Enjoy this continuing series as we follow Jonna and Doug through the design and build of their family’s new Kenilworth home. In this episode, Jonna shares her thoughts on making countless selections for the family’s custom home.
Emtek interior door hardware
From the moment a home’s frame begins to take shape, Pickell clients dive into a long list of homework assignments. While many of the items they select won’t be installed until months later, it’s critical to know how choices may impact the work already underway.
What tile will be used—in the kitchen and each bath, on the walls, floors, showers and more? Exactly which appliances? What door handles and locking mechanisms are to be installed—inside and out? What hinges? How will the closets be outfitted?
All this is determined before the drywall even goes up, so it can be a challenge to visualize the finished look.
Twenty-Plus Styles of Tile
Classic white subway tile is going in.
“We chose tile for six baths, a kitchen and a small kitchen in the basement,” recalls Jonna. “Fortunately, the idea of ‘simple’ has been in our minds the whole time, and we both know what we don’t like. Pinterest was a big help in determining styles we prefer, and the Pickell showroom really helped us narrow down the options.”
Ultimately, Jonna and Doug selected a variety of white and light gray ceramic and marble tiles in a variety of textures, profiles and shapes. “We like a soft palette, without a lot of noise or color, but we had some fun in the basement powder room. That space is meant to be a little different.”
Lighting, Handles, Closets and More
Asked about the hardest choices, Jonna responds, “Lighting took a lot more time than I expected. I did a lot of research to find things that worked well together, but were different. We searched online, in stores, and found some cool, unique pieces on Etsy.”
Other decisions were less complicated. The first and second floors have white cabinetry, so Jonna has opted for matte black door and cabinet hardware, as well as plumbing fixtures. The basement’s ocean-blue cabinetry called for something different, so brushed and polished nickel are used downstairs.
While the closets remain fairly simple, the family is enthusiastic about building in garage organization—something they hadn’t had the luxury of doing with their previous home on Chicago’s north side.
“A lot of these selections were made in the spring, nearly six months ago,” recalls Jonna. “So I’m excited to finally see them all come together.”
