Hinsdale Kitchen Remodel - Custom Italian Cabinets & Open Floor Plan
Complete Kitchen Transformation on S. Bodin Street, Hinsdale
From dated, closed-off layout to modern open-concept kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry and luxury finishes
Before: Original Kitchen Condition
After: Stunning Modern Kitchen
Complete Kitchen Renovation on S. Bodin Street, Hinsdale
This S. Bodin Street kitchen demonstrates what Hinsdale homeowners can accomplish when investing in a comprehensive renovation that addresses both aesthetics and functionality. We're Viktor with Assembly Squad, and we've completed more than 300 renovation projects since 2013 (Illinois License #TGC098779, BBB A+ rating), with substantial experience throughout Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Western Springs, and surrounding western suburbs.
Our clients purchased this beautiful Hinsdale home and immediately identified the kitchen as the primary opportunity for improvement. The existing layout felt cramped and dated, with a non-bearing wall dividing the kitchen from adjacent living space. The goal was straightforward: create an open, functional kitchen where the entire family could gather for meals and daily activities.
Opening the Space and Creating Flow
The first major decision involved removing the non-bearing wall that separated kitchen from living areas. In Hinsdale homes—particularly those built in the 1960s-1990s—you frequently encounter these dividing walls that made sense for older cooking methods but work against how families actually use kitchens today. Before touching anything, we verified load-bearing status through structural assessment (critical in any demolition work), confirmed the wall carried no load, and proceeded with removal.
This single change fundamentally altered the space. The kitchen now flows into adjacent areas, creating sight lines that make the entire first floor feel larger while allowing parents to supervise children, entertain guests, and prepare meals simultaneously. We've opened similar walls in 40-50 Chicago-area kitchens since 2013—homeowners consistently cite this as the most impactful aspect of their renovations.
Complete Systems Overhaul: Plumbing and Electrical
With walls open, we addressed all plumbing and electrical infrastructure before closing anything up. The original plumbing configuration dated to initial construction and needed complete replacement—corroded pipes, outdated connections, and routing that didn't support the new layout. We ran new supply lines, installed proper shut-offs at every fixture location, and upgraded drain systems to current code.
Electrical work proved equally comprehensive. Modern kitchens demand substantially more power than older installations provided. We added dedicated 20-amp circuits for countertop appliances (code requires two minimum), installed proper GFCI protection throughout, upgraded the panel capacity to handle increased load, and roughed in under-cabinet lighting circuits with separate switching. This infrastructure work takes 3-5 days but prevents problems for decades.
Once systems passed inspection, we closed walls with new drywall, finished to smooth level-5 standard, and primed for paint. Doing this work properly—rather than working around existing conditions—costs more upfront but eliminates future headaches when you want to change fixtures, add appliances, or troubleshoot problems.
Custom Italian Cabinets in Walnut Finish
Cabinet selection drives kitchen character more than any other element. These clients wanted something distinctive that would age well—not trend-chasing but genuinely high-quality construction that justifies investment. We specified custom Italian cabinetry in walnut finish, solid wood construction throughout with dovetail drawer boxes, European hinges rated for 100,000 cycles, and soft-close mechanisms on every door and drawer.
The walnut finish provides warmth without reading as traditional or dated. It's a mid-tone wood that works with both contemporary and transitional aesthetics, won't show minor scratches and dings like lighter finishes, and has enough grain character to feel substantial without overwhelming the space. Custom fabrication allowed us to maximize storage in the specific layout while maintaining consistent proportions—particularly important in the island configuration.
Our designer worked with the clients to optimize cabinet interiors: full-extension drawers for pots and pans (much more functional than cabinets with doors), pull-out shelving in base cabinets for dry goods, dedicated spice storage, trash and recycling pullouts, and appliance garages that keep counters clear. These details cost $3,000-$5,000 additional but transform daily usability.
Custom Island Design and Seating
The island anchors the entire kitchen—physically and visually. We designed this piece specifically for the space rather than using standard dimensions. At roughly 4 feet by 8 feet, it provides substantial prep surface while maintaining clearances for traffic flow around all sides (42-48 inches minimum for kitchens with multiple cooks).
The island incorporates seating for four on one side—critical for the clients' goal of family meals and casual dining. We extended the countertop 12 inches beyond the cabinet base to create proper knee space and accommodate standard counter-height stools. This overhang requires internal support brackets rated for the cantilevered weight—detail work that prevents future problems.
