Tag Archive: kitchen design
Family Approved Galley Kitchen
Posted on July 8, 2019Open living is the hot trend right now, but it is not always an option for everyone. “For this young family, they wanted to open up the kitchen into the family room. But I established early on that the HVAC system servicing the second floor was housed in the existing wall between the rooms, and… more
The Foundation of Your Renovation: Defining Your Style
Posted on June 20, 2017When meeting with a Normandy Designer about your renovation, they will want to get a feel for your personal style. Why? It is important for the details in the design to reflect your tastes. But for many, it can be hard to articulate an actual style. That being said, Normandy Designer Lisa McManus has some… more
Defining Down Draft Ventilation
Posted on June 9, 2017While not as glamorous and choosing a backsplash, countertop or cabinetry, ventilation is an extremely important part of your kitchen remodel. Proper ventilation is critical because it helps remove smoke, steam and grease, keeping your kitchen clean and safe. Most of the time, ventilation is overhead, incorporated through a range hood. However, there is another… more
Common Kitchen Design Mistakes that Need Fixing
Posted on July 14, 2016Prior to a renovation, kitchens are often in need of more than new cabinetry and countertops. Typically, the space also requires some forethought to the layout and overall functionality. Normandy Designer Leslie Lawrence Molloy, CKD has insights on some of the most common kitchen design issues that owners are struggling with today. “Whether it wasn’t… more
Classic Meets Playful for this Victorian Kitchen Remodel in Hinsdale
Posted on April 8, 2016The homeowners of this 1920’s, Victorian foursquare style home shared a love of classic architecture and antique finds, collected over many years in their travels throughout Europe and the U.S. So when it came time to remodel their kitchen, they knew that maintaining a unique and vintage style was important. But because this busy family… more
Kitchen Layout and Design Go Hand in Hand
Posted on February 25, 2016In most cases, a kitchen not only needs a fresh look, but a new and well-planned layout. This was the case in this outdated oak kitchen, which was lacking in both storage and style. The homeowners called upon Normandy Designer Leslie Molloy, CKD to transform their kitchen into an efficient and beautiful workspace. “The homeowners… more
Where to put the sink if your kitchen doesn’t have windows?
Posted on February 9, 2016When a kitchen remodel is done right, numerous details that come together to make up a beautiful interior. A few of these particulars include lighting, cabinetry, layout and color palette. “There should always be multiple focal points in the kitchen,” said Normandy Designer Christopher Ebert. “This includes windows, range hoods, decorative cabinets, changes in cabinet… more Kitchen Remodel Insights: Independent Spaces for your Cooktop and Oven
Posted on October 21, 2015When it comes to making the most of your kitchen remodel, it is all about tailoring the space to fit your needs. This includes the placement of your cooking surface and oven. In the past, a traditional range was an appliance that combined these two elements in the same space. In reality, separating these into… more
Kitchen Designs get a New Spin on the Lazy Susan
Posted on October 20, 2015The Lazy Susan has long been converting awkward corner cabinets into functional storage space. But in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of options available to maximize the storage potential of a wide variety of corner cabinets. Beyond the original pivoting shelves for your kitchen cabinets, you can now add trays… more
Induction Cooktops are on the Rise
Posted on October 8, 2015There are many choices when it comes to a stovetop, with the most recognizable options being gas and electric. However, another option that is growing in popularity is induction. “Induction cooktops have been available for decades and are actually very popular in Europe. However, they are just now gaining momentum here in The States,” said… more
Kitchen Design, with Message Center and Landing Zone on the Side
Posted on September 29, 2015For many families, the kitchen is not just about preparing and enjoying delicious meals. It also functions as a central hub for activities like completing homework, juggling calendars and sorting mail. However, more often than not, kitchens are missing an area to host important notes and papers– drastically increasing the odds of having to stick… more
A Weekend Getaway Helps You Prep for Your Remodel
Posted on July 28, 2015Does your idea of a fun Date Night include browsing through tile shops or looking at fixtures as you and your spouse discuss what “could be” in your new kitchen or bathroom? Then you may be the perfect candidates for a quick weekend getaway to nearby Kohler, WI. Just a 2 hour drive north of… more
Spice Up Your Kitchen Storage
Posted on July 24, 2015Finding the right home for your spices within your overall kitchen design can be a detail that’s easily overlooked. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of options for spice storage, and their relatively small size makes them prime candidates for capitalizing on otherwise lost or under-utilized space. Location is a key determining factor in choosing… more
A New Generation of Appliance Garages
Posted on June 30, 2015When you think of appliance garages, do images of roll-top louvered doors come to mind? Despite their practicality, appliance garages fell out of fashion for a long time, largely because they instantly dated a kitchen and did very little to enhance the design aesthetic of the space. But fans of these handy spaces will be thrilled to… more
Stained and Painted Cabinets: Now in Color!
