The Art of the Redo
Winning designs by local members of the National Kitchen and Bath Association
Issues: November-December 2010
The Art of the Redo: A luxuriously spa-like modern bath
THE DESIGNER Cathy Sparling C Spar Designs (cspardesigns.com) THE CHALLENGE Bring Art Deco glamour to a windowless bathroom. THE WISH LIST • CLEAN MODERN LINES • TOUCHES OF BLACK • CHIC SURPRISES • CUSTOM SHOWER THE RESULT Sparling turned a contractor’s special into an elegant bath with a dash of Jazz Age … Read more
The Art of the Redo: A powder room gets French polish
BEFORE THE DESIGNER Gladys Schanstra Drury Design (drurydesigns.com) THE CHALLENGE Give a nothing-special powder room burnished Old World appeal. THE WISH LIST • POWDER ROOM THAT FITS IN CLOSE QUARTERS • FURNITURE-STYLE VANITY • DRESSY VIBE THE RESULT Empty nesters (and frequent entertainers) who were overhauling a Wheaton townhouse wanted to … Read more
The Art of the Redo: Space that’s really smart
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 THE RESULT A busy family … Read more
The Art of the Redo: From congested to airy and upbeat
BEFORE THE DESIGNER Gladys Schanstra Drury Design (drurydesigns.com) THE CHALLENGE Take a dowdy, cramped kitchen and create a family hub that will function smoothly even in high gear. THE WISH LIST • IMPROVED TRAFFIC FLOW • MORE COUNTER SPACE • COUNTER SEATING INSTEAD OF FREESTANDING TABLE • A FEELING OF SPACIOUSNESS … Read more
The Art of the Redo: An everything-including-the-kitchen-sink conversion
BEFORE THE DESIGNER Linda Larisch Insignia Kitchen & Bath Design Group (insigniakitchenandbath.com) THE CHALLENGE Inject a dull, styleless kitchen with urban smarts. THE WISH LIST • A CENTER ISLAND THAT LOOKS LIKE FURNITURE • A 48-INCH STOVE • A 48-INCH REFRIGERATOR • A LARGE PANTRY, INCLUDING BROOM STORAGE • BEVERAGE CENTER–BAR AREA • PLACE … Read more
The Art of the Redo: From boring to bold
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 … Read more
Refinishing School
A splash of fresh paint, a bolt of fab fabric, and suddenly, everything old is cool again. Hip refinishing and upholstery shops are cropping up all over, and their pros are great at seeing the potential in your grandmother’s old chaise. Most sell completed pieces and also take commissions. Who says a vintage chair can’t learn a new trick?
Gilt Trip
’Tis the season to go gold, but big bling? We’re over it. From subtle glimmers that feel timeless and appealingly broken-in to small, dazzling accessories that are just plain fun, these touches always get the party started.
Marina Life
Who hasn’t stared up at the iconic corncobs of Bertrand Goldberg’s Marina City and wondered who lives there? Photographer Andreas E. G. Larsson, a frequent Chicago Home + Garden contributor, has been long fascinated by the complex, completed in 1962. So when he met Marina City resident Iker Gil—an architect from Spain who heads MAS … Read more