Tag Archive: kitchen remodel
Fall in Love with Apron Front Sinks
Posted on January 3, 2019Apron front sinks have grown in popularity and are a perfect way to bring a sense of rustic character to your kitchen. Also known as farmhouse sinks; they get their unique look from their exposed front-facing side. Traditionally, these were big, durable sinks, designed to hold a day’s worth of water for cooking or cleaning…. more
Warm Up To The Idea Of A Warming Drawer
Posted on December 10, 2018If your family has an on-the-go lifestyle, it may be difficult to find a time when you can all enjoy a meal at the same time. We’ve all been there, a practice runs late or you get that last-minute “stuck at work” call. “Fortunately, the warming drawer makes it possible for families to have fresh,… more
Coffee Bar Design Ideas You’ll Love a Latte
Posted on August 23, 2018Coffee, Espresso, Latte or Mocha… No matter how you fuel up in the morning, we’re serving up some great coffee bar design ideas courtesy of Normandy Designer Laura Barber, AKBD. Read below and make your morning Starbucks run a thing of the past… Here’s what you should consider adding to make the most of this… more
Oak Park Remodel for a Growing Family
Posted on August 17, 2018It can be difficult to live in a small, outdated space. But add young children into the mix and it gets even more complicated. This was the case for a growing family in Oak Park. With two small children, they were in desperate need of a functional kitchen and updated first floor bathroom. To get… more
The Buzz on Kitchen Island Electrical Outlets
Posted on July 20, 2018When it comes to island design, most think of cabinetry, countertops, seating. These things are important, but there’s another little detail that is often overlooked. It’s a must-have and it’s probably not what you think… It’s your island outlets. According to Normandy Designer Jennifer Cross, AKBD, here’s why you need them and where to put… more
Kitchen Remodel or Vacation? Which One of You is Right?
Posted on April 27, 2018You want a new kitchen… he wants a grand vacation in Hawaii. Now what? It can feel like the longest and most frustrating debate you’ve ever had with your spouse. She has been wanting a new kitchen for almost a decade, and he thinks the one you have now is perfectly fine. But more importantly… more
Our Top Five Renovation Projects of 2017
Posted on December 16, 2017As we look back on 2017, it’s safe to say we had quite the year. The Normandy team was busy designing home additions, kitchens and master suites all across the Chicagoland area. And we loved every minute of it! Want to see a few of our favorite projects? Here you go: Hinsdale Master Suite Addition … 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
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
Whole Home Transformation: From Split Level to Arts and Crafts
Posted on April 6, 2016The owners of this Palatine split-level preferred the look of an Arts and Crafts style home and were looking for an addition that would result in some traditional curb appeal. However, outward appearance was not the only priority. Additional garage space, a walk-in closet addition for the master suite, family room, mud room and screened-in… more
Chicago Condo Renovation with View of Lake Michigan
Posted on March 17, 2016The family residing in this Chicago high-rise appreciated their spectacular view of Lake Michigan; however, the condo itself was in need of an update. They called upon Normandy Designer Liz Reifschneider to make the inside of their home as stunning as their surrounding scenery. The first issue to be addressed was the kitchen, which was… 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
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
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
