Kenwood Kitchen

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Built in 1903, this 3-story masonry structure featured steep roof lines, a wrap-around porch, and showcased over 5,000 square feet of living space. Located in the historic Kenwood neighborhood, this property boasted the rich past - both ancient and recent - that Chicago’s south side has to offer.

In collaboration with Beverly Hammel, our scope for this project included the remodeling of the kitchen including new cabinetry, appliances, lighting, and tile. We also upgraded an existing butler’s pantry in order to convert it to an extension of the kitchen. In addition, we performed extensive masonry restoration to the exterior of the building.

 

The interior finishes and woodwork were immaculately maintained throughout the home. As such, Beverly Hammel chose to work design within the existing footprint of the kitchen.

 

The historic nature of this home posed significant challenges to our project due to the fact that the priorities for homeowners of the early 20th century differ greatly from the priorities of our 21st century client. For example, the kitchen was a small space compared to the scale of the residence. This is because the kitchen area was primarily intended for servants’ use in the early 20th century. Additionally, none of the exterior walls were insulated because those walls were originally used for cold storage.

Our client required a luxury kitchen designed to accommodate daily use by her family including professional grade appliances and ample seating for casual meals. The space needed to showcase a fresh update while complimenting the historical integrity of the entire house.

 

The cabinetry consisted custom fabricated millwork designed to contrast and integrate with the extensive millwork throughout the home. Black quartz countertops provided a classic aesthetic with a contemporary subtlety. The backsplash showcased Ann Sacks glass tile pieces which required strong attention to detail and a high quality of craftsmanship.

 

Our final product provided our client with a luxury kitchen designed to inspire her daily life. Our team maximized the historic layout of the existing structure to create an efficient and functional space while maintaining an elegant aesthetic worthy of this landmark home.

 

Project Photos

Kenwood Neighborhood, IL