THE DESIGNER
Pamela Polvere
(pamelapolveredesigns.com)

THE CHALLENGE
Turn a narrow galley kitchen into a lovely, cottagey family space.

 

THE WISH LIST

• BRIGHT, SUNNY FEEL 

• CAFÉ AREA

• BANQUETTE SEATING

• LOW-MAINTENANCE COUNTERTOPS THAT RESEMBLE MARBLE

• DETAILS APPROPRIATE TO THE COLONIAL STYLE OF THE HOUSE
 

 
Pamela Polvere kitchen challenge after

THE RESULT

A busy family of five and a narrow, confining kitchen just don’t jibe. That’s essentially the problem that Polvere had to fix in this Oak Park home. With no room for an island, she got creative with a “café,” or snack hub (with a built-in coffee system, microwave oven, small refrigerator, and stools) that is far enough away from the main prep and cooking area that kids and other visitors can be near the action without being in the way. She was careful to reference the era in which the house was built—the 1920s—with appropriate architectural touches, including crown moldings and cabinets that reach to the ceiling. At the clients’ request, she went with easy-to-maintain quartzite countertops and gave the space a cozy, comfortable look.

 

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A fresh coat of paint on dated wood furniture adds new life.

 

Resources See Buy Guide.

 

Photography: Dennis Jourdan