English Cottage Kitchen Remodel in Chicago, Illinois
SW Pewter Green Cabinetry & Sawn White Oak Island
This custom kitchen remodel in Chicago was designed to unify the kitchen and eating area while maintaining the cozy English-cottage feel the homeowners loved. The goal was to visually lighten the range wall, create a functional pantry, introduce a custom banquette breakfast nook, and rework the layout to feel more open and expansive.
Through thoughtful cabinetry design and material selection, we achieved a space that feels warm, timeless, and highly functional.
Kitchen Design Details & Materials
The perimeter kitchen cabinets were finished in Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green, paired with SW Alabaster walls to create depth without overpowering the space. The cabinetry features a frameless full overlay construction with a refined Clarendon Hills door profile, offering a clean but traditional look.
The island was crafted from sawn white oak and finished in a rich dark walnut stain, adding warmth and contrast. The island includes an open cabinet section for display and storage, along with a distinctive arched toekick detail that elevates the craftsmanship.
The countertops include:
– Soapstone countertop and backsplash along the range wall
– Calacatta Nectar Quartz island countertop with a classic ogee edge profile
Additional custom details include:
– Seedy glass cabinet inserts
– Wood floating shelves
– Shiplap paneling
– Finished upper cabinet bottoms
– Integrated LED light strip under cabinetry
– Hardware and lighting from Rejuvenation
Together, these elements create dimension and layered texture while maintaining cohesion throughout the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes custom kitchen cabinets different from stock cabinets?
Custom kitchen cabinets are built specifically for your space, allowing for exact sizing, unique door profiles, specialized storage solutions, and higher-quality construction. This ensures better functionality and design cohesion.
What color is SW Pewter Green?
SW Pewter Green is a deep, muted green with gray undertones. It offers richness without feeling overly dark, making it ideal for English cottage or transitional kitchen designs.
Is soapstone a good backsplash material?
Yes. Soapstone is durable, heat resistant, and develops a natural patina over time. It works beautifully in classic and cottage-style kitchens.
What is a frameless full overlay cabinet?
Frameless full overlay cabinets eliminate the face frame, allowing cabinet doors to fully cover the box. This provides a clean, seamless appearance and maximizes interior storage space.
Why choose a sawn white oak island?
Sawn white oak offers beautiful straight grain patterns and superior stability. When paired with a dark walnut stain, it creates warmth and contrast against painted cabinetry.