Over the years the kitchen has transformed from a work space into a multi-faceted center of the home. Not only does the kitchen provide our physical sustenance, but also it’s where the whole family hangs out, where kids do their homework, where guests gather for cocktails and more. These five kitchens in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs take their role as epicenter seriously; they are as stylish as they are practical.
1845 North Orchard, Chicago, $6,288,888
Built on a wide lot in Lincoln Park, this 5-bedroom residence is framed with carved limestone and brick. The Christopher Peacock kitchen is appointed with Waterworks fixtures, two Sub-Zero refrigerators and a farmhouse sink. A full outdoor kitchen is visible through the French doors leading to the patio. Another great feature of this home is the luxurious primary suite, which includes a dressing room, a steam shower and a freestanding soaking tub.
111 East Onwentsia Road, Lake Forest, $5,700,000
Designed by architectural firm Liederbach & Graham, this 6-bedroom estate is full of finely crafted details: vaulted ceilings, turret windows and wide-plank wood floors, to name a few. Tucked into the generous chef’s kitchen is a cozy fireplace and intimate seating area. The kitchen also includes hand-carved French cabinets, floors of reclaimed terracotta tiles, and a warm beam ceiling.
5319 Blodgett Avenue, Downers Grove, $2,499,000
This 6-bedroom, newer home—built in 2011—was designed for how families live today, with an open-concept floor plan and a kitchen that’s well-equipped for everyday life and entertaining. It includes: a butler’s pantry; a large center island; and high-end appliances, including a Wolf range, two Sub-Zero fridges, a wine fridge, a double oven and two dishwashers. The kitchen flows right into the comfy family room. Elsewhere, there’s an indoor sports court and an at-home wellness spa.
905 Voltz Road, Northbrook, $2,290,000
This 5-bedroom home sits on more than an acre in East Northbrook. It offers 10,000 square feet of living space, along with a 4-car, attached garage and an in-ground pool. The chef’s kitchen is fully appointed with double ovens, a large island, a wine fridge and more. There’s plenty of room for gathering and entertaining, thanks to a generous eat-in area and a sizable butler’s pantry that includes double closets, a sink and a dishwasher.
2309 North Geneva Terrace, Chicago, $3,750,000
This updated, East Lincoln Park home uses space and height to cultivate a breezy, coastal feel. Oversized living spaces offer multiple gathering areas with abundant light. The kitchen is designed for high-caliber entertaining, with a 10-burner commercial stove and a wood-burning pizza oven. Mexican terracotta floors, an enormous quartz island with bar seating, and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry complete this dream kitchen.
How to Help:
If you’re interested in helping more people have access to design services, you can support the nonprofit Designs for Dignity, which transforms nonprofit environments through pro bono design services and in-kind donations.
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Stephanie Fallon is a freelance writer who has spent her professional career in non-profit adult education, first in adult English literacy at Blue Ridge Literacy and then overseeing interpretation and public programming for the Taubman Museum of Art. She lives in Roanoke, Virginia and writes about visual culture, design, motherhood, and work.
