A Rustic Style Kitchen Design-Build-Remodeling Project

Before-and-After Pictures of a Rustic Style Kitchen Remodel

This Rio, Wisconsin, Gen-X couple got their dream rustic style kitchen.

Our clients, Anson and Brenda have lived in their Rio, Wisconsin home for over 10 years. They love their home and property but always dreamt of living in a rustic cabin in the north woods.

Instead of getting another home, having already completed a master bathroom remodel in their beloved rustic style, they engaged our design-build process to give them the dream rustic style kitchen they always wanted.

Learn about and see the before-and-after pictures of this stunning kitchen transformation!

The Challenges of Opening the Space

Anton and Brenda wanted a rustic style kitchen that met their aesthetic goals, opened the space, and added more storage. The existing kitchen was original to the home. The homeowners had installed a tile backsplash with a custom tile mural to update the space and move it toward their design vision.

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Before Kitchen Remodel

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After Kitchen Remodel

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Before Kitchen Remodel

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After Kitchen Remodel

Unfortunately, while the mural added visual interest, the kitchen was cramped, and struggled to use the open kitchen and dining room corridor. The kitchen was relegated to the end of the room, except for a large desk. The desk was spacious compared to the rest of the kitchen, which was a standard U-shaped kitchen. The unique addition of an island in the middle of the U only tightened the walkways.

Creating A Prototype Cabinet

Before we could begin our rustic style kitchen remodel, Anson and Brenda had a request. They had a unique design idea. They wanted proof of concept for their custom cabinetry. They wanted to incorporate reclaimed barn wood for a unique rustic kitchen design. Our Amish cabinet maker got to work. He sourced some barn wood and produced beautiful cabinet samples, assuring Anson and Brenda’s dream could become a reality!

Settling on a Final Design

We began by tasking our design team to create a few concepts. Senior Designer Dave Duewel and Designer Zach Degnan presented Anton and Brenda with their designs. The couple made their choice, and the project was ready to go!

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The new layout kept some elements of the existing kitchen. But we made plenty of improvements to make the space more open and functional. We kept the sink in front of the large existing window that provided a clear view of their wooded lot. The range also stayed in a similar spot.

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Before Kitchen Remodel

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