How much does kitchen remodeling cost in Evanston IL?

This Evanston kitchen remodel at 800 Elgin Rd, Optima Horizons included custom IKEA cabinets with Semihandmade doors, MSI Vicostone Misterio quartz countertops and backsplash, bulkhead removal for open concept design, and complete appliance upgrade - all completed under $35,000 in 6 weeks. Kitchen remodeling costs in Evanston typically range from $25,000-$75,000+ depending on size, materials, scope, and whether you're doing budget-friendly IKEA systems or fully custom cabinetry.

How long does an Evanston condo kitchen remodel take?

This complete Evanston kitchen remodel at Optima Horizons took 6 weeks from initial design consultation to final walkthrough. The timeline included design development with Semihandmade for custom cabinet doors, demolition with bulkhead removal, IKEA cabinet installation, quartz countertop fabrication and installation, and appliance integration. Most Evanston condo kitchen remodels take 4-8 weeks depending on scope and building coordination requirements.

What is Semihandmade and why use it with IKEA cabinets?

Semihandmade is a third-party company that creates custom doors, drawer fronts, and finishes specifically designed to fit IKEA cabinet boxes. This strategic partnership allows you to get the quality and affordability of IKEA cabinet systems while achieving a fully custom, sophisticated appearance. For this Evanston project, Semihandmade's custom doors and colors elevated the kitchen to a modern European aesthetic that looks far more expensive than its actual cost, delivering luxury on a reasonable budget.

Why choose MSI Vicostone Misterio quartz for kitchen countertops?

MSI's Vicostone Misterio quartz provides the perfect balance of beauty and durability for Evanston condo kitchens. This premium quartz features stunning veining and sophisticated appearance while being incredibly practical for everyday use. Quartz is non-porous, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance - ideal for busy residents. Unlike natural stone, it never needs sealing and stays beautiful with simple soap and water cleaning.

Can you remodel a condo at Optima Horizons in Evanston?

Yes, we successfully completed this comprehensive kitchen remodel at 800 Elgin Rd in Optima Horizons, Evanston. We have extensive experience working in high-rise condo buildings throughout the Chicago area, understanding building regulations, coordinating with building engineers and management teams, and maintaining positive relationships with neighbors during construction. We handle all logistics including elevator scheduling, debris removal, and adhering to building-specific requirements. The building engineer at Optima Horizons was professional and cooperative throughout the project.

What is the benefit of removing a kitchen bulkhead?

Removing the awkward bulkhead above the island in this Evanston kitchen created a completely open concept design with dramatically improved sightlines and functionality. Bulkheads often make kitchens feel closed-in and dated. By removing this structural element, the kitchen now flows seamlessly throughout the condo with better visual connection between spaces. This modification was one of the most impactful changes in the entire remodel, making the space feel larger, more modern, and significantly more functional.

Do you provide design services for Evanston kitchen remodels?

Yes, Assembly Squad provides comprehensive design consultation for all Evanston kitchen remodeling projects. We work closely with clients to understand their lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget goals to create functional, beautiful spaces. For this Optima Horizons project, we designed a sophisticated modern European kitchen using IKEA cabinets elevated with Semihandmade custom doors, recommended the perfect quartz material, and coordinated the bulkhead removal to achieve completely open concept design - all while staying under $35,000.

Can you get a custom kitchen look on a budget in Evanston?

Absolutely! This Evanston kitchen proves you can achieve a fully custom, sophisticated appearance without exceeding budget. By using IKEA cabinet boxes (known for quality and value) combined with Semihandmade custom doors and finishes, we created a modern European kitchen that appears to be fully custom cabinetry. Strategic material selections like MSI Vicostone Misterio quartz and thoughtful design decisions like bulkhead removal maximized visual impact. The result is a stunning kitchen under $35,000 that looks far more expensive than its actual cost.

Evanston Kitchen Remodel - 800 Elgin Rd

Project Story: Transforming an Evanston Condo Kitchen

This beautiful condo at 800 Elgin Rd in Evanston, IL, needed a complete kitchen transformation. Our client approached us with a desire for a sophisticated, modern design that would maximize their budget without sacrificing quality or style.

We began the design process by selecting kitchen cabinets from IKEA, a brand we trust for quality and value. To elevate the look beyond standard IKEA aesthetics, we collaborated with Semihandmade, a third-party company specializing in custom doors and finishes for IKEA cabinet systems. This strategic partnership allowed us to create custom doors with sophisticated colors that transformed the space into what appears to be a fully custom kitchen—all while staying well within budget.

Modern European Design Philosophy

The design we chose brings a modern, European-style feel to the space. One of the most impactful changes was removing an awkward bulkhead area above the island. This structural modification created a completely open kitchen with improved sightlines and better flow throughout the condo.

For countertops, we recommended MSI's stunning Vicostone Misterio quartz. This premium material provides the perfect balance of beauty and durability, with rich veining and a sophisticated appearance that complements the modern cabinetry beautifully. The quartz is also incredibly practical for everyday use, resisting stains and scratches while requiring minimal maintenance.

Complete Kitchen Transformation

To complete the transformation, we updated all the appliances with modern, energy-efficient models that integrate seamlessly with the new design aesthetic. The result is a cohesive, sophisticated kitchen that looks far more expensive than its actual cost.

Working with the building engineer at Optima Horizons was a pleasure. Their professionalism and cooperation helped ensure the project stayed on schedule and met all building requirements. This Evanston kitchen remodel was completed for under $35,000 and finished in less than six weeks—delivering exceptional value and quality to our client.

Project Highlights

Custom European-style IKEA cabinets with Semihandmade doors and finishes
Premium MSI Vicostone Misterio quartz countertops throughout
Structural modification removing bulkhead for completely open kitchen
Full appliance package with modern, energy-efficient models
Seamless coordination with Optima Horizons building management
Completed under $35,000 in under 6 weeks

We're incredibly grateful to the team at Optima Horizons for their outstanding support throughout this project. Their cooperation and professionalism made this transformation possible!

Evanston Condo Kitchen Remodel - 800 Elgin Rd

The Transformation

Original Kitchen

Modern European Design

Open Concept Success

Project Story: Transforming an Evanston Condo Kitchen

Modern European Design Philosophy

Complete Kitchen Transformation

Project Highlights

Ready to Transform Your Evanston Condo?