Sarah Crost
Photographer
Magner Architecture
Architect
1912
BUILT IN
Oak Park, Illinois
This 1912 American Foursquare was designed for practicality — a century ago — and its boxy kitchen didn’t work for modern cooking or an artistic family. We asked more of the kitchen, and gave it curves for days as a thank you. We started with a single photo of a banquette and a dream of coziness and light. Lots of light for these California transplants. It meant thinking about how windows could facilitate that, even in a Midwestern February.
Curve Appeal
Removing a wall and rethinking the floor plan transformed the traditionally closed-off kitchen, welcomed it to the rest of the house and invited in that sought-after brightness. This once underperforming, dark room became a generous, light-filled gathering space that works for everyday family life and easy, elegant entertaining.
Repeated curves throughout the space add something new and unexpected. The cabinetry, the range hood, and the archways were designed to soften the home's traditionally boxy proportions. Once sharp edges have been replaced with a graceful, seamless sense of movement and flow.
The unexpected color palette is warm and inviting without feeling heavy, balancing the architecture's historic character with a fresh, modern sensibility.