A chance find on a design website sparked a complete transformation for David and Sara, a young couple living in a high-rise apartment in downtown Chicago. They had long wanted to remodel their kitchen to reflect a modern, urban lifestyle—clean lines, practical solutions, and a bold, personal color that would set the tone for the entire space.
After a search for the right contractor, David located Corner on Google Maps. Sara fell in love with a sleek green matte aesthetic and the minimalist “Rebel” design she discovered. Though David was initially cautious—modern kitchens often lean toward neutral palettes—the couple decided to embrace something distinct and expressive.
Design Built Around a Thoughtful Color Choice
Sara selected painted super-matte cabinet fronts in a distinctive green from the NCS palette. That shade became the central idea for the remodel: bold yet calming, modern yet warm. The finish and color guided every other decision, from countertops to appliances, creating a cohesive aesthetic throughout the kitchen and adjacent living area.
At first David worried the green might overpower the space, but the couple balanced it with light surfaces, strategic lighting, and minimalist hardware. The result feels both contemporary and inviting—a space that reflects their personalities while remaining functional for daily life.
From Compact Kitchen to Open Concept Hub
The renovation began with a focus on maximizing functionality in a limited footprint. Walls were rethought, storage was optimized, and sightlines were opened to integrate the kitchen with the living area. The open-plan layout allows cooking, dining, and socializing to flow naturally, turning the kitchen into the central gathering point of their home.
Eye-Catching Island as a Central Feature
The island was conceived as the kitchen’s centerpiece. Clad in a luxurious Dekton Aura countertop, it doubles as a practical work surface and a refined visual divider between kitchen and living room. The couple chose to omit barstools to keep the transition between spaces open and uncluttered, letting the island anchor the room without interrupting the flow.
Clean, Hidden Solutions for Everyday Tasks
Practical details were woven into the design to preserve the sleek look. An integrated pull-out garbage bin beneath the sink keeps waste out of sight. Recessed handles and handleless fronts maintain uninterrupted cabinet planes, reinforcing the kitchen’s minimalist silhouette while making cleaning and upkeep simple.
Seamless Appliance Integration
Major appliances were integrated to preserve the room’s visual continuity. The built-in refrigerator is paneled in the same matte green as the cabinetry, blending into the wall of storage. Sleek, modern wall ovens and a compact convection speed oven are installed flush with the cabinetry, providing professional-level cooking performance without breaking the minimalist lines.
Thoughtful Storage and Worksurfaces
Inside drawers, a solid wood cutlery tray organizer adjusts to different utensil sizes and keeps daily essentials neatly arranged. Pull-out drawers and layered shelving make the most of available cabinet space, while the choice of durable, low-maintenance materials ensures the kitchen can handle everyday use.
Integrated Cooking Ventilation and Focused Lighting
The cooktop features integrated downdraft ventilation built into the island, removing the need for a bulky overhead hood and keeping sightlines clean. Under-cabinet LED strips illuminate work surfaces, improving task lighting and highlighting the countertop texture in the evenings.
An Elegant, Cohesive Result
The remodeled kitchen has become the focal point of David and Sara’s home. The open-plan layout and unified materials create a space where cooking, dining, and entertaining happen effortlessly. For them, the kitchen is more than a place to prepare meals—it’s a warm, functional centerpiece where daily routines and special moments converge.
“We love cooking and living in this space,” David says. “Every morning when we make coffee here, it feels like the heart of our home.”
“The kitchen has truly become central to how we live,” Sara adds. “It supports our everyday needs and feels beautiful at the same time.”