Renovating a bland, 1970s era, closed-style kitchen in a high-rise in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood was the challenge. The owners wanted a new kitchen design that would reflect their modern aesthetic and provide an open living experience. First on the list was removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room. In its place, a “leaf” shaped peninsula is extended at an angle to create interest among the otherwise rectangular living space. It’s large enough for dining and entertaining while providing additional storage space.

A dropped ceiling mimics the peninsula’s shape to provide a cozy “room within a room” setting. Cobalt blue accents add just the right amount of drama. A glass backsplash in soft shades of blue is set against dark rift-sawn oak cabinets. New hardwood throughout the entire apartment creates a seamless, uninterrupted flow. The kitchen is now completely open to the living and dining areas and has transformed this outdated apartment into a modern, light-filled and spacious home with beautiful city views from every angle.