Recently, kitchen renovation in Chicago has been driven by the cooking craze sweeping the nation, says Michael B. Klein, CEO of Airoom Companies, a home remodeler that serves Chicago and its metropolitan area and has showrooms in Lincolnwood and Naperville, IL. “Cooking has become novel to watch on TV,” he adds. “It’s more fun, so more people want to create areas devoted to cooking together with family and friends.” While people are looking for practical kitchens that allow them to enjoy cooking with others, they still want everything to be pretty when committing to a Chicago kitchen renovation. Here are some of the trends, says Klein, whose company specializes in Chicago kitchen renovation, for designing practical yet sophisticated kitchens:
New Approach to Cabinets
Rather than have upper and lower wall cabinets, clients are asking for tall walls of pantry cabinets that look more like closets to maximize storage. In addition, says Klein, this allows for the rest of the space to be devoted to food prep, which makes sense for those who are most interested in cooking.
A New Home for Appliances
Nowadays, appliances are becoming part of the décor of a kitchen, so they are being placed at eye level. Storage for certain appliances is also becoming part of the beauty of the place. Clients are having kitchen renovation contractors create built-ins that are more furniture-like than cabinet-like in look for items they do not want on display all the time. Overall, it makes for a more cohesive looking kitchen, says Klein.
Lighting for Function and Flair
Because the kitchen is essentially a workspace, lighting is particularly important. LED lighting is the most popular nowadays because of its nice, natural color and energy efficiency. Many clients are having contractors install pendant lighting over bars and counters, and these fixtures are often decorative as well as functional. They bring in additional light to specific prep and dining areas, but they usually come in colorful or artistic shapes and designs.
Carefully Chosen Materials
Lots of clients are bringing in conversation pieces in the form of countertops of man-made composite stone materials or crushed products, such as glass. Cambria products, for example, are unique yet practical because they bring in color and interesting materials, but they are also hard, sterile and hygienic, and durable, says Klein.
A Modern Touch
People are seeking kitchens that not only have all the modern conveniences but are also modern in appearance. “The trend has moved back toward contemporary, clean lines,” says Klein. “The country kitchen has seen its day.”
Lincolnwood,
IL
76001
Phone: 847-629-4909