Design Feature: A Refined Cottage Kitchen with Recycled Glass Lighting
Soft, warm, and full of character, this Illinois kitchen proves that even a small space can make a significant impact. As part of a complete first-floor remodel, Lead Designer Renee Busse and Assistant Designer Marisa Santini of Advance Design Studio transformed the kitchen into an inviting blend of farmhouse charm and cottage style.
Bringing the Homeowner’s Vision to Life
The homeowner’s main priority was finding a team that could understand and execute her vision while respecting the budget. As a full-service design-build firm, Advance Design Studio guided the renovation from the initial design through construction. This integrated approach helped ensure that the finished home felt thoughtful and true to the homeowner’s original ideas.
Lead Designer Renee Busse of Advance Design Studio
A Soft and Timeless Cottage Style
The design team leaned into farmhouse and cottage influences, incorporating shiplap, inset cabinetry, and a checkerboard backsplash. Together, these details create a kitchen that feels soft, organic, warm, and artisan-made.
The checkerboard backsplash brings a current design trend into the room while the overall palette and material choices keep it feeling grounded. The result feels classic and collected rather than overly trendy.
The Role of Recycled Glass Lighting
The darker Bicycle Glass fixtures complement the dark hardware used throughout the kitchen while providing a rich contrast against the lighter paint through the room. Their organic, handblown character feels especially at home among the room’s warm finishes.
For the homeowner, the story behind the lighting was just as important as its appearance. Learning that each fixture was handcrafted in America from 100% post-consumer recycled glass made the decision to choose Bicycle Glass easy. According to the design team, she was excited throughout the renovation to see the lights arrive and become part of her finished kitchen!
Featuring the 763 Spun Globe in Slate Gray on the Single Pendant, Wall Sconce and Cascade Chandelier
Creating More Storage Without Closing In the Room
One of the design team’s challenges was adding useful storage without making the compact kitchen feel smaller. Their solution was a new bar area featuring a base cabinet and open floating shelves. This gave the homeowner additional storage and display space while preserving an open, airy feeling.
A Bicycle Glass wall fixture completes the area, bringing light and visual interest to a part of the kitchen. The finished bar feels intentional rather than an addition competing for limited space.
Featuring the 763 Spun Wall Sconce in Slate Gray
A Small Kitchen with a Lasting Impact
Looking back, the Advance Design Studio team is especially proud of the transformation they achieved within the kitchen’s smaller footprint. The homeowner began with a beautiful vision, and Renee, Marisa, and the construction team helped translate those ideas into a functional design before bringing every detail to life.
“We’re proud to have redesigned a small kitchen that makes such a big impact in this home and for our client.”
Advice for Future Renovators
Advance Design Studio encourages homeowners to look beyond the lowest bid when choosing a remodeling partner. Trust, communication, and the ability to carry a shared vision from design through construction can be just as important as the initial numbers.
Homeowners preparing for a renovation can find additional planning advice and transparent remodeling resources in the Advance Design Studio Learning Center.
Project Partner: Advance Design Studio
This Illinois renovation was designed and built by Advance Design Studio, a full-service design-build firm based in Gilberts, Illinois. The kitchen was designed by Lead Designer Renee Busse with assistance from Marisa Santini.
- Instagram: @advancedesignstudio
- Facebook: Advance Design Studio
- Website: advancedesignstudio.com
- Learning Center: Remodeling Tips and Inspiration
Thank you to Renee, Marisa, the Advance Design Studio team, and the homeowner for sharing this beautiful renovation with us!
Want Help Choosing Lighting for Your Renovation?
If you’re planning a remodel and want lighting that feels handcrafted, timeless, and meaningful, we’d love to help. Our team can recommend shapes, sizes, glass colors, and hanging solutions that complement your space and your vision.
Book a lighting consultation or browse our most popular pieces to start imagining the glow.
