A sunny townhouse in Lincoln Park was mostly updated, except for the kitchen which was still sporting white melamine cabinetry from the complex’s beginnings in the mid 80’s. Awkwardly shaped with a diagonal wall, it could not be enlarged but needed more storage and less congestion. A modern style was chosen featuring rift-cut, warm gray wood cabinets set off by a wall of glossy white upper cabinets. The wood floors were refinished to reveal the lighter natural white oak, which instantly brightened up the room.

To ease congestion in the main working side of the kitchen, a wall oven and microwave were placed on the other side of the peninsula, in the spot where a small triangular pantry closet had been. Now a tall pantry cabinet next to the refrigerator provides plenty of room and function with roll-out shelves and proximity to the center of the kitchen. A wall of textured tile with floating cabinets and a stainless steel hood, open up the space and create a focal point. The homeowners say the kitchen stores everything while feeling larger and more open–it is now a happy place to cook, eat and hang out.