MARCH 2021 RETAILOBSERVER.COM
11
Our favorite projects are those that begin with seemingly impossible
obstacles that we solve to create a result the client never knew was possible.
For this project it was when a client saw a co-op that they loved, but the
kitchen was a galley without a view. They asked us to see if it could be fixed.
Our hope was to relocate the galley kitchen so that it could have Lake
Michigan and Chicago city views, but it had never been done before in this
co-op building. The building engineer's initial comment was, "It's impossible".
But we found a way. We designed a nearly 40' long drain and furred out
walls to meet the building requirements so the kitchen could be relocated to
a former bedroom overlooking the lake. It was not easy, but also not
"impossible." That change gave the kitchen two large windows including a
view of the lake, but we wanted to take things further so we opened the wall
to the living room and created a steel and glass divider to further allow light
and Lake Michigan views between the two spaces. We even designed a
mirror-finish stainless steel hood and used high-gloss panels to further
reflect light. Now from all vantage points you could see the city and the
lakefront.
Aesthetically the client wanted something strong, bold and modern but
not a complete departure from the 1928 Benjamin Marshall building the unit
was within. The style needed to reflect the building's traditional roots but
feel fresh for this young modern client.
With a focus on traditional symmetry and balance, we designed a striking
oxblood kitchen with inset high-gloss panels that bounce light and add
drama while subtly creating great functionality. The fridge, dishwasher, trash,
and storage are all fully integrated so nothing distracts from the striking
views — both of the kitchen and the lake. Where many would have added an
island, we instead used a freestanding table and chairs to create a true eat-in
kitchen experience where chef and diner can sit down to an intimate meal
together in an airy setting.
The result was a kitchen that fits the traditional historic building's
architectural language, yet feels completely fresh and modern for this young
family. It is a striking, bold, and light-filled oasis full of iconic views.
It's what our clients dreamed of, but everyone thought was impossible.
Summer Thornton,
Principal & Interior Designer
Summer Thornton Design, LLC
Chicago, Illinois
Vintage Co-op
BEST
OVERALL