Storage inside the island includes deep drawers on the working side (ideal for large cookware) and open shelving on the seating side for cookbooks and display items. The base uses the same walnut finish as perimeter cabinets, maintaining visual continuity while allowing the stone countertop to provide contrast.
MSI Calacatta Countertops Throughout
Countertop selection balanced aesthetics with practical performance. We installed MSI Calacatta quartz—engineered material that delivers the high-contrast white-and-gray veining associated with Italian Calacatta marble without the maintenance headaches of natural stone. Quartz won't stain from wine, coffee, or acidic foods, never requires sealing, and resists scratching better than marble or granite.
We fabricated countertops with 3-centimeter thickness (standard for residential), full-height backsplashes along perimeter walls, and mitered edge details at the island. The fabricator templated after cabinet installation, ensuring perfect fit around plumbing, electrical, and appliances. Installation took one day after 2-week fabrication lead time.
MSI Calacatta currently runs $75-$95 per square foot installed in the Chicago area—mid-range for quartz but delivering premium appearance. This Hinsdale kitchen used approximately 65 square feet between perimeter and island surfaces, with total countertop investment around $5,500-$6,000.
New Flooring Throughout Kitchen
We removed existing flooring down to subfloor, assessed condition, made necessary repairs, and installed new flooring throughout the kitchen and adjacent open areas to maintain visual continuity. The clients selected luxury vinyl plank—modern LVP has come far from earlier versions, now delivering realistic wood appearance, excellent durability, and waterproof performance ideal for kitchens.
LVP offers practical advantages over hardwood in kitchens: completely waterproof (critical around sinks and dishwashers), warmer underfoot than tile, simple to maintain, and substantially less expensive than hardwood. Installation costs $4-$7 per square foot versus $8-$15 for hardwood. With 250-300 square feet of flooring in this project, the choice saved $2,000-$3,000 while providing superior performance for the specific application.
We installed underlayment padding beneath the LVP for sound dampening and slight cushioning, then laid plank in a running pattern perpendicular to the longest wall sight line (standard practice that makes spaces feel larger). The installation took two days including subfloor prep and trim work.
Designer Input and Functional Layout
Our designer's involvement proved essential for optimizing storage and workflow. Beyond selecting finishes, professional design ensures the kitchen functions well for actual cooking and daily activities. We maintained the classic work triangle between refrigerator, sink, and range, positioned the island to avoid blocking traffic patterns, located the dishwasher 24 inches from the sink for convenient loading, and placed frequently-used items in the most accessible cabinets.
Storage optimization included pantry cabinets flanking the refrigerator (floor-to-ceiling storage without taking up separate wall space), dedicated drawer banks for utensils and flatware positioned near the dishwasher, deep pot-and-pan drawers adjacent to the range, and upper cabinets extending to the ceiling rather than leaving wasted space on top.
Professional kitchen design typically costs $1,500-$3,000 for projects of this scope—small percentage of total investment that prevents expensive mistakes and ensures you actually enjoy using the finished space rather than discovering workflow problems after construction completes.
Complete Scope of Work
- Complete kitchen demolition and non-bearing wall removal on S. Bodin Street, Hinsdale
- Structural assessment and load verification by licensed engineer
- Complete plumbing system replacement: new supply lines, drains, and shutoff valves
- Comprehensive electrical upgrade: new circuits, GFCI protection, panel capacity increase
- Under-cabinet lighting rough-in with separate switching
- New drywall installation and level-5 finish throughout
- Custom Italian kitchen cabinets in walnut finish with solid wood construction
- Full-extension soft-close drawers and European hinges on all cabinets
- Optimized cabinet interiors: pull-outs, spice storage, appliance garages
- Custom island design with seating for four and integrated storage
- MSI Calacatta quartz countertops with full-height backsplash
- Professional countertop fabrication and installation with mitered edges
- Complete flooring removal and luxury vinyl plank installation throughout
- Professional kitchen design and layout optimization
- All permits, inspections, and code compliance documentation
- Final cleaning and project walk-through
Timeline, Investment, and Project Management
This S. Bodin Street renovation took 6-8 weeks from initial consultation to final walk-through. The timeline broke down as follows: design and planning (1-2 weeks), material selection and ordering (2-3 weeks, driven by cabinet lead times), permits and approvals (1 week), demolition and rough-in work (1 week), inspection and drywall (1 week), cabinet installation (3-5 days), countertop template and installation (2 weeks), flooring (2 days), final finishes and cleanup (2-3 days).
