Our Award Winning Kitchen Remodel
We understand that investing in a kitchen remodel comes with a lot of decisions. From choosing finishes and materials to determining where your budget is best spent, it can be difficult to know which choices will bring the most value. While creating a beautiful space is certainly part of the process, our top priority is helping homeowners add the most value by making sure their space functions best for their family’s story.
This kitchen remodel was designed with exactly that in mind, and we're proud to share that it was recognized with the Wisconsin Builders Association 2026 Badger Craftsman Award for Best Kitchen!
Originally, the proportions of this kitchen were not right for the family’s lifestyle. The kitchen itself was cramped, with limited counter space and storage, while the adjoining dining room was separated by a wall, leaving the two spaces feeling disconnected and the available square footage underutilized. Not to mention that the wall dividing the kitchen and dining was blocking valuable natural light and views into their beautiful backyard!
With a family who loves to cook and spend time together, they wanted a space where they could prepare meals while keeping an eye on the kids, help their twin boys with homework at the island, and enjoy a better view of their backyard.
By opening the kitchen to the dining room, we completely transformed the layout into one bright, inviting space. We brought the sink forward to align with the surrounding cabinetry, relocated the range to create more room for food preparation, and added a dedicated bar area for everyday family use and entertaining. The kitchen became a large flex space where multiple people can be in the same area while doing different things simulataneously.
But some of the best features are the ones you might not notice. Cabinetry organizers like hidden paper towel holders, dedicated pot storage, pull-outs for cutting boards and pans, and a full pull-out spice cabinet make everyday cooking more efficient. Hidden appliance cabinets keep countertops clean and uncluttered, while a pop-up outlet in the island makes it easy for the kids to work on homework or the homeowners to plug in a laptop (without the visible outlets on the island sides!).
The mix of materials and finishes played an important role in both the look and budget of this expansive kitchen. The homeowners loved the look of the quartz backsplash but wanted to be mindful of costs, so we paired it with complementary handmade-inspired subway tile throughout the rest of the space. Quartz was reserved for higher-use areas, like behind the range, where its smooth surface is easier to clean, while tile offered a more cost-conscious way to add texture and interest elsewhere. Floating wood shelves in place of some upper cabinetry further soften the space, bringing in warmth and a natural contrast to the finishes.
The three cabinet colors were intentionally distributed throughout the kitchen, giving each its own moment while creating a balanced, cohesive look. Together, the combination of color, texture, and materials keeps the large kitchen from feeling too heavy or one-dimensional, resulting in a space that feels warm, layered, and inviting without compromising on function or budget.
A few more intentional details account for the realities of everyday life. The powerful custom Fobest range hood helps remove smoke, grease, and cooking odors. Engineered wood flooring offers added stability and better resistance to the warping and cupping that can occur with humidity changes or minor spills.
The result is a kitchen that feels completely different from where it started. What was once a dark, cramped, and inefficient space is now the heart of the home just as the homeowners envisioned. A beautiful, functional gathering place where the whole family can cook, connect, and enjoy time together!