Historic Form, Modern Function

With a blend of stunning design and impeccable functionality, this Illinois kitchen is the perfect gathering place for family and friends.

- LAUREN HOFER

Tips for Crafting a Functional Dream Kitchen

1. Function First. While in other rooms of the house, function can occasionally be sacrificed, in a well-used kitchen, it truly matters. Use the parameters of the space to create flow that works for your needs, not one that merely looks nice.

2. Clearances that Work. Susan says her first essential when renovating a kitchen is making sure there is enough space for movement. “The smaller the space, the smaller the clearances can be,” she says, noting the need for flexibility in limited kitchens like this one.

3. Big Changes. To make this small kitchen more functional, Susan removed an entire breakfast nook and created a dining space around the island. Creative solutions sometimes look different than you might expect and require some risk.