Logan Square Renovation: An interior update and deck for a home on Chicago’s Northwest side explores graphic shapes and unexpected materials.

One concept features a triangular island, maximizing work surface and seating area in this compact kitchen. Custom millwork on the lower cabinets and island are faced with lacquered wood battens, hiding joints and creating vertical texture. The floor is large-format tile, responsive to the kitchen’s geometry.

The other concept creates a new connection between kitchen and mudroom through an arched portal. An efficient lozenge-shaped island sits in the middle of the space. Countertops are large-aggregate epoxy terrazzo — also used to accentuate thresholds. Lower cabinets are faced in wooden tambour, a sheet of half-cylinders which easily wraps rounded edges. Upper cabinets are a durable and efficient polycarbonate over a painted steel frame.