Better In Blue Park Ridge

I can't believe how long it's been since we've blogged! WAY TOO LONG!
Well, we are back on it and happy to share some projects in various stages. This project, "Better in Blue" is completed and while we don't have finished photos yet, here are some that are close.
In this project, the goal was to create a modern kitchen that fit with the aesthetic of the owner as well as maximizing storage and light. We reduced the size of the existing window to add storage space. We also pushed a pulled walls to allow for a wall of cabinetry and enough room for an island.
Opening up a the wall between the Kitchen and Dining Room greatly increased the relationship between the 2 rooms. Minimal cabinet hardware was used to keep it sleek while 2 tones of blues adds detail to the flat slab cabinetry. New stainless appliances enhance the look and using a 42" hood over the 36 inch range allows the tile backsplash to have more impact in the space.
The transformation is amazing and unique. Great projects come from having a great team. This project is a true example of this. Patience, perseverance and a willingness to be bold and exciting. We truly appreciated working with these incredible owners.

Before Pic of Kitchen.

Who's that guy hiding behind the island!? Oh, he's sealing the floors.

We pulled the volume of the kitchen box out into the hallway. Instead of hiding this move, we decided to accentuate it by using tongue and groove white oak boards to wrap the space and pull it into the kitchen. The owner decided to replace the existing cork flooring during the project when it was clear the sun bleached floor could not be sanded. New gray stone tile makes it's way to the entry, lines the front of the fireplace hearth and moves into the new kitchen.

 A new bathroom was a priority. We still wanted to use fun color and rich materials in the new bathroom. Wrapping walnut cabinetry around a new medicine cabinet maximized storage space and a long sink with 2 faucets will hopefully keep shoving to a minimum between family members getting ready for school.

Before pic of bathroom

Before the handles were installed.

TIKI BASEMENT

Tiki and mid-century modern. These terms help define our starting point for our most recent project in Park Ridge. However, this basement remodel will reference these terms while connecting it to contemporary lifestyles. The project is currently in pricing, so we hope to soon have pictures that show these renderings turning into reality. Our thought on this one? Have some fun in your design! Don't be afraid to use color and materials to enhance your space.

View from the tiki room looking out on to the rest of the space.
Wood selections, crisp details, color tones and lighting will all contribute to the tone of the design.

The new home office will be connected to the rest of the basement but accessible through a private hallway. 

Relocating the tv and keeping and creating a mixture of closed and open storage will help organize the space.

Music is very important to this family so a dedicated Music Zone has been created. 

We had planned on having "Tiki Island" shown in the foreground, but this concept has been put on the back burner for now. We are still hoping to incorporate tiki lighting and wall coverings though.
A display wall will help organize and highlight the art of the each tiki piece.
The current design has more display cubes for the tiki than shown in this rendering.
Lighting in the ceiling will also highlight the art.