In the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park district, a young family – particularly the husband, who is a passionate cook – was looking for their currently sub-par kitchen to work better for their needs. Scott Dresner of Dresner Design recreated their space with function first in mind.
Space Needs
The original kitchen space did not feel harmonious with the architecture of the home, which featured several archways and barrel ceilings. While gutting the entire kitchen, Dresner tore out one archway leading from the kitchen to the family room because the nearby windows were square.
“I kept the barrel ceilings and arches from the living room to the kitchen since they flow well with the arched windows at the front of this house,” said Dresner. “It is really important to me that the kitchen design feels connected to the existing architecture of the home.”
The original layout was U-shaped, and Dresner converted that to a straight floor plan with a large island. There are also buffet areas with pantry space on either side for entertaining purposes and storage needs. The butler’s pantry cabinets were made taller than the original, and the false ceiling and awkward closet were removed.
After the kitchen was emptied, the designer planned for what the client wanted: a beautiful and functional kitchen with a lot of smart storage. This home chef wanted all of best parts of a chef’s kitchen, including multiple ovens, warming drawers, lots of prep space, professional appliances and a large amount of organized storage for all of his accouterments. In addition, multiple outlets were necessary, and placement of the electrical was well thought out and discreetly designed.
“The client likes things near, so every drawer and cabinet was outfitted for the most efficient organization possible,” said Dresner.
Fit for a Chef
To accomplish a design that stood out in his portfolio, Dresner focused on innovation that would accommodate his client’s cooking aspirations. The focal point of the kitchen is the La Cornue range and the custom-designed stainless-steel hood with polished belts and double rivets, which is flanked on either side by open shelving made of Italian reclaimed walnut.
Facing the hood is a massive island with cabinetry on every side. A plug with a hidden extension cord within the island pulls out and reaches up to 25-ft. long. This creates an extra outlet for anywhere in the kitchen, which the young family and the home cook need often.
All appliances and fixtures were chosen with professional kitchens in mind. Flip-up stainless-steel cabinetry was used above the side-by-side refrigerator/freezer to create a taller and monochromatic look. Two sinks were specifically designed for descaling fish – a frequent main dish for the family. The butler’s pantry houses a warming drawer, a dishwasher, two refrigerator drawers and a microwave oven.
A Timeless Appeal
While the appliances are top notch, and the several cabinets – as well as the hood – are fronted with durable stainless steel, some aspects of the kitchen were designed as part of a classic design with which the young family can grow. A simple white-painted cabinet with no visible grain was used for the base cabinetry and is complemented by white subway tile in the shape of an elongated hexagon. Marble countertops were used throughout the main kitchen space; the oversized island top had to be craned into place, as it weighed more than 800 lbs.
“I love white marble, and this is the best white marble I have seen in my life – and the most expensive,” said Dresner, adding that the luxury countertop was a consideration for the budget from the start.
The butler’s pantry contrasts the white kitchen with dark artichoke-toned cabinetry and a zinc countertop, which will age gracefully over time. A polished-marble mosaic tile backsplash connects the elegant space back to the kitchen.
“My goal was to do the best kitchen I’ve done for a long time and do everything differently,” said the designer.