Posted on March 31, 2015Combining stained and painted cabinets in the same kitchen has been popular for over five years, but one of the more interesting developments in this trend is the addition of color to the cabinets. Up until recently, most of the painted finishes in these combo kitchens had been white, but color is gaining ground as… more
1950’s Ranch Becomes “Forever Home”
Posted on February 27, 2015After recently purchasing their single story La Grange home, these empty-nesters worked closely with Normandy Designer Leslie Lee to accomplish their remodeling goals. This 1950’s ranch style home was designed to reflect the ever-changing tastes and lifestyles of these homeowners and their ability to age comfortably in their forever home. The existing rooms were reconfigured and remodeled… more
Pops of Color Can Be Slight, With Decorative Pendant Lights
Posted on January 15, 2015Today, homeowners enjoy having multiple layers of lighting in order to have more flexibility within their space. Whether it is in the kitchen or in a casual setting, different moods and tasks call for different light fixtures. “Pendant lights are a functional targeted task light that can further enhance the style of the space,” says… more
The Evolution of Kitchen Cabinetry Solutions
Posted on January 8, 2015In today’s kitchens, homeowners are interested in incorporating features that add convenience and ease to their lifestyles. With cabinetry selections, you are provided with a variety of solutions for making life in the kitchen much more enjoyable and creating a space where everyday items are readily available. “With cabinetry, homeowners have the flexibility to create… more
Incorporating A Beverage Center Into Your Kitchen
Posted on January 29, 2014Including a beverage center in the kitchen, or close to the kitchen, has been growing in popularity since the kitchen has become more of a gathering space. “A beverage center is definitely becoming a must-have for homeowners that entertain,” says Normandy Designer Leslie Lee. “It’s a great tool for spreading out the traffic flow, allowing… more
Top 2014 Kitchen Trends
Posted on January 10, 2014A new year brings new kitchen design favorites among homeowners and the design industry. While some carried over from 2013, there’s plenty of new elements that people are excited to incorporate into their kitchens in 2014. We asked our design team what they expect to be popular this year… Quality products; people want to remodel… more
Top Three Countertop Finishes
Posted on December 11, 2013“When selecting a countertop, you not only have to pick a material you like and the color, you also have to pick a finish,” says Normandy Designer Laura Barber. “The top three finishes (in order of popularity) that I’m seeing in the industry are: 1. Polished. This is going to be the most common, having a… more
Low Divide Kitchen Sink Benefits
Posted on December 4, 2013“Low divide kitchen sinks, called “Smart Divide” sinks by Kohler, essentially give homeowners the best of both worlds in kitchen sinks,” says Normandy Designer Stephanie Bryant. “They’re designed for washing large pots, pans and skillets with long handles, but still offer the divide for the times you don’t need to fill the entire sink with… more
Kitchen Pot Filler Faucets
Posted on October 16, 2013If you’re one that does a good deal of cooking, then incorporating a pot filler into your kitchen design is something that you won’t regret. This convenient fixture will quickly become one that you won’t know how you ever lived without. Gone are the days of lugging a heavy pot filled with water from the sink… more
Open Shelving Pros and Cons
Posted on September 23, 2013Open shelving is one of those design elements people tend to either love or hate, so if you’re one that loves them – this article is for you. “Going with open shelving provides an opportunity to break up the look of cabinets upon cabinets in the kitchen,” says Normandy Designer Kathryn O’Donovan. “They’re great for introducing… more
AAUW Home Tour Features Remodeled Normandy Home With Latest Design Trends
Posted on September 17, 2013Preparations for the 62nd Annual AAUW (American Association of University Women) Home Tour are coming together, and this year’s tour promises to be a highlight of the Hinsdale area fall calendar. The Home Tour will feature five spectacular homes, including a home with a recently remodeled kitchen and bathroom that incorporates some of the hottest trends… more
