Kitchen & Bath Design
with Kelly
Design, material selection, & project coordination serving Chicago’s North Shore & Northwest Suburbs.
What I do
I provide design, material selection, and project coordination for kitchens, baths, and specialty spaces — guiding you from first idea to finished space.
My focus is the permanent, built-in elements of a home: cabinetry, countertops, tile, plumbing and lighting fixtures, hardware, and layout — the pieces that get installed and stay. Kitchens, bathrooms, bars, laundry rooms, mudrooms, built-ins, fireplaces, and lower levels.
Think of me as your point person. I design the space, help you choose every finish, keep the decisions moving in the right order, and stay in close communication with you and your contractor so nothing falls through the cracks. One person holding the whole picture, so you don’t have to.
I work alongside your general contractor rather than as one — the construction contract stays directly between you and them, which keeps my focus where it belongs: on your design and your experience.W
How It Works
1. Consultation
We walk the space together. I want to understand how you actually live in it — what isn’t working, what you’ve been putting up with, and what you want it to feel like when it’s finished. This is also where we talk honestly about scope and what’s realistic.
2. Design
Up to three preliminary layouts drawn to scale, so you can weigh different configurations before committing. Dimensioned floor plans, 2D elevations, and 3D renderings that let you see the space before it’s built. Includes complete spatial planning (appliance locations, door and window placement, seating, countertop layouts) and detailed cabinet specifications down to rollout shelves, pullout waste bins, and drawer organizers. With two rounds of revisions.
3. Material Selection
Cabinetry, countertops, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware, paint. I’ll guide you toward finishes and products that work together and hold up, telling you when each decision needs to be made so nothing stalls your build. You’ll receive a complete shopping list whether you make the selections yourself or we do it together.
4. Estimate Review
As part of our work together, I’ll walk through contractor bids with you so you understand what’s included and can compare them fairly, line by line. Final decisions on scope, pricing, and contractor selection are always yours.
5. Contractor Introductions
Twenty-five years in this industry means I know who does good work. I’m glad to share names of general contractors, cabinet shops, and specialty trades I’ve worked with over the years. Vetting, hiring, and contracting with them is your decision, and any agreement is directly between you and them.
6. Through Construction
Ordering timelines, delivery tracking, site check-ins, and answering the dozens of small questions that surface mid-build. I stay involved as your advocate — advising you on what needs attention and when — until you’re using the space.
WHY HOMEOWNERS HIRE ME
TO SAFEGUARD YOUR TIME AND ENERGY
A remodel generates hundreds of decisions, material timelines, and ordering deadlines. Most people are trying to handle that on top of a demanding job and a family. I take the stress out of the process by tracking what’s next and keeping your selections on schedule.
TO GET THE DESIGN RIGHT BEFORE BUILDING BEGINS
Decisions made on paper are easy to change. Decisions made after installation and materials are ordered are not. The design phase is where we want to get it right — before it’s permanent.
TO LEVERAGE 25 YEARS OF PATTERN RECOGNITION
You don’t know what you don’t know—whether that’s a 12-week cabinet lead time, a gap in a contractor’s bid, or how a revised layout impacts window placement. Quarter-century of experience prevents costly surprises.
TO HAVE ONE ADVOCATE SEEING THE COMPLETE PICTURE
Your contractor focuses on construction; your vendors focus on materials. I bridge the gap between design, sourcing, and execution, ensuring every piece aligns.
what clients say
“Kelly’s guidance and professional input informed a stunning result for our 1920s home. Our modern kitchen, 3 bathrooms, and laundry room are first-class in quality with the best finishes. Timely, accurate, expert, and professional.”
— Erin O. / Google Review
“Kelly made the entire process run as smoothly as possible and handled every aspect with professionalism — every email and phone call was answered immediately, and every question was met with knowledgeable and helpful answers.”
— Barb S. / Google Review
“I was impressed with her ideas and knowledge… She is very knowledgeable about cabinet lines and gave me great ideas for making the most of both the space and my budget.”
— Scott R. / Google Review
Investment
Every project is scoped differently. Most clients begin with a consultation, then move into a flat-fee design package based on the size and complexity of the space. From there, ongoing selection and coordination support is available if you want it — some clients take the completed design and run with it, others want me involved through construction. Both work.
Contact me to talk through your project and receive a custom quote.
Check out my kitchen and bathroom projects and portofolio page -> https://kellythayerdesign.com/portfolio/
If you’re just getting started, stop by my Consultation page. -> https://kellythayerdesign.com/consultation/