This Kitchen Makeover Puts a Fresh Spin on Classic Style

Most people renovate to make things look new, but Bri and Charlie Kellogg did the opposite: Their Oak Park, Illinois, home dates back to 1887, so when they set out to redo the kitchen, they turned to the past for inspiration.

The couple leaned on local designer Robin Titus-Schwadron to help honor the home’s history while revamping the space in their own style. She struck a balance by opening the floor plan and layering in custom pieces that would stand out from the cabinetry. “We didn’t want anything to look new new,” says Robin. She also chose a lot of natural finishes, like marble counters, to make the space look timeless. “We like a little quirkiness, so it’s definitely personal, but it’s also designed to work just as well decades from now,” Bri says.

The Design Details

Painted Cabinets

The Kelloggs requested light blue cabinets, and Colorado Gray by Benjamin Moore was just right. “It gives the kitchen a real calmness,” says Bri. The ceramic square tiles above the marble backsplash add some texture to the walls. “Each piece reflects the light in different ways.”

Custom Island

“We wanted our island to look more like furniture than a heavy solid block,” Bri says. Robin suggested this counter-height, table-style version with turned oak legs and a soapstone top. The stools are from Serena & Lily.

Wood Accents

A white oak hood emphasizes the tall ceilings and matches the exposed beams and the island. “All the wood adds lived-in character,” says Robin. The windows are trimmed in red oak stain to match the rest of the house.

Breakfast Nook

This is everyone’s favorite spot in the morning: The banquette is an old radiator topped with a custom cushion! The pedestal table is from Etsy and the chairs are from Anthropologie.