Press: Reddington Designs in Print
PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
Area Remodelers Presented with Gold ICON Award by NIHBA
by Judy Buchenot, Contributing Associate Editor
Glen Ellyn Homes in partnership with Drury Design of Glen Ellyn and Reddington Designs of Chicago were recently presented with a Gold ICON award by the Northern Illinois Home Builders Association for a kitchen remodel project in a Glen Ellyn home. After reviewing entries from several Northern Illinois homebuilders a panel of industry experts awarded the three companies the top award for kitchen design.
The kitchen remodel was part of an extensive home remodeling project which included an addition, renovation of six rooms and the creation of new living space from a previously unfinished attic. “We completed construction in a record breaking 100 days,” says Randy Parker of Glen Ellyn Homes. “We went through a very extensive planning cycle to be able to complete the work this quickly.” Glen Ellyn Homes focuses on building new homes but about one-third of their business involves extensive home remodeling or additions.
The kitchen in the award winning home had inadequate storage space, outdated appliances, an awkward layout and worn cabinetry. The design team changed a pantry into a formal butler’s pantry serving area, expanded the island to seat four, integrated technology with a flat screen television, installed Brabill custom cabinetry and created an efficient design with enlarged refrigeration, storage and sink spaces.
“The size of the space made it difficult to fit all of the design elements in that the homeowner wanted” notes Gail Drury, who took on the challenge of the kitchen design. “By fitting the table in the back corner in a bench type setting it left enough room to accommodate the larger island with the prep sink and seating at the end.”
“I think this project was chosen for the award because of the incredible attention to detail that was achieved by the entire design and construction team working together. The intricate molding details on the cabinetry, the complex tile design and the homeowner’s decorative elements combined made this a stunning project. If one of those elements had been missing it would not have been the same,” explains Drury. “The focal point in this kitchen is the wood hood surround that frames the range. The curved valance detail is also mimicked in the valance over the sink.”
This is the first year that the Northern Illinois Home Builders Association has presented awards. The organization plans to continue presenting awards annually. “Having awards that recognize excellence in design and execution helps keep standards high,” noted Parker. “These awards keep builders from falling into the trap of doing the same old thing. Celebrating creativity is important in this industry.”