Cottage Kitchen NKBA Award Winning Design by Lisa VandenDool

This uncluttered Cottage Style Kitchen was designed by Susan Klimala CKD of The Kitchen Studio. Photographer: Michael Johnson

Susan Klimala CKD of Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn won Third Place in category C of the National Kitchen and Bath Association's Design Competition from 2006. Susan entered the kitchen remodel project from her own home, which is located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, in the western suburbs of Chicago. The NKBA's panel judged the projects on visual appeal, creativity, elements and principles of design presentation (quality of floor plan, perspective and photos) basic safety and ergonomics. Renovation Experts interviewed Susan Klimala to learn more about her successful kitchen remodel. Renovation Experts:What is the style of your home? Susan:The home was a 1950's Garrison Colonial that was completely gutted and remodeled. Its new style would best be described as a cottage style home. There are elements of Arts and Crafts and elements of French Country in the home but they are subtle and work well together in a way where neither one dominates.

Renovation Experts: How did you decide on the style for the design of your kitchen?

Susan: I decided on the cottage style for my design because I wanted the kitchen to look like it might have always been there. The design started from the 3 large windows over the sink that look out over a view of a wide open park in the back.

Renovation Experts:What kitchen features were important to you as the homeowner?

Susan: The features that were important to me were:

• 1) Having an island to use for entertaining, seating and food preparation
• 2) Incorporating an eat-in area which was accomplished with the built-in banquette
• 3) Keeping the space open to the adjoining family room and screened porch
• 4) Heavy duty appliances that would function well for my family of 5.

Three large windows were the starting point for Susan Klimala's kitchen. The farmhouse sink and white painted cabinets exemplify the Cottage design style of the space. Photographer: Michael Johnson	The kitchen's island, ideal for hosting guests, is a focal point that provides extra workspace. Susan's banquette, equipped with a LCD TV, is recessed into its own alcove. Photographer: Michael Johnson

Renovation Experts:What design features characterize your cottage style?

Susan: The design features that characterize my cottage style:

• Materials from the past
• Simple inset cabinets painted white
• Soapstone & butcher-block countertops
• An apron sink

Renovation Experts: What do you consider to be your signature design style?

Susan:My signature design style is using simple, uncluttered design, and focusing more on the materials and forms than on the decorative embellishments. I always try to incorporate as many windows into my designs as possible and this is always my starting point with any kitchen.

Renovation Experts:What products and finishes did you feature in this kitchen design?

Susan: The appliances, products and finishes I used in my kitchen remodel are:

Renovation Experts: A mark of true success in a design project is whether or not the homeowners are pleased. Are you happy with the results? How about your family?

Susan:The homeowners (us!) are extremely happy with the results. As a designer, it was a true pleasure to design all the details that went into our new home.

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