“My kitchen is so easy to work in yet so gracious for entertaining; the space functions like a small kitchen inside a large one.”

Hot on the heels of her recognition at the 2008 / 2009 Wolf Sub-Zero Kitchen Design Contest in February, Drury Design’s Tina Muller was honored with an award at the 2010 NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) 2010 Design Competion for her striking traditional kitchen design for a very delighted client.

Held at Center Stage in the NKBA’s Design Center at the 2010 NKBA Design Competition Awards Ceremony April 16th in Chicago during the 2010 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago, Tina’s award winning kitchen design was given third place in the large kitchen category.

Art of the Industry 2010 NKBA Design Competition Finalist in NKBA Profiles Magazine

Open only to NKBA members, the NKBA Design Competition recognizes the talent of kitchen and bath designers to plan functional and beautiful spaces. For 2010, the NKBA received 550 entries in ten categories. Each entry is judged based on visual appeal and creativity, as well as basic principles of design, presentation, safety and ergonomics using the NKBA Kitchen and Bath Planning Guidelines.

“The National Kitchen & Bath Association is pleased to showcase the best kitchen and bathrooms created by NKBA designs over the past year,” said 2010 NKBA President and Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer Mark L. Karas CMKBS. “These spaces are the epitome of expert form and function.”

“What I love about the kitchen- its fresh, elegant and timeless offering everything for today’s busy lifestyle” says Tina.“My client said it perfectly, ‘My kitchen is so easy to work in yet so gracious for entertaining; the space functions like a small kitchen inside a large one.’”

Designer Tina Muller

Hats off to our client, Tina Muller and the Drury Design team that helped bring this project to life. To learn more about our client-focused design approach, drop us a line at jim@drurydesigns.com or post a comment below.

Drury Design makes the March 2010 Cover of Kitchen Trends Magazine

Drury Design for a Burr Ridge Client Makes the Cover of Kitchen Trends

An eye-catching element within a design can set the scene for a project. Textures, materials and even the architecture of the entire space can take their cue from a strong centerpiece. This expansive kitchen, by kitchen designer Gail Drury, CMKBD with input from interior designer Janie Petkus, is part of a large-room addition to a home with mostly smaller-scale interiors.

Source: March 2010 Kitchen Trends Magazine featuring Drury Design

A recent Burr Ridge, Illinois kitchen design project made the cover of the March 2010 Kitchen Trends magazine.  Inside, the six-page pictorial highlights the unique design features and materials.  Designed by Gail Drury, CMKBD, this kitchen project and home remodel was also a finalist in the 2009 NKBA Design Visions design competition.

To view the full story, “Leading Statement,” and to learn more about the custom cabinetry, other material selections and the unique design features of this remarkable kitchen, visit TrendsIdeas.com.

While you’re there, browse additional articles about Drury Design kitchen and bath projects in Trends Kitchen Magazine.

To learn more about our client-focused design approach, drop us a line at jim@drurydesigns.com or post a comment below.  Check out the most recent issue of our semi-annual publication, Design Guide. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest in kitchen and bath design news and trends.

Here’s a clip . . . 

“A lot of it is simple engineering stuff,” she said. “Most beginning designers have made one of these mistakes once early on in their careers — and they will never make it again.”

With over 1,000 Chicago area custom kitchen and bath projects in our collective Drury Design client portfolio, we’re ready to help you tackle your greatest challenges with award-winning designers, an infinite material selection and an experienced installation team.

To request a complimentary Chicago area in-home kitchen, bath or other room design consultation, email jim@drurydesigns.com or call us at 630.469.4980.

A lot of time is spent in the kitchen, bathroom and other areas in which the room’s décor is critical.  With today’s technologies, you can easily hide video screens and music speakers virtually anywhere.

There are  three main techniques used to hide televisions in these areas.

Built In TV's can go almost anywhere (FirstPoint Image)

Mirror TV’s –

Today’s mirror TVs boast fantastic picture quality.  When turned off, your bath or kitchen will have a fully functional mirror.  However, when turned on, the TV will fill some or most of the mirror area to display a TV image and can use built-in speakers or send audio to speakers installed elsewhere in the room.

Motorized lifts can add unique opportunities to mount TV's in the kitchen

Motorized lifts –

Especially effective in busy kitchens, a full line of motorized lifts can be used to hide your TV.  Drop down lifts can be used to hide the TV behind cabinets and then drop down when needed above the counter space.

Or, at the end of a counter or within an island, pop-up lifts can be employed to raise a TV from a hidden space when needed.  The TV can then also pivot for great viewing from all around the room.

HDTV's can be conealed with custom framed artwork

TV as a Work of Art -

In some locations, particularly above fireplaces in great rooms, or in master bedrooms, the stately décor and ambiance of the room can best be maintained through motorized artwork that conceals the flat panel television.

