Character Oak
This project is new construction located in Hinsdale, Illinois. The scope included the kitchen, butler’s pantry, and mudroom. The clients are on the verge of being empty nesters and so they decided to right size. They came from a far more traditional home, and they were open to things outside of their comfort zone. O’Brien Harris Cabinetry in Chicago (OBH) collaborated on the project with the design team but especially with the builder from J. Jordan Homes. The architecture of this home is interesting and defined by large floor to ceiling windows. This created a challenge in the kitchen finding wall space for large appliances.
“In essence we only had one wall and so we chose to orient the cooking on that wall. That single wall is defined on the left by a window and on the right by the mudroom. That left us with another challenge – where to place the ovens and refrigerator. We then created a vertically clad wall disguising appliances which floats in between the kitchen and dining room”, says Laura O’Brien.
The room is defined by interior transom windows and a peninsula was created between the kitchen and the casual dining for separation but also for added storage. To keep it light and open a transparent brass and glass shelving was designed for dishes and glassware located above the peninsula.
The butler’s pantry is located behind the kitchen and between the dining room and a lg exterior window to front of the home. Its main function is to house additional appliances. The wall at the butler’s pantry portal was thickened to accommodate additional shelving for open storage. obrienharris.com