Exploring the Journey of Designing a Historic Kitchen That Celebrates Love, Legacy, and Prairie Architecture
Over the past 20 years, I’ve designed over 500 kitchens and completed over 200 home remodels. Each project has been unique, shaped by the home’s architecture and my collaboration with clients. While I’ve had the privilege of working on an array of styles, from traditional to modern, there’s always been a quiet voice of doubt in the back of my mind: Am I truly an expert?
Imposter syndrome prevented me from submitting my work to design competitions for years despite my growing portfolio. But last year, after winning my first regional award with Riggs Distributing, I finally took a leap and submitted several projects to the NKBA Design Competition. When I received word that my Evanston Kitchen had been selected as a finalist for Best Kitchen under 300 square feet, it was a moment of pride and reflection.
This isn’t just another project. It represents decades of dreaming, a passion for architecture, and a deeply personal connection to the prairie style that has inspired me since childhood.
A Connection to Legacy
Inspire by Prairie Architecture
In my previous blog post, I wrote about the legacy of interior architecture—how each project I take on allows me to honor the history of space while contributing to its story. The Evanston Kitchen is no exception.
As a child visiting my grandparents in Jefferson, Wisconsin, I was mesmerized by a house near their home. Its low, modern shape and deep connection to its surroundings fascinated me. I would later learn that Frank Lloyd Wright, the master of prairie-style architecture, designed this home. That fascination ignited my passion for design and mid-century modern aesthetics, which has stayed with me throughout my career.
Fast forward to 2022, when I received a call from former clients I had worked with in St. Helena, California. They were relocating to Evanston, Illinois, and had purchased a 1910 prairie-style home on one of the city’s most historic blocks. When they sent me the listing, I could hardly believe it: not only would I have the opportunity to design their kitchen again, but I’d also get to work on a home influenced by the very architectural legacy that had inspired me as a child.
Designing for Prairie-Style
Honoring History and Functionality
Prairie-style homes are iconic for their horizontal lines, deep overhanging eaves, and seamless integration with the surrounding environment. This style, pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright and other Midwestern architects like Thomas Tallmadge and Vernon Watson, sought to break free from European influences and create a uniquely American design aesthetic.
When I first walked into the Evanston home, I felt an immense responsibility to honor its architectural legacy. The existing kitchen, however, didn’t fit the prairie-style aesthetic. It was a light-wood shaker-style kitchen with green subway tiles and an awkward layout that disrupted the flow between the kitchen and dining room. To make matters worse, a section of windows had been covered with Sheetrock and wall cabinets—hiding the natural light and connection to the outdoors that are hallmarks of prairie-style design.
My goal was twofold: to create a functional, modern kitchen that reflected my client’s passion for cooking while restoring the architectural integrity of the home. We uncovered the boarded-up windows, reworked the footprint to improve flow, and matched the new cabinetry to the home’s original millwork. Thoughtful details like hammered brass hardware, herringbone tile flooring, and leathered dry bar fronts added a modern yet timeless touch.
The Story Behind the Kitchen
A Culinary Love Story
This project was particularly meaningful because of my client’s story. A retired couple in their 70s and 80s had moved to Evanston seeking a quieter lifestyle after facing repeated fire evacuation threats in Napa County. Understanding that this would be their final kitchen remodel, they desired a space that would bring them joy and celebrate their shared passion for cooking—a love that had blossomed when they first met in law school. The renovation was not merely about updating a kitchen; it was about honoring their love story, their appreciation for historic architecture, and their wish for a space where they could create lasting memories with family.
"This is our fourth kitchen renovation and hands down the best design and functionality. We love to cook. Our kitchen is small. Our home is a landmark. We asked for all the modern conveniences and appliances in a functional space that complements the historic features of the house. Will hit it out of the park. At the outset he suggested we capture extra space from an adjoining closet, giving us room we needed for built in ovens, refrigerator and pantry. He introduced us to a new indestructible European cabinet material that we chose for the base cabinets. Cabinet fronts on large appliances were custom stained to match the dark woodwork in our home. He managed to squeeze in a dry bar with wine cooler, clad in architectural leather. It all hangs together beautifully. We constantly revised the plans in search of the best configuration possible. Will was helpful and patient through it all. He is a pleasure to work with." —Mary K.
A Dream Fulfilled
Recognizing the Power of Design
This project allowed me to fulfill a personal dream: designing within the prairie style that has inspired me for so long. Working with clients who truly appreciated the balance between honoring history and incorporating modern functionality made this experience even more special.
To have this kitchen recognized as a finalist for the NKBA Design Awards is a milestone I could never have imagined when I started this career. It’s not just validation of the work—it’s a celebration of the journey that brought me here, from walking past that Wright-designed home as a child to standing on the threshold of receiving my first national award.
Looking Ahead
The Importance of Designing With Intention
I’m beyond grateful for clients who trust me with projects like these. They’re not just remodels—they’re stories of love, legacy, and dreams fulfilled. As I prepare to attend KBIS in Las Vegas this February, I feel a deep sense of pride for what this project represents. Whether or not it wins the top award, it has already earned a place in my heart as one of the most meaningful projects of my career. Thank you for following along on this journey. Stay tuned for the results—and for what’s next on the horizon.
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