Fresh Start

By
July 2019 View more

Photography by Bari Baskin

Custom cabinets from Chicago Wood Works Design Inc. were designed to include a baking station—with a lower counter for kneading dough—and a shelf that lifts a KitchenAid mixer to counter height.

A striking backsplash features 8-inch concrete Bayona Deco tiles from Floor & Decor.

Light fixtures that were repurposed from the hallway and study highlight a tiled ceiling treatment over the kitchen island.

Schaub and Company brushed-bronze cabinet handles from Wayfair provide a mixed metal look against the stainless steel appliances, including a Dacor stove.

Mike and Lisa O’Connell have lived on a quiet cul-de-sac in Winding Creek for the last 26 years. After raising a daughter and four sons in the house, the couple considered moving, but instead they chose to renovate for the next life phase of life: grandkids.

“I wanted to make it more modern for them,” says designer Philip W Venticinque of Design 25 in Chicago. “It was really worn from the five kids, and the closet/pantry configuration in the kitchen was really tight.”

The result is a fresh, modern look with clean lines. “The kids are getting older now,” says Lisa, “and now we can do things that are a little less practical.”—MD

By borrowing space from the front living room, Venticinque moved the pantry out of the center of the kitchen, which opened up the dining room to the kitchen using sliding glass barn doors (open above). “The barn doors really started the whole project,” says Lisa. “They give us privacy without feeling closed in.” Below a Crystorama chandelier sits a Curata round dining table by Hooker, which features a plated black nickel base. “Lisa hated the table at first,” admits Venticinque. “She thought it was too modern, but I was able to convince her to do most of the things I suggested.”
A touch of personality was added to the family room that reflects Mike’s job—the wood beams and mantle were sourced from the lumber division of his construction services company. The limestone was quarried by Oakfield Stone Company in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Extra stone was added to corner accents on the exterior of the house by contractor IG Interiors in Lockport.