Total investment came to approximately $100,000 for this comprehensive renovation. That breaks down roughly as follows: custom Italian cabinets including island ($35,000-$40,000), quartz countertops ($5,500-$6,000), flooring throughout kitchen and adjacent areas ($2,500-$3,000), plumbing and electrical rough-in and finish ($8,000-$10,000), demolition and structural work ($4,000-$5,000), drywall and painting ($3,000-$4,000), design fees ($2,000-$3,000), permits and engineering ($1,500-$2,000), and labor for coordination and installation ($35,000-$40,000).
Projects at this investment level—$100,000 for complete kitchen gut and remodel—represent the upper-middle range for Hinsdale renovations. You could accomplish basic kitchen updates for $40,000-$50,000 using stock cabinets and standard finishes, while luxury kitchens with premium appliances and custom everything can run $150,000-$200,000+. This project hit the sweet spot: custom quality where it matters most (cabinets, layout, infrastructure) while making cost-effective choices elsewhere (LVP over hardwood, quartz over natural stone).
Return on Investment and Market Perspective
Kitchen renovations typically return 60-80% of investment at resale in Hinsdale's market. A $100,000 kitchen might add $60,000-$80,000 to home value when selling. That math might seem discouraging until you consider the intangible factors: daily use and enjoyment over years of ownership, avoiding the need to move to get the kitchen you want, and making the home work better for your family's specific needs.
Most Hinsdale homeowners renovate kitchens because they plan to stay in the home, not as pure financial speculation. The real return comes from using an improved space multiple times daily for 10-15 years. When you do eventually sell, updated kitchens absolutely affect marketability—homes with renovated kitchens sell faster and command premiums over comparable properties with dated kitchens.
From market perspective, Hinsdale buyers expect modern, functional kitchens. Properties without recent updates sit longer on the market and often require price reductions. Well-executed renovations like this one become selling points rather than obstacles to overcome.
Why Hinsdale Homeowners Choose Major Kitchen Renovations
Housing costs and interest rates make moving expensive—transaction costs, moving expenses, and opportunity costs of selling in current markets often exceed renovation investment. Improving the home you're in frequently makes more financial sense, particularly when the rest of the property works well and only specific spaces need updating.
Hinsdale's housing stock includes many homes from the 1960s-1990s with good bones but dated kitchens that don't reflect how families actually live today. Original layouts emphasized closed-off cooking areas while modern life centers around open kitchens that serve as gathering spaces. Renovating allows you to adapt existing square footage to current lifestyle rather than moving to find it elsewhere.
The other consideration is opportunity cost. If you're planning to stay in Hinsdale (most homeowners remain 7-10 years according to NAR data), renovating now means enjoying the improved space for your entire remaining occupancy rather than living with compromises while waiting for eventual move or resale. Time value of enjoying better space today often outweighs pure financial return calculations.
Starting Your Hinsdale Kitchen Renovation
If you're considering kitchen remodeling in Hinsdale or surrounding western suburbs, start by clarifying goals and priorities. What doesn't work in your current kitchen? How do you actually use the space? What's essential versus nice-to-have? These questions inform design decisions and budget allocation better than browsing photos on Houzz or Pinterest.
Understand what you're working with: structural limitations, existing plumbing and electrical locations, ceiling heights, natural light sources, and traffic patterns through the space. Good design works within constraints rather than fighting them. Sometimes limitations force creative solutions that end up better than unconstrained approaches.
Assembly Squad operates throughout Chicago and western suburbs as licensed general contractors (License #TGC098779) with 300+ renovations completed since 2013. We understand Hinsdale building requirements, know what works in these homes, and maintain relationships with trades who execute to proper standards. We've renovated dozens of kitchens throughout Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Western Springs, and Clarendon Hills—we know the villages' inspection requirements, understand typical house configurations, and can provide realistic information about costs and timelines.
Reach out through our contact page to schedule a consultation. We'll look at your space, discuss your goals, and provide straightforward information about what's feasible within your constraints and budget. No pressure—just honest information from contractors who've done this work hundreds of times throughout the western suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Remodeling in Hinsdale
Answers to common questions from Hinsdale homeowners about kitchen renovation costs, timelines, and what to expect
Complete kitchen remodels in Hinsdale typically range from $50,000 to $150,000+ depending on scope and material selections. A basic renovation with stock cabinets and standard finishes runs $50,000-$70,000, while mid-range projects with semi-custom cabinets and quality materials cost $70,000-$100,000. Luxury renovations with custom cabinetry, premium appliances, and high-end finishes range from $100,000-$150,000 or more. This S. Bodin Street project came in at approximately $100,000 with custom Italian cabinets, MSI Calacatta quartz countertops, complete plumbing and electrical overhauls, and wall removal for open floor plan. Major cost drivers include cabinet quality ($20,000-$50,000), countertops ($5,000-$15,000), appliances ($5,000-$20,000), and labor for skilled trades ($30,000-$50,000).
