As the host of DIY Network’s Kitchen Crashers, Alison Victoria has seen her share of horrendous cooking spaces. But nothing quite compared with the one she found in the Chicago, IL, home she bought two years ago with her husband, Luke Harding, who owns an insurance agency. “Picture a mishmash of melamine cabinets, dated tile, and scratched-up butcher block,” says Alison. “It had zero personality.”

With a list of must-haves etched clearly in her mind—“I knew I wanted lots of storage, marble everywhere, and hints of gold”—Alison got to work overhauling her own kitchen just as she’s done for countless lucky homeowners on her show. Although she doesn’t cook much, Alison loves having people over, so she wanted the room to be a natural gathering space. The result suits her style to a T. “I can’t imagine ever being sick of this room!“

A local company, Kitchen & Bath 4 You, custom-made the 11-foot-long work space, which has large drawers, bookshelves, and built-in microwave storage. The faux leather stools are from Zuo Modern Contemporary. Alison’s 13-year-old West Highland terrier, Wesley, knows how to use the end shelves to his advantage.

White-and-gray marble on the island and along the perimeter satisfied Alison’s marble addiction. She had the counters finished with a “leathered” texture but may someday have them resurfaced to change up the look. Calacatta marble subway tiles (from Tile Outlet, in Chicago) have veining that matches the countertops. They’re installed in a staggered pattern and help the room feel sleek and pulled together.