Kitchen Renovation

This kitchen renovation in Barrington, IL, completed in 2021, shows the kind of bright, hardworking space we love to build. We installed custom white shaker cabinets throughout the room and paired them with hardwood flooring, creating a clean, classic backdrop that lets the finishes do the talking. A double-hung window above the sink keeps the workspace filled with natural light, and we finished that wall with a farmhouse sink and a sleek black faucet — a simple combination that gives the room real character. The centerpiece of the project is the island. We built it in a soft gray to contrast with the white perimeter cabinetry, topped it with marble, and sized it with seating for four, so it works just as well for casual meals as it does for prep. Two large black pendant lights hang overhead and tie into the black hardware on the island's drawers. We also worked storage and everyday function directly into the design: a built-in wine rack with six slots and an integrated microwave are tucked into the island, keeping the marble countertops clear. Along the cooking wall, we ran a decorative bronze tile backsplash whose patterned design adds warmth against the white cabinets and marble counters. A stainless steel cooktop and a modern stainless steel refrigerator round out the appliances. As with every GS Construction project, the details carried the day here — consistent black hardware, carefully fitted custom tile, and cabinetry built to be used daily. The result is a kitchen that is as functional as it is elegant, and one of our favorite remodels in Barrington.