BEFORE
 

THE DESIGNER
Pamela Polvere
(pamelapolveredesigns.com)

THE CHALLENGE
Inject a dull, styleless kitchen with urban smarts.

THE WISH LIST

• WET BAR–BEVERAGE AREA

• DISPLAY AREA FOR VINTAGE POTTERY COLLECTION

• BANQUETTE SEATING

• PLACE TO HIDE SMALL APPLIANCES

• MIX OF CABINET AND COUNTERTOP FINISHES

• MODERN YET CLASSIC FEEL
 

These unobtrusive countertop garages are perfect for storing small appliances.
 

THE RESULT

In this Oak Park home, Polvere’s objective was to combine classic elements with modern ones. Keeping in mind her clients’ request for both dark wood and white cabinets, along with varied countertop materials, she worked toward symmetry in her design to keep the finishes from looking cacophonous. The wet-bar side of the kitchen has a wall of espresso-stained cherry cabinetry and stainless steel countertops; the other side has white-painted cabinets and black granite countertops, a nice play on opposites. The schemes meet in the middle of the room in a substantial island of dark wood with a light-colored Carrara marble top. Tall cabinets flank lower work surfaces on both sides of the room; glass shelving units on either end of the window-seat banquette in the dining area have the same balanced effect. Chunky nickel hardware (playing off other, more delicate, crystal knobs), sleek bar stools, stainless steel appliances, sparkly pendant lights, and different shades of green in paint and accessories add just the right dose of modern style.

Polvere concentrated on creating a sense of symmetry throughout the space.

Resources See Buy Guide.

Photography: Eric Hausman
Styling: Kelly McKaig