CHICAGO - A recently completed Japandi-style kitchen renovation by Corner for a New York couple is sparking interest on social media.

The High Falls, New York couple found Corner while searching Instagram for ideas. According to the Illinois-based Corner, "They were after something simple but not plain — clean lines, natural materials, and a little soul. Japandi felt just right."

The project kicked off with samples, ideas and sketches and more shared over Zoom. "The kitchen came together gradually, settling into their 19th-century Upstate New York home as if it had always belonged. They wanted the space to be warm but minimal — practical, not stark. Natural textures, smart storage, nothing unnecessary." 

The homeowners chose Corner’s Japandi in American walnut, citing the clean lines, push-to-open doors, and a rich wood tone that grounded the room without making it feel too dark. "We liked the Japandi look, but we didn’t want it to come off too pale or flat," Cami said. "The walnut has just the right depth—it’s warm and grounding, never cold."

The island became the anchor. It started as a small prep zone but grew — now it seats four, with plenty of room to move around, even near the back door. More than 7 feet, it strikes a balance between gathering space and utility. "The island gave the kitchen a natural center," she added. "Now it’s where everything happens—from prepping dinner to chatting over coffee."

To keep things tidy without breaking the flow, the team explored a couple of corner cabinet options before landing on Vibo’s Flybox system — a smooth, pull-out design that paired well with the push-to-open fronts. They also added a custom appliance garage with a pull-out shelf to hold the everyday essentials: a Vitamix blender, coffee maker, and kettle. It keeps the counters clear and mornings simple. “Breakfast is very important to us,” said Mike. “That’s why we wanted a breakfast area where everything would be in one place. The garage idea turned out to be amazing.”

Lighting turned out to be one of the quiet highlights — soft, warm, and more important than expected. A built-in LED strip was tucked beneath the shelves, with wiring concealed inside. "The effect is stunning," Mike said. "It’s subtle but adds so much atmosphere. It’s like the whole space glows around it."

The goal of this renovation wasn’t just to build a new kitchen — it was to create a considered space that feels lived in. The natural veneer American walnut fronts, soft lighting, and an uncluttered layout make the kitchen balanced and inviting — true to the Japandi spirit. “We always wanted something with a Scandinavian feel, and this is exactly what we had in mind,” Cami said. “It’s calm, cozy, and everything just fits the way we live.”

“We really like how everything turned out,” Mike added. “The materials, lighting, layout—everything came to life before our eyes. It really suits how we live.”

Founded in 2019, Chicago-based Corner is a DTC kitchen brand. Customers use Corner’s AI-powered tools to explore layouts, compare finishes, and customize features, then collaborate one-on-one with a design consultant to bring their vision to life. All kitchens are produced in Corner’s facilities in Ukraine and delivered directly to homes across North America.