SMITH Kitchen

This project was carved out of a 1979 ranch with a fairly open floor plan. However, the kitchen was long & compressed with a closed off formal dining room. The clients wanted a professional, high functioning kitchen with an abundance of space, storage, & light. They also missed the soaring height & feeling of their loft from 10 years prior. The initial goal was to open & combine three spaces; kitchen, dining, and eating area.
Two main walls were demo’d and all door jambs, partitions, etc. were opened. Four triple lvl beams were inserted in the floor & bordering ceiling. A full span vaulted ceiling was raised, subtly connecting the spaces. Ridge beam and top plate straps were also installed to counter compression and thrust. The new cathedral ceiling wraps over & down the east wall. This was in an effort to have the space communicate horizontally & vertically. Skylights, windows, and a patio door puncture this skin allowing direct morning light & ambient afternoon/evening lighting. Material features include strand-woven bamboo flooring, gun metal blue cabinets, river white granite, grey oak ceiling/wall planks, and translucent eco-resin partitions & doors. The final space feels like a back-lit geode; interior architecture cut out of the ranch volume.

Prospect Heights, IL Completed 2015 1000 square feet
Architect & Design/Builder: DII Architecture www.designinsightinc.com
GC: Construction People Corp.
Drafters/Renderers: Workus Studio, LLC
Photographer: Black Olive Photographic

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Full gut remodel of kitchen, dining, living room, & bathroom by DII Architeture. The ranch volume is carved out, creating a generous space. Note the grey oak planks on the ceiling & stand-woven bamboo flooring.
Photos by: Black Olive Photographic

A look back to the more functional side of the kitchen. The skylights puncture the ceiling & cast natural light through-out the day. Eco-resin partitions & doors add a special secondary element.
Photos by: Black Olive Photographic

Floor plan showing the extent of the remodel/program & corresponding camera shots w/ numbers.

Here is an exploded diagram highlighting key features of the project.

The waterfall counter creates a space for guests/stools. The River White granite also continues up as a full slab backsplash behind the induction cooktop.

Photos by: Black Olive Photographic

Window & skylight become the same. Similarly, the grey oak cascades down from the ceiling to the upper cabinets & east wall.
Photos by: Black Olive Photographic

The under counter drawer microwave & glimmering pendants pop in this shot.
Photos by: Black Olive Photographic

Cabinets climb the new lofted space. A large niche is carved out as a display area.
Photos by: Black Olive Photographic

ET2 16" pendant light.
Photo by: Black Olive Photographic

A look into the adjacent living room sitting area. An efficient gas insert was added w/ a blower. Photo by: Black Olive Photographic

Here is an overall perspective of the doubled living room & foyer. Photo by: Black Olive Photographic

A new wine bar w/ walnut butcher block & led strip lighting. Photo by: Black Olive Photographic

The powder room is at the core of the remodel. It features marble mosaic, a custom mirror, & translucent onyx counter/sink. Photo by: Black Olive Photographic

The strand-woven bamboo stretches up the wall & swings overhead; concealing lighting & an exhaust fan. An eco-flush Toto toilet is also featured. Photo by: Black Olive Photographic