Remodeling Project Overview:
Project Date: December, 2024
Service Provided: Full Kitchen Design and Remodel
Location: Near Hartrick Park, Okemos, Michigan
As Karen approached retirement after years of frequent travel, she and her husband Cliff realized their home in Okemos, near Hartrick Park, no longer supported the lifestyle they wanted moving forward. The kitchen felt cramped, the gathering spaces lacked warmth, and the overall layout made it difficult to comfortably host family and spend time together.
Working closely with the Custom Built Design & Remodeling team, Cliff wanted to create more than just an updated kitchen. He wanted a space that reflected the life he and Karen had built together while creating a warm, welcoming environment for the next chapter of their lives.
The Challenge: Creating a More Connected and Functional Main Living Space
The original layout created several frustrations that limited both functionality and comfort throughout the main floor. The kitchen felt closed off, gathering areas lacked flow, and the space simply didn’t support the kind of connection and entertaining the homeowners envisioned for retirement.
Several important goals guided the remodeling project:
- Larger Kitchen Layout: Create a more open and spacious kitchen for cooking and gathering.
- Better Entertaining Space: Improve flow between the kitchen and surrounding living areas.
- Warm, Cohesive Design: Introduce finishes and tones that create a calm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Personalized Design Details: Incorporate materials and features that reflect the homeowners’ personality and style.
- Long-Term Functionality: Design the home around how the homeowners want to live in retirement.
The goal was not simply to modernize the kitchen, but to reshape how the entire main floor functioned and felt day to day.
The Solution: A Warm, Open Kitchen Designed Around Connection and Everyday Living
Working closely with Lead Designer Christine Gauthier, the Custom Built team developed a remodeling plan focused on openness, comfort, and meaningful daily use. The kitchen was expanded and reconfigured to improve circulation and create a stronger connection between key living spaces.
To bring Cliff and Karen’s vision to life, the remodel incorporated several customized design elements:
- Expanded Kitchen Layout: Opened the space to improve flow, visibility, and usability throughout the main level.
- Large Central Island: Created a natural gathering space for cooking, conversation, and entertaining.
- Two-Tone Cabinetry: Added warmth and contrast while maintaining a timeless, balanced design.
- Decorative Tile Accents: Introduced texture and personality around the kitchen window and range areas.
- Coordinated Main Floor Palette: Extended soft gray-blue tones into the adjoining family room for a cohesive, calming feel.
Throughout construction, the Custom Built production team managed each phase with precision and care, ensuring the design intent was carried through to completion. Every decision was guided by the goal of creating a home that felt personal, functional, and ready for the next chapter.
The finished space delivered exactly what Cliff envisioned: a warm, open main floor where family connection comes naturally and everyday living feels effortless.
“The Custom Built team methodically walked us through the design phase and were meticulous and professional in their craftsmanship. They were responsive to issues, questions and concerns as we progressed to completion. We are enjoying our beautifully remodeled home.” - Karen Keys-Turner
