Kitchen Design and Remodeling in Chicago & the North Shore
Our full-service, design-build process transforms outdated kitchens into refined, highly functional spaces where layout, cabinetry, construction, and finishing details are seamlessly integrated and meticulously managed from start to finish.
A Better Way to Design and Remodel Your Kitchen
One team. One process. Design through construction, fully managed.
No handoffs. No miscommunication. No decision paralysis. Just one team aligning kitchen layout, selections, and construction from the outset.
What Our Clients Experience
- A structured process from concept through construction and completion
- Handpicked selections and clear direction, so choosing feels easy, not exhausting.
- 3D visualizations before construction for confident decisions.
- Clear recommendations and curated options, not mind-numbing choices
- One team managing design and kitchen construction as one cohesive process
- Alignment between design decisions and your investment level
Who We Are
- Established in 2010 by Erica & Justin Lugbill
- Known for communication-first, client-centered process
- 5/5 rating across review sites from past clients
- Consistent winner of the Houzz Best Of awards in both the Design and Service categories (including 2026)
- Featured on HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart, and others
Layout & Space Planning
Better flow, smarter storage, and a layout built around how you actually use your kitchen. Every inch is considered to maximize form & function.
Materials & Finishes
Cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring and hardware — curated and cohesive across the home.
Lighting, Electrical & Plumbing
Layered lighting, intentional outlet placement, smart features, and full trade coordination.
Permits, HOAs & Project Management
All permit & HOA requirements handled. All trade licensing and insurance verified. One point of contact throughout.
Custom Cabinetry & Storage
Fully designed cabinetry with smart, hidden storage solutions and built-ins.
Construction & Installation
Demolition through finish work — managed on schedule, on budget, and on spec.
Appliances & Integration
Appliance selection and seamless integration into your layout and cabinetry.
Final Walkthrough & Closeout
Support through project completion, including punch list walkthroughs, final detailing, furniture & accessory selection.
Layout & Space Planning
Custom Cabinetry & Storage
Materials & Finishes
Construction & Installation
Lighting, Electrical & Plumbing
Appliances & Integration
Permits, HOAs & Project Management
Final Walkthrough & Closeout
Featured Kitchen Projects
Streeterville Kitchen Remodel
This kitchen design-build project in the heart of downtown Chicago was part of a larger whole condo renovation. It features warm tones, custom millwork throughout the home, and a cohesive aesthetic that carries through to every room of the high rise.
Evanston Kitchen Design
This kitchen renovation project was part of a larger remodel at a residence right off of Gross Point Road on the North Shore. It features strong contrast between finishes, and a chevron backsplash pattern that creates visual interest, despite having limited color.
Edgewater Kitchen Renovation
This kitchen project on the north side of Chicago features a mosaic backsplash that extends behind cabinetry and into an open shelving corner of the kitchen. The shelves, combined with the rich wood grain of the kitchen island, contribute to a timeless look for this old home.
We are so pleased with the transformation of our condo. The team’s quality of work is exemplary, and their attention to detail is spot on. Every aspect of the project, from the kitchen and bathrooms to the hardwood floors, was executed with precision and care. Communication throughout the process was very good—Erica and her team were consistently responsive, addressing questions and concerns promptly.
Amazing team to work with! So many highlights: easy / fun to work with and great collaborators (awesome ideas and equally adept at absorbing our ideas), utmost professionals, excellent taste/aesthetics, ability to own process end to end and manage GC and all involved players, strong network, and most importantly…we absolutely love our kitchen and bar area.
We are absolutely thrilled with the transformation of our home, thanks to Lugbill Designs thoughtful design and exceptional project coordination. From day one, Erica understood how central cooking and hosting are in our daily life. She translated that into a kitchen and living space that are not only beautiful, but deeply practical and built to last.
Our Kitchen Design & Remodeling Process
Consultation
Our process begins with a complimentary in-home consultation—an intentional process designed to understand how you live and what your kitchen needs to become. Together, we’ll define priorities, align on goals, and explore solutions that balance beauty and function within your investment range. During this visit, we gather the details needed to deliver clear, upfront kitchen remodel cost guidance. With clarity established from the start, we can move forward with purpose and confidence.
Design
With a clear understanding of your aesthetic & everyday needs, we craft a comprehensive kitchen design plan—layering layout and material options that balance beauty, function, and investment. Our tech-forward approach allows clients to visualize their spaces before final decisions are made, ensuring every detail is perfect before moving onto the renovation phase.
Planning
Behind every successful kitchen remodel are hundreds of coordinated decisions. We manage them all—developing the scope of work, technical drawings, securing trusted labor bids, and carefully ordering, inspecting, and preparing materials—so the process is streamlined and clear from start to finish.
