Modern Luxury Kitchen Remodel
  • Bathrooms, Kitchens, Remodeling

The Force Awakens – Riverside MCM 1st Floor

This Mid-Century Modern ranch in Riverside, IL, was recently purchased by a young family eager to bring it into the modern era. While the home offered ample space thanks to a previous addition, its layout felt disjointed, creating an awkward flow between the front living areas and the rear social spaces.

Project Gallery

A bright and spacious kitchen with a vaulted ceiling, skylights, and large sliding glass doors. The kitchen has a large marble island with a black faucet and sink. Dark wood cabinets contrast with white upper cabinetry, and a green tile backsplash adds color. Built-in white ovens and a refrigerator are integrated into the cabinetry. Green barstools add a pop of color, while a modern pendant light hangs over the island. A decorative starburst clock is mounted on the wall above the cabinetry.
A modern kitchen with dark wood cabinetry and a large marble island. A family of three is gathered around the island, engaging in conversation. Green upholstered barstools line the island, and two dogs are visible behind a gate near the entrance. The space features high ceilings, skylights, and a mix of dark and white cabinets. A black faucet is mounted on the island’s sink, and the backsplash consists of glossy green tiles.
A bright kitchen featuring a skylight that illuminates the space with natural light.
A modern kitchen featuring wooden cabinets and a spacious center island, creating an inviting cooking space.
A modern kitchen featuring wooden cabinets and a spacious center island, creating an inviting cooking space.
A bright kitchen featuring a skylight that illuminates the space with natural light.
A bathroom featuring a shower and a blue tile floor, creating a serene and modern atmosphere.
A bathroom featuring a shower and a blue tile floor, creating a serene and modern atmosphere.
A bathroom featuring a shower and a blue tile floor, creating a serene and modern atmosphere.
A stylish bathroom adorned with green tiles and a pristine white tub, offering a serene and modern aesthetic.
A stylish bathroom showcasing a walk-in shower alongside double sinks, combining functionality and contemporary design.
view of open wood slatted feature wall in oak along a basement stair
view of a mid-century modern wet bar with wood feature wall beyond, blue backsplash tile and a gold sunburst chandelier
view of a mid-century modern wet bar with wood feature wall beyond, blue backsplash tile and a gold sunburst chandelier
dark wood cabinets with black handles and faucet at aa modern open wet bar. also has open shelves with bottles and glass, and an open wooden feature wall in the background
closeup image of open wood slatted feature wall in oak along a basement stair
A modern living room with a plush couch and a wall of windows, creating a warm and inviting environment filled with light and a wood feature wall
A modern living room with a plush couch and a wall of windows, creating a warm and inviting environment filled with light and a wood feature wall

At the heart of the challenge was the basement staircase, a remnant of the prior addition that restricted options for both the kitchen redesign and access to the primary suite. LivCo’s bold solution? Relocating the stairway closer to the front of the home, seamlessly integrating it into a newly designed central core. This transformation unlocked a more functional and fluid floor plan—creating an expansive, vaulted-ceiling gourmet kitchen, a well-connected entertaining space, and a private, suite-like retreat for the primary bedroom.

The repositioned staircase became more than just a passage; it evolved into a core architectural element. Serving as a visual and functional anchor, this core space now connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, houses a stylish bar and laundry room, and features a stunning open wood accent wall. The redesigned staircase also creates a seamless link between the main floor and the renovated basement, ensuring the entire home now flows with both purpose and style.

Before & After

then now

Video Walkthrough

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