Remodeling Project Overview:
Project Date: July, 2022
Service Provided: Full Kitchen Design and Remodel
Location: Mason, Michigan (Near Maple Grove Cemetery)
Debra’s home in Mason had been updated in pieces over time, but the kitchen still felt disconnected from the way she used the rest of her main floor. After working with Custom Built on a previous sunroom and deck project, she returned with a clear vision for a more open, functional layout that would better connect her kitchen and living spaces. Her focus was on improving flow, increasing natural light, and creating a more unified main living area.
The home sits in a residential pocket of Mason near Maple Grove Cemetery, where many properties were originally built with more segmented floor plans. In Debra’s case, the kitchen and living room were divided by an interior wall that limited openness and made the main floor feel smaller than it actually was. She was ready for a full redesign that would modernize the space while improving how the entire home functioned day to day.
The Challenge: Outdated Layout and Disconnected Living Spaces
For Debra, the biggest frustration was the separation between her kitchen and living areas, which were divided by an interior wall that restricted both light and interaction. The space also included outdated cabinetry, aging countertops, and flooring that no longer supported the look or function she wanted for her home.
She envisioned a more open concept layout that would allow for:
- Better movement
- Improved lighting
- A stronger connection between the main living areas
Because this was a full-scale remodel involving multiple systems and finishes, she also wanted a single design-build process that could manage every phase from planning through completion.
The Solution: A Fully Integrated Kitchen and Living Space Transformation
Working closely through our design-build process, Debra collaborated with our team to refine and finalize a comprehensive remodeling plan. The project focused on creating a unified, open, and highly functional living environment:
- Open Concept Reconfiguration: Removed the dividing wall to connect the kitchen and living spaces for improved flow and natural light.
- Custom Cabinetry and Layout Design: Installed new cabinetry designed to maximize storage and improve day-to-day usability.
- Updated Countertops and Finishes: Selected durable, modern quartz countertop materials to elevate both function and aesthetics.
- New Flooring Installation: Unified the space with updated oak wood flooring for a cohesive, continuous look.
- Improved Lighting Design: Enhanced overall brightness with updated fixtures and improved layout planning.
Throughout construction, Debra adapted to living in the home by temporarily relocating her kitchen to the basement, allowing her to maintain daily routines while the transformation took place.
The finished space delivered a bright, open, and cohesive kitchen and living area that fully aligned with Debra’s original goals, a result she continues to enjoy every day.
"Custom Built was wonderful to partner with on several projects. They are caring, professional, understanding, and considerate of your ideas and budget. They have a great team of contractors who are professional and friendly. I trusted them 100% and will definitely use Custom Built for any future projects." - Debra Doyle