High definition screen prints of your family, custom artwork or custom frames are all available.  You can even replace the artwork over time as your family grows.

The dramatic color contrast and clean lines make this kitchen a timeless classic.

The Mission

This kitchen serves a very busy family of four.  The home located in the Aurora / Naperville area was built in the 1980’s and possessed a lot of desirable amenities; however, the layout of this kitchen was very tight and not functional for the family’s lifestyle.

“I felt like my designer really cared about my project and wanted it to be as beautiful as my husband and I did.”

The goals for this dramatic kitchen renovation were straight forward for this family of four:

• Open up a very “closed-in” kitchen to optimize traffic flow and use of space for family gatherings and entertaining
• Create an island with ample seating
• Transitional styling with dramatic yet classic color scheme and clean lines
• Create specific activity areas by strategically relocating the placement of the new appliances for optimum function and aesthetics
• Replace tile counter materials with granite
• Increase storage including space for collectibles and cookbooks

Before Image

The Challenge

The homeowners wanted more open space and a better traffic flow that would support a lot of people. Their wish list included a more dramatic color scheme and replacing their tile counter tops with smooth granite. Frequent entertaining dictated a 48” range, 42” refrigerator, microwave oven, dishwasher, and warming drawer. The refrigerator and wall ovens needed to be moved from the oddly angled wall that placed them in a major walkway.

A desk area was not needed; however, the client requested a designated message center to hide messy paperwork. In addition, she wanted ample display space for her cookbooks and collectibles. The biggest challenge on this project was including  all the appliances leaving adequate storage capacity in the cooking, baking, and clean-up zone.

The free standing hutch features glass doors, lighting and storage for collectables.

The Solution

The client also wanted as much seating at the island as possible, but overall space and pre-determined walkways dictated the actual size. The main sink, dishwasher, pull out wastebasket, microwave oven, and warming drawer are all housed in the island, keeping the cooking and baking zone separated from the traffic flow and lingering guests. The island seats 5 people comfortably and offers a great baking surface for the cook and homework area for the children. A decorative bookcase on the end displays favorite cookbooks and pottery and adds interest as the room is entered.

The former walled-in pantry and desk area were removed and the refrigerator, pantry, small coffee bar, and angled open display space took their place, allowing better access to these essential functions for the cook. The range stayed in the same location with ample storage for cookware. Drawers provide storage for  cutlery, spices and dishware, while upper cabinets store glassware on one side and cooking supplies on the other. The entire wall, with its off-white inset cabinetry, decorative hood, corbels, fluted trim, and subway-style natural stone back splash create a soft, but striking focal point.

The separate furniture-styled hutch includes lighted glass display cabinets. However, the client also uses it to store school papers and small appliances in addition to extra sets of decorative dishware and glasses.

Before Image

The original opening to the family room was on the breakfast nook end of the kitchen, however this location was not conducive to the desired traffic flow. The opening was closed up and a new arched opening was built across from the main part of the kitchen. This provides a wider walkway behind the new island and makes the entire kitchen appear more spacious. Now, when the owners are cooking, they can see directly into the family room, increasing their contact with guests.

The open plan of this kitchen facilitates entertaining and gathering.

The espresso-colored cherry cabinets on the pantry wall and hutch are contrasted by the soft white cabinetry of the range wall and island, and the rich, chocolate wood floors. The result is a simple, yet distinctive kitchen,  addressing all of the clients goals and is exactly what the client was hoping to achieve.

Materials List:

Cabinetry:The Grabill Cabinet Company

Door Style: Island & Hood -White Paint over Maple

Hutch & Pantry Wall – Espresso Stain over Cherry

Countertop Materials: Cashmere Gold, Granite

Appliances: 48” Wolf Dual Fuel Range w/Griddle

42” Kitchen Aid French Door Refrigerator

GE Microwave

Wolf Warming Drawer

Miele Dishwasher

Sink / Faucet: Blanco Sink / Kohler Faucet & Soap Dispenser

The compact and efficient work triangle leaves room for guests in the kitchen.

Client comments and commendation:

“It is Amazing – Our kitchen is perfect for our family. It’s beautiful as well as practical for children and an active family. My husband and I love our eleven foot island. It’s fabulous for food preparation, homework, and for entertaining a large crowd.”

“For anyone considering a major kitchen remodel, my advice would be to use a company like Drury who has one team working on your kitchen. I loved having the same crew at my home every day. We never had to wait for the plumber to show up, or wait for the electrician to come. Our kitchen crew did everything from plumbing to lighting. They took pride in their work because they were there from day one until completion.”

“Drury is a tough act to follow. They are excellent at returning phone calls and following up. My husband and I will always use Drury Design for all our major re-modeling projects. It was a pleasure working with Drury Design.”

Kerri Harter – Aurora / Naperville IL

-         For additional information or a referral list for our Chicagoland clients drop us a line below.