A kitchen renovation can transform a home, turning an ordinary cooking space into the heart of daily life. For David and Sara, a couple living in Chicago, the decision to renovate their apartment kitchen paid off in both form and function. Their project modernized the layout, improved workflow and storage, and introduced a calm, contemporary palette that elevates the entire living area.
The couple took time to find the right contractor. Sara was particularly drawn to the Rebel design by Corner, admiring the craftsmanship and considered details of that collection. After careful planning and some convincing, David supported her choice of a bold sage green that gives the kitchen its distinctive, warm-modern character.
Kitchen Layout Before
Before the renovation, the kitchen felt closed-off and narrow. Walls and an awkward circulation pattern limited light and made the space feel cramped—typical challenges in many older apartments. The original arrangement restricted movement and isolated the kitchen from the rest of the home.
Kitchen Layout After
The redesigned layout opens the kitchen to the living area and hallway, creating an airy, connected environment. Removing barriers allowed natural light to flow freely, improving sightlines and making the apartment feel larger. The open plan supports social cooking and entertaining, with the kitchen now integrated into daily life rather than hidden away.
Cabinets Before
The original cabinetry was dated: warm-toned wood with dark hardware that made the space feel heavier and visually fragmented. Storage was adequate but lacked the refinement and seamless integration desired for a modern apartment kitchen.
Cabinets After
New full-height cabinetry in a soft sage green gives the kitchen a contemporary, cohesive look. The updated cabinets conceal appliances and storage, improving flow and visual calm. The subdued color pairs with light countertops and warm flooring to create an inviting balance between modern style and timeless comfort.
Oven Before
The original oven and range were a conventional stainless-steel unit with exposed burners. It was functional but didn’t support the seamless, integrated aesthetic the homeowners wanted.
Oven After
Upgraded built-in ovens are stacked into the cabinetry, enhancing a sleek, luxury feel. Moving the cooktop to the island creates a better work triangle, allowing the chef to face guests and keeping the wall run clean and uncluttered.
Fridge Before
The refrigerator had been placed in a spot that interrupted circulation, protruding into the walkway and disrupting the kitchen’s flow.
Fridge After
The new refrigerator is fully integrated behind matching cabinet panels, visually streamlined and tucked into the run of storage. This concealed solution improves circulation and keeps the overall look consistent.
Dishwasher Before
The original stainless dishwasher was serviceable and conveniently located, but it didn’t blend with the new design the homeowners envisioned.
Dishwasher After
The dishwasher remains in an efficient location but is now finished to match the sage cabinetry, giving that corner a cohesive, refined appearance. Upgraded hardware and panel integration complete the look.
Kitchen Island Before
Originally the counter extended to double as an island with stools, highlighting how cramped the space felt and limiting flexible use.
Kitchen Island After
The renovation introduced a generous, sculpted island without seating, opening circulation and creating a clear separation between cooking and lounging areas. The island houses the cooktop and provides expansive prep surface and storage, solidifying the kitchen as the social center of the apartment.
Sink Before
The old sink was a practical stainless double-basin with standard fixtures, functional but visually conventional.
Sink After
The updated sink is a deep, matte-black basin with a refined faucet and an additional dedicated drinking-water faucet. This choice enhances durability and ties in with darker appliance accents for a contemporary, intentional look.
Garbage Bin Before
The older freestanding bin was bulky and sat in an awkward spot, interrupting floor space despite matching other stainless finishes.
Garbage Bin After
The renovation integrates pull-out, hidden waste bins into the cabinetry for a cleaner, more organized appearance. This small but thoughtful feature contributes to the kitchen’s streamlined, efficient design.
Overall, David and Sara’s renovation demonstrates how targeted changes—opening the plan, integrating appliances, selecting cohesive finishes, and adding thoughtful storage—can dramatically improve both the look and usability of a kitchen. The Rebel design by Corner helped guide material and layout choices, and the final result is a serene, functional kitchen that feels at once modern and livable, perfectly suited to apartment life and social cooking.