Design Story: The Evanston Kitchen
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
Some renovations are about starting over, but the most thoughtful ones are about rediscovery. This kitchen, located in a quiet suburb of Chicago, belongs to a young family who had lived in their home for three years before deciding it was time for the architecture to catch up with their lifestyle.
The original space was closed off and lacked the flow needed for a modern family of three. The brief was a delicate balance: the clients dreamed of a brighter, more integrated kitchen, but they wanted to avoid a massive structural overhaul. They needed a design that felt elevated yet deeply functional for their daily rhythm.
The Strategy of Change
At Studio CM, we believe that high-impact design doesn't always require moving every pipe. The original kitchen was closed off and out of sync with the family's daily rhythm. By keeping the plumbing and main appliances in their original positions, we were able to focus our energy on what truly mattered: the flow.
The transformation was centered on removing a single wall to integrate the kitchen with the living area. This simple change allowed the light to travel through the space and completely shifted the energy of the home, creating a layout that finally supports the way the family lives.
A Transitional Balance
The aesthetic direction was Transitional - a seamless blend where classic charm meets contemporary clarity. We chose a high-contrast palette of crisp white and deep navy blue Shaker-style cabinetry to ground the space with a sense of sophistication.
To balance the cool tones, we kept the original wood floors and introduced rustic wood shelving. These organic elements, paired with white quartz countertops and brass hardware, created a layer of warmth that feels both clean and incredibly welcoming. The result is a space that feels intentional and timeless, rather than just "new."
Intentional Curation
In a family kitchen, what we choose to display is just as important as what we hide away. We designed the open shelving and counter space to showcase a mix of artisanal ceramics and everyday essentials.
Every object is chosen with a dual purpose: it must support the family's daily rituals—like the morning coffee or a shared meal—while contributing to the room’s overall design story. This curation ensures the kitchen feels personal and lived-in, where beauty and utility speak the same language.
The Details that Define
Design is found in the layers. To bring a touch of authenticity and personality into the room, we featured stools by the renowned designer Aristeu Pires. These pieces, along with the open island, create a bridge between the kitchen and the living space, making the transition feel both natural and elevated.
The result is a kitchen that supports real life: from busy mornings to quiet moments of pause. It is a reminder that when we lead with intention, we don’t just update a room—we refine the way a family lives.
