Kitchen Remodel Before and After: A Chicago Home Transformation

The Challenge

When a long-time Chicago family contacted R-Deco about their kitchen, they faced a common dilemma in older homes: a kitchen that had not been updated since the early 1990s, with dark oak cabinets, laminate countertops, fluorescent lighting, and a closed-off layout that separated the kitchen from the family room. They wanted a modern, open kitchen that worked for a busy family of five — but they also wanted to respect the character of their 1960s-era colonial.

The Plan

After a thorough consultation and design phase, we developed a renovation plan that addressed every concern:

• Remove the non-load-bearing wall between the kitchen and family room to create an open floor plan
• Install new custom cabinetry in a warm white finish with soft-close hardware
• Replace laminate countertops with quartz in a neutral veined pattern
• Add a center island with seating for three, featuring additional storage and an electrical outlet for small appliances
• Install new LVP flooring throughout the kitchen and family room for a seamless look
• Upgrade lighting with recessed LED fixtures and pendant lights over the island
• Replace all appliances with energy-efficient stainless steel models
• Add a tile backsplash in a classic subway pattern with a modern twist

The Process

The project took seven weeks from demolition to final walkthrough. R-Deco managed every aspect, including permits from the City of Chicago, structural engineering for the wall removal, and coordination of plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and flooring trades. We set up a temporary kitchen in the dining room so the family could manage meals throughout the project.

One surprise we encountered — and one that is common in older Chicago homes — was outdated wiring that did not meet current code. We upgraded the kitchen's electrical system with dedicated circuits for major appliances and GFCI-protected outlets along the countertops.

The Result

The finished kitchen is unrecognizable from the original. The open layout has transformed how the family uses their home, with the kitchen now flowing naturally into the family room. Morning sunlight fills the space through windows that were previously blocked by the dividing wall. The warm white cabinetry brightens the room while the quartz countertops and wood-toned flooring add natural warmth.

What the Homeowner Said

"We should have done this years ago. R-Deco made the process so much easier than we expected. The team was professional, communicative, and clearly experienced with homes like ours. We love our new kitchen." — Chicago homeowner, 2025 project