Most complete kitchen renovations in Hinsdale take 6-10 weeks from start to finish. The timeline breaks down as follows: design and planning (1-2 weeks), material ordering and delivery (2-4 weeks depending on cabinet lead times), permits and approvals (1 week for Hinsdale Village), demolition and rough-in work (1 week), plumbing and electrical installation (3-5 days), drywall and painting (1 week), cabinet installation (3-5 days), countertop template and installation (2-3 weeks), flooring (2-3 days), and final fixtures and cleanup (2-3 days). Cabinet lead times drive the overall schedule—stock cabinets ship in 1-2 weeks, semi-custom in 4-6 weeks, and fully custom in 8-12 weeks. This S. Bodin Street project took 6-8 weeks with semi-custom Italian cabinetry.
Yes, kitchen remodels in Hinsdale require permits from the Village of Hinsdale for any work involving plumbing, electrical, structural changes, or gas line modifications. You need building permits for wall removal (even non-bearing walls), electrical permits for new circuits or panel upgrades, plumbing permits for relocating sinks or adding fixtures, and mechanical permits for HVAC changes. The permit process typically takes 1-2 weeks for plan review and approval. Permit costs in Hinsdale generally run $500-$2,000 depending on project scope. Licensed contractors like Assembly Squad (License #TGC098779) handle all permit applications, coordinate inspections, and ensure work meets current building codes. Working without proper permits can result in fines and complications when selling your home.
The choice depends on your budget, timeline, and design requirements. Stock cabinets ($8,000-$15,000 for average kitchen) come in standard sizes, ship quickly (1-2 weeks), and work well for straightforward layouts—good for budget-conscious renovations. Semi-custom cabinets ($15,000-$30,000) offer more size options, better construction quality, various door styles and finishes, and 4-6 week lead times—the sweet spot for most Hinsdale renovations providing quality without custom prices. Custom cabinets ($30,000-$60,000+) are built specifically for your space with unlimited design options, premium materials and construction, perfect for unusual layouts, and 8-12 week lead times—best for luxury renovations or challenging spaces. This Hinsdale project used custom Italian cabinets at approximately $35,000-$40,000 for superior construction, distinctive walnut finish, and optimized storage solutions.
Quartz countertops are the best choice for most Hinsdale kitchens, offering the ideal balance of performance, aesthetics, and maintenance. Quartz provides stain resistance (won't absorb wine, coffee, or oils), requires no sealing ever, resists scratching better than marble, handles Chicago's temperature fluctuations, and costs $75-$125 per square foot installed. Granite ($60-$100/sq ft) offers natural beauty but requires annual sealing and can stain if not maintained. Marble ($100-$200/sq ft) delivers luxury appearance but stains easily from acids, requires careful maintenance, and scratches more readily. Butcher block ($50-$100/sq ft) provides warmth but needs regular oiling and can't withstand water exposure. This S. Bodin Street project used MSI Calacatta quartz at approximately $85/sq ft—delivering high-contrast marble appearance without the maintenance headaches.
Removing walls to create open kitchen layouts is possible and common in Hinsdale homes, but requires professional assessment to determine if walls are load-bearing. Non-bearing walls can be removed relatively easily after obtaining proper permits from the Village of Hinsdale—typically costing $2,000-$5,000 including structural assessment, demolition, and finishing. Load-bearing walls require engineered support beams, additional permits, structural calculations, and cost $8,000-$15,000+ depending on span and load requirements. This S. Bodin Street project removed a non-bearing wall separating the kitchen from living areas, creating the open flow modern families prefer. We verified structural status through professional assessment before demolition, obtained required permits, and completed the work safely. Most Hinsdale homes built 1960s-1990s have removable walls that enable dramatic layout improvements.
Kitchen remodels in Hinsdale typically return 60-80% of investment at resale, meaning a $100,000 renovation might add $60,000-$80,000 to home value. However, ROI varies significantly based on over-improvement for the neighborhood, quality of execution, current market conditions, and how long you own the home before selling. The real value comes from daily use and enjoyment over years of ownership rather than pure financial return. Updated kitchens sell faster and command premiums over comparable homes with dated kitchens—often the difference between selling in 30 days versus 90+ days. Most Hinsdale homeowners renovate because they plan to stay 7-10 years, making the improved functionality and enjoyment the primary benefit. When you do sell, professional renovations become major selling points rather than obstacles requiring buyer price concessions.
