CHICAGO — Corner Renovation has put a unique twist on Scandinavian-design cabinetry. Its newest kitchen collection, Evoke, combines the classic design of the Shaker fronts with the modern trends of European minimalism.

“We've been hearing from our customers that they wanted a kitchen design that wasn’t outdated but still matched the character of their older homes,” said Julia Holovko, co-founder “We knew we had to create something special. That’s how our new collection of wooden slim Shaker fronts came to life.”

“We took the classic Shaker style — a staple in traditional kitchens — and gave it a modern twist,” said Kostiantyn Miska, co-founder and CEO. “These fronts retain the timeless look but with a slimmer, more refined profile, making them a perfect fit for homes that appreciate heritage and contemporary design.”

The company partnered with Oleh Mykhailiuk, a Ukrainian designer from Kyiv, on the collection. "The starting point for the collection was the materials we wanted to combine," he said. "We chose a light, neutral white color, contrasting wood with natural textures, and a light, discreet texture of natural stone. Additionally, we included an L-shaped kitchen open to the main room and a large, functional island as essential elements."

Evoke’s distinctive slim Shaker fronts are crafted from natural wood veneer, emphasizing the clean lines and symmetry characteristic of the Scandinavian style. Functionality wasn’t overlooked in the kitchen, the company added, with hidden drawers integrated alongside standard ones and an appliance garage with pocket doors enhancing both the design and functionality of the pantry.

“Large, spacious units with functional niches and an open work area will transform cooking into an event rather than just a daily routine,” Mykhailiuk said. “An island where guests can sit comfortably and join you not only enhances utility but also encourages more frequent gatherings.”

“This collection is for homeowners who want their kitchen to honor the past while staying relevant to today’s design standards,” Holovko added. “It’s about bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, offering a solution that feels both familiar and fresh.”

Corner also offers 10 additional styles of cabinetry: Plain, Marble, Loft, Rebel, Berlin, Rebel Beige, Rebel Grey, Loft Light, Essence, and Nordic.

Founded in 2019, the Chicago-based Corner Renovation is a DTC kitchen brand that “democratizes high-end design for millennial homeowners.” The company uses AI to help customers sketch out, visualize and financially plan for exactly what their space needs. The software also allows them to compare pricing on other design variants and materials with their configuration. When they’ve found the right combination, they are invited to finish up with one of the Corner design consultants via video call. The company sells to customers throughout the United States and Canada.

"The inception of Corner was inspired by our own quest for something we couldn't find in the market. Our own journey through kitchen renovation left us disappointed and cost us more than anticipated. Our desire was to equip homeowners with the tools to construct the dream kitchen they always desired," Miska noted on the company's website. 

Manufacturing is done in Ukraine, with a turnaround time typically six to eight weeks. According to Corner's website, a “substantial portion” of its earnings supports the Ukrainian army and contractors who live and work in cities under attack. “This initiative is our response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022. By choosing us, you're taking a stand and assisting a nation battling to defend its freedom.”