7 Things You Can Implement in Your Chicago Lake-View Kitchen Remodel
Your Chicago lake-view kitchen is more than a place to cook delicious meals and spend time with loved ones — it’s a continuation of a breathtaking city skyline against Lake Michigan. If you’re lucky enough to live on the water in the Windy City or surrounding suburbs, you’ll want a home remodel to maximize function and nature.
There are several ways to transform your cook area to match the lake aesthetic, whether you’re interested in a complete kitchen remodeling project or more subtle changes. Here are seven things you can implement to create a captivating culinary space with a waterfront backdrop.
1. Island With Seating
When you think of the ultimate kitchen remodel, does an island come to mind? According to a House Digest survey, 51% of homeowners agree it creates the best kitchen layout. Islands often become prime areas to eat and entertain guests. Therefore, you should consider an overhanging countertop to accommodate seating. Islands also deliver extra space for preparing meals and storage. Some favor a sink built into their island, while others prefer a clean slab.
Regardless of your island design, a waterfall countertop offers a luxurious, modern look while playing up lake vibes. This is especially appealing when using a quartz top with unique veining.
2. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Imagine uninterrupted views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan while standing over your stovetop. Maximize your lake-view kitchen remodeling project with floor-to-ceiling windows, connecting your interiors to the outdoors.
Incorporating this feature into your design will make the space more expansive and bright. If you’re worried about privacy and energy efficiency, motorized solar shades or other window treatments are an excellent addition and regulate indoor temperature during peak sunlight.
3. Light Color Palette
According to a recent study, blue rooms boost a home’s value by 1.6%, which may sound like a small amount but translates into a big value. However, while blue is the perfect color for a lake- view kitchen, you may want to opt for a pastel saturation.
A light paint color palette complements the open and breezy space, especially if you install large windows. Whites and neutrals are other timeless options for a cleaner look.
If you want to add a bolder hue, you might do so at a much smaller scale, such as painting the kitchen island a navy or pine green. Two-toned cabinets are another option — one color on top and another on the bottom. Although painting cabinets with two or three coats yourself is simple enough, it’s best to let the experts help you select the best design.
4. Smart Storage
When starting a kitchen remodeling project to highlight spectacular lake views, it’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics. Don’t forget about innovative storage solutions, though. Custom cabinetry — pull-out draws, adjustable shelves and corner cabinets — will meet all your culinary needs. Other storage options include:
- Draw dividers and trays for utensils
- Pull-out shelves and bins in the pantry
- Hanging racks
- Lid organizers
Smart storage helps you keep your kitchen clean and organized to enjoy your lake view without distractions.
5. Efficient Layout
Homeowners shouldn’t overlook an efficient layout during kitchen remodeling. The ultimate setup is crucial for maximizing foot traffic and functionality. For example, you wouldn’t want to travel far to load dirty dishes, so ensure the sink and dishwasher are near each other. Your refrigerator and pantry should also be close to your food preparation area for easy access to ingredients.
The average kitchen is 100 square feet in a 1,000-2,000 square foot home. This may seem limited, especially since your kitchen island should occupy 10% of the space. Carefully plan your lake view kitchen’s layout with a professional to ensure an enjoyable result.
6. Natural Materials
Natural elements infuse warmth and tranquility while blending into your lake view. Hardwood floors, open shelves and earthy stone — like granite, quartz and marble — are durable options for your kitchen remodel. Likewise, bamboo products are more sustainable than traditional wood floors and cabinetry.
You may add wooden beams to your ceiling for a cabin aesthetic, even if you paint them white to match the ceiling. If real wooden beams are too costly for your budget, faux beams look real and are a fraction of the price.
7. Statement Lighting
There’s a reason why an extra hour of natural light equates to a 2.4% higher home value — adequate lighting improves people’s well-being and happiness. Windows covering 40% of the wall — including the kitchen — significantly impact one’s overall mood.
Statement lighting tremendously affects your lake view and should deliver a focal point in the kitchen area. Choose fixtures matching your ideal style, such as a sleek and modern chandelier or rustic pendant lighting. Size also matters as you want the fixtures to be proportionate to the space.
Of course, ensure lighting is bright enough to illuminate your kitchen. Consider adding dimmer switches to achieve brighter lighting while preparing food and creating a calming dining atmosphere.
Let 4Ever Remodeling Bring Your Dream Lake View Kitchen to Life
A team of home remodeling professionals is just what you need to make your lake-view kitchen a reality. At 4Ever Remodeling, we know how vital your cooking and eating area is to your household. Here, you can count on industry experts to capture the panorama waterfront kitchen design you’ve always wanted. Call us today at 847-809-3355 to schedule your free in-homeconsultation.
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