Phil and Karen Carroll moved into their historic 1897 Victorian home in Downers Grove, Illinois, in 2006. In 2014, they did an extensive remodel. They created a new master bedroom suite, rebuilt the roof and replaced all the siding. In 2020, the couple turned their attention to the 1990s kitchen and its aging oak cabinets, green walls and busy soffit ceiling.
The couple discovered the work of designer Susan Klimala on Houzz and reached out to her for help creating a light, airy and happy kitchen. Klimala cleaned up the busy ceiling, improved storage and gave the space a fresh look that nods to the historic character of the home. “I wanted the modern conveniences, but I didn’t want it to look too modern,” Karen says.