Yes, upgrading plumbing and electrical systems during kitchen remodels is strongly recommended, especially in older Hinsdale homes. With walls open during renovation, it's the most cost-effective time to address infrastructure—doing it later requires opening finished walls at much higher cost. Modern kitchens demand substantially more electrical capacity than older installations provided: dedicated 20-amp circuits for countertop appliances (code requires two minimum), GFCI protection at all outlets near water, under-cabinet lighting circuits, and panel capacity to handle increased load. Plumbing upgrades should include replacing corroded supply lines, installing proper shut-off valves at each fixture, upgrading drain systems to current code, and repositioning lines for optimal layout. This S. Bodin Street project included complete plumbing and electrical replacement at $8,000-$10,000—insurance against future problems and ensuring systems support modern appliances and fixtures for decades.
The best kitchen layout depends on your home's footprint and how you use the space, but most Hinsdale homeowners prefer open layouts with large islands for family gathering. The classic work triangle (refrigerator-sink-range positioned 4-9 feet apart) remains the foundation of efficient kitchen design. Islands work well in most Hinsdale homes, providing additional prep surface, casual seating, and natural division between kitchen and living areas—optimal size is 4x8 feet with 42-48 inches clearance on all sides for traffic flow. L-shaped layouts maximize corner space and work well in medium-sized kitchens. U-shaped configurations offer maximum counter and storage but require sufficient square footage (minimum 10x10 feet). Galley layouts excel in narrow spaces but limit multiple cooks. This S. Bodin Street project created an open L-shaped layout with large island, removing the dividing wall for family-focused functionality while maintaining efficient work zones.
Choosing the right kitchen contractor in Hinsdale requires verifying credentials and experience. Look for valid Illinois contractor license (verify at IDFPR.com), liability and workers' compensation insurance (request certificates), established local presence with verifiable references, specific kitchen remodeling experience (not just general construction), understanding of Hinsdale building codes and permit processes, detailed written contracts specifying scope, materials, timeline, and payment schedule, and realistic timelines and budgets based on actual project requirements. Red flags include requests for large upfront payments (never more than 10-20%), no written contracts or vague specifications, pressure to start immediately without proper planning, unlicensed operation or inability to pull permits, and unrealistically low bids that seem too good to be true. Assembly Squad operates with Illinois License #TGC098779, BBB A+ rating, and 300+ completed projects since 2013 throughout Hinsdale and western suburbs.
Current kitchen trends in Hinsdale emphasize timeless design over fleeting fads. Popular choices include two-tone cabinetry (dark lowers with light uppers or contrasting island), warm wood tones like walnut and white oak that add character, quartz countertops in marble-look patterns for low-maintenance luxury, oversized islands with seating for 4-6 people, integrated appliances with cabinet-panel fronts, under-cabinet and in-cabinet LED lighting, smart storage solutions including pull-out organizers and appliance garages, matte black or champagne bronze hardware and fixtures, large-format tile or luxury vinyl plank flooring, and open layouts connecting kitchen to living areas. This S. Bodin Street project incorporated several enduring trends: custom walnut cabinets for warmth, MSI Calacatta quartz for marble aesthetic without maintenance, large island with family seating, and open floor plan. The key is choosing elements you'll enjoy for 10-15 years rather than chasing trendy looks that date quickly.
Yes, most Hinsdale homeowners remain in their homes during kitchen renovations, though expect significant disruption for 6-10 weeks. You'll lose access to your kitchen (no cooking, limited water access), deal with noise and dust during demolition and construction, have contractors working in your home 8-10 hours daily Monday-Friday, and manage disrupted routines around meal preparation and cleanup. Successful strategies include setting up temporary kitchen in another room with microwave, coffee maker, mini fridge, and paper goods, planning meals around takeout, delivery, and outdoor grilling, establishing clear work hours and contractor access rules, protecting adjacent rooms from dust with plastic barriers, and scheduling powder room or guest bathroom access during plumbing work. Some families with young children choose to stay with relatives during the most disruptive weeks (demolition and rough-in). Professional contractors minimize disruption by containing work areas, cleaning daily, and communicating schedule changes promptly.
Ready to Transform Your Hinsdale Kitchen?
Licensed contractor with extensive experience throughout Hinsdale and western suburbs. We understand local building requirements and what works in these homes.