Rooted in Home

Kitchen Remodel | Monroe, IA

After years of living in the home they built, these homeowners realized their kitchen no longer worked for the way they lived—or reflected the way they wanted their home to feel. Previous attempts to update the space with bolder trim and added details never quite solved the underlying problem. It was time to rethink the kitchen as a whole.

Because this farmhouse belongs to a couple who appreciates craftsmanship and isn’t afraid of a DIY project, we wanted the new design to feel authentic to both the home and the people living in it. Rather than chasing a trend, the material palette was rooted in warmth, character, and an old-world influence.

Cherry cabinetry became the foundation of the design, but instead of using one finish throughout, we layered different stains to create depth and distinction. The warm cherry cabinetry is balanced by darker cabinetry at the island and perimeter, while natural wood details continue throughout the space. The dramatic fireplace wall brings together stone, dimensional wood, and contemporary lighting to create a focal point that connects the kitchen and dining areas.

Large windows keep the darker, richer palette from feeling heavy, filling the space with natural light and allowing us to embrace materials with more depth and character.

But the transformation wasn’t only visual. Every cabinet was designed with a purpose. From concealed countertop storage and integrated power to dish organization, waste and recycling, and dedicated storage throughout the kitchen, functionality was considered from the very beginning—not added as an afterthought.

The result is a kitchen that feels substantial, warm, and collected. It doesn’t feel like a new kitchen dropped into an existing house.

It feels like it has always belonged there.