My clients are raising three young children in Chicago. 10 years ago, they purchased a single family home which at one time had been a butcher shop.

The plaque remains on the wall above the original butcher cabinets. The kitchen was contemporary in style and did not fit the architecture of the space or the personalities of my clients. The space was dark and cramped making it difficult for more than one person to be in cooking and sink area. They purchased and tore down the home next door which set in motion plans for a kitchen and outdoor living area renovation project. We moved the bulk of the kitchen to the opposite side of the home and created a sliding door entry into the new sport court and outdoor living area. Although we covered two windows, the sliding door entry provided much more light than the previous scenario. We removed the fireplace to enlarge the kitchen. We created a work station hidden behind pocket doors on the stairway wall opposite the hood. The work station provides a stand up desk area for their computer and houses a television which can be viewed from the kitchen or living area. The large island seats five and accommodates their entire family. We chose white kitchen cabinetry with black leathered granite counters and contrasted the perimeter cabinets with a dark stained quarter sawn oak island and gorgeous quartzite countertop in double thickness. The design of cabinets and island repeat the original craftsman architecture. We still had a nice amount of space to create a comfortable living area. A stunning antique bronze hood and pendant lighting provide warmth and visual contrast. Orange accents complete the stylish look of their city dwelling.