertops are Carrara marble, and the backsplash is a white subway tile, which keeps the palette light and bright. The kitchen is accented with polished nickel hardware. Niches were created for open shelving on the oven wall. A custom hood fabricated by O’Brien Harris with stainless banding creates a focal point in the space. Windows take up the entire back wall, which posed a storage challenge. The solution? Our kitchen designers extended the kitchen cabinetry into the great room to accommodate the family’s storage requirements. obrienharris.com
A Room With A View
A Room With A View
Kitchens by DesignKitchens by Design
Deborah Scannell - Saint Simons Island, GA
Large classic l-shaped kitchen/diner in Jacksonville with a belfast sink, beaded cabinets, white cabinets, dark hardwood flooring and an island.
QUOGUE, NY - Beach Houseelegant
QUOGUE, NY - Beach Houseelegant
DEANE Inc | Distinctive Design & CabinetryDEANE Inc | Distinctive Design & Cabinetry
The new floor plan design made more effective use of the space, accommodating multiple renovation needs into the kitchen. The new layout created an open galley kitchen with a 13 1/2′ Island with seating at each end, a cool-grey custom banquette with 2 tables.

Traditional Kitchen/Diner Ideas and Designs

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