Construction
With everyone aligned, it’s time to bring the vision to life. The thoughtful groundwork from earlier stages sets the stage for a smooth, well-orchestrated kitchen renovation. Throughout the process, the LD team stays closely connected—with regular calls, e-mails, texts, and on-site check-ins to ensure everything stays on track. Weekly updates keep clients informed and confident, so every step feels organized, transparent, and stress-free.
Installation
While construction wraps, we coordinate and oversee the final installation of furnishings and finishing details, including rugs, window treatments, artwork, and accessories. The result is an elevated kitchen, fully realized and ready to be lived in.
“The best kitchen designers don’t just elevate the outcome—they simplify and streamline the path to get there.”
Your Dream Kitchen, Elevated, and Brought to Life
Who We Serve
From Oak Park to Lake Forest, and Everything In-Between
Chicago Neighborhoods
The Loop, South Loop, Gold Coast, River North, Streeterville, Old Town, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, Roscoe Village, North Center, Lincoln Square, Irving Park, Ravenswood, Andersonville, Uptown, Buena Park, Edgewater, Rogers Park, West Ridge
Northshore Communities
Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northfield, Winnetka, Glenview, Glencoe, Northbrook, Highland Park, Highwood, Deerfield, Riverwoods, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff
We primarily take on kitchen remodeling projects in this service area. However, if your project is a good fit for us, we may be able to work with you even if you are outside of this service area. Get in touch to confirm.
FAQ
Common Questions About Kitchen Remodeling In Chicago
What’s the benefit of using a design-build firm instead of hiring separate contractors and designers?
Design-build firms brings design, construction, and project management under one coordinated process. Instead of managing separate relationships between a designer, architect, and contractors, you work with a single team responsible for the entire project.This approach helps ensure that design decisions are informed by construction realities from the start. Budgets, materials, and timelines are considered early in the process, reducing costly revisions and miscommunication later on. The result is a more streamlined experience for clients, clearer accountability, and a finished home where the design vision is carried through to the final installation.
What types of projects do you take on?
We specialize in residential interior design and renovation projects throughout Chicago and the North Shore. Our work ranges from single-room transformations to full-home renovations.
Common project types include:
- Multi-room / full-home renovations
- Kitchen renovations
- Bathroom remodels
- Condo and townhouse remodels
- Custom millwork and built-in cabinetry
- Furnishing and interior styling projects
Many of our projects combine multiple elements — architectural changes, custom cabinetry, material selections, and furnishings — to create a cohesive and thoughtfully designed home. Oftentimes, clients come to us with a wish list of projects, and we help prioritize in phases, based on priorities and budget.
Do you handle HOAs, permits and inspections?
Yes! We handle all of the intricacies of HOAs, permits and inspections, as part of a fully managed process, keeping your kitchen remodel on schedule, code-compliant, and executed to a highest standard.
How long does a full kitchen remodel take?
For a full kitchen remodel, expect design and pre-construction planning & sourcing to take 1-2 months, then 1-2 months of construction. Timelines vary based on the scope of the project. We create clear timelines upfront so you know what to expect. We also ensure we’re doing everything possible to minimize time under construction.
Do I need to have a clear vision or plan before starting a project with you?
Not at all. Many clients come to us with only a general sense that their home isn’t functioning the way they want it to.
Part of our role is helping you clarify that vision. Through intentional questionnaires, inspiration imagery (eg. pinterest boards), and conversations with you regarding priorities and how you live in your space, we translate ideas and preferences into a cohesive plan.
Whether you arrive with a detailed concept or just a starting point, our flexible design process is built to guide you toward a clear and confident direction.
How early should we get in touch?
The earlier the better. We’re often booked out several months. It never hurts to reach out early on, so we can get you a rough estimate to execute on when the time is right.
Bringing a design-build team into the conversation early allows time to think through layout changes, design revisions, renovation scope, permitting requirements, and overall project planning before construction begins.
How much does a full kitchen renovation cost?
We typically see full kitchen renovation projects start at $70,000. Pricing varies depending on the size of your kitchen, the scope of work, and the level of furnishings and finishes involved.
LD are pros at maximizing impact within a defined budget, so if your budget is <$70,000, no worries. We can help you prioritize updates accordingly.
We provide customized estimates after an initial consultation to ensure accurate pricing for your specific project, prior to an agreement to work together.
Can you help with projects outside of the kitchen?
Absolutely! Many of our clients come to us with a wishlist of things they want done throughout the home. Even if a kitchen remodel is your primary focus, we can integrate other projects into the scope, seamlessly. From paint color updates to bathroom remodels done in tandem with the kitchen, we can help.