A Reconfigured Kitchen Design in East Village

A kitchen & bathroom remodel project in the West Town area, with custom cabinetry, concealed storage, and a warm, modern palette

Situated off of Ashland Ave, near the Forbidden Root Restaurant and Taproom, this East Village, Chicago kitchen remodel reworks a uniquely laid-out first floor into a highly functional, clean space tailored to a busy family of four. The existing kitchen lacked both storage and visual cohesion, with constraints driven by window placement, ceiling height, and an inefficient appliance layout.

The new design focuses on maximizing hidden storage, simplifying circulation, and introducing new fixtures and finishes that balances warmth and contrast. Custom cabinetry, integrated appliances, and custom detailing transform the kitchen into a space that is intentional, organized, and elevated.

Kitchen Design

At the core of the renovation is a fully reimagined kitchen layout. The island was redesigned to improve flow and usability, while relocating key appliances—including removing the range from the island—creates a more functional cooking environment.

Custom cabinetry plays a central role, combining natural walnut lower cabinets with painted white upper cabinetry to create contrast and visual depth. Slim shaker profiles and flat panel elements keep the design clean and modern, while maintaining a timeless feel.

When these clients came to us, one of their priorities was to maximize usable storage while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic, and the below concealed storage features all are testament to how we made that happen:

  • A hidden coffee station and baking zone with dedicated outlets

  • Integrated pantry storage with internal organization

  • Appliance garages and closed storage for countertop clutter

  • A concealed microwave/speed oven solution

On the other side of the kitchen, a new banquette seating area anchors the adjacent dining zone, incorporating built-in storage and upholstered seating to create a functional, family-friendly gathering space.

West Town mid-century modern kitchen with walnut cabinetry and chic design elements.

Materials & Finishes

Material selections balance durability with refined visual impact:

  • Countertops & Full-Height Backsplash: Quartz, extending seamlessly to vertical surfaces

  • Island Detail: 2.5” thick mitered-edge quartz for added visual weight and presence

  • Cabinetry: Portabella walnut lowers paired with painted white uppers

  • Hardware: Honey bronze pulls for warmth and contrast

  • Plumbing Fixtures: Traditional forms in oil-rubbed bronze

Wall Color: Swiss Coffee, softening the overall palette

Modern Chicago kitchen design with white walls, warm walnut cabinetry, and marble countertop in West Town project.

Lighting & Electrical

Lighting was fully reworked to improve both function and atmosphere.

  • 18 new recessed LED fixtures across the kitchen and first floor

  • Linear statement fixture centered over the island

  • Decorative sconces integrated into the banquette area

  • Under-cabinet and in-cabinet LED lighting for task and ambient use

Additional electrical planning supports this family’s daily life, including integrated outlets within cabinetry, USB-C charging stations, and dedicated appliance circuits.

mid-century modern dining nook with walnut cabinetry and marble table in West Town

Architectural Updates

Several architectural elements were refined to create a cleaner, more cohesive space:

  • Removal of soffits and wing walls to open sightlines

  • Custom hood design integrated with surrounding cabinetry

  • Updated flooring with refinishing across the entire first floor

  • Column wrapped in stain-grade wood to match new flooring

  • Full repaint of walls, ceilings, and trim to unify the space

These updates simplify the visual environment while enhancing the overall scale and proportion of the kitchen.

Modern kitchen with white and wood cabinetry, brass accents, and natural light.

Powder Room Updates

A first-floor powder room was also refreshed as part of the broader renovation, including removal of existing cabinetry and finishes to align with the updated kitchen aesthetic. While the layout remained largely unchanged, material and finish updates help create a more cohesive experience across the main level.
West Town Primary Bathroom with modern minimalist design featuring light beige tiled walls and walnut cabinetry.

Scope of Work

  • Full kitchen demolition including cabinetry, appliances, hood, and lighting

  • Removal of wing walls and soffits to open layout

  • New custom cabinetry installation with integrated storage solutions

  • Installation of quartz countertops, full-height backsplash, and window returns

  • Electrical overhaul including new recessed lighting, sconces, and appliance circuits

  • Plumbing updates for new sink, faucet, disposal, and water filtration system

  • HVAC updates including new ducting for exterior vented hood

  • Hardwood floor refinishing across the entire first floor

  • Full interior painting of walls, ceilings, and trim

  • Installation of banquette seating with integrated storage and lighting
  • Bathroom renovation

Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels in East Village and Beyond

 

Located in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, this kitchen + bathroom remodel reflects our approach to kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond. We balance thoughtful space planning, custom cabinetry, and material selections that support how clients live day to day.

From full kitchen and bathroom renovations to whole home remodels, Lugbill Designs works with homeowners throughout Chicago and the North Shore to create spaces that are highly functional, visually cohesive, and designed to elevate everyday life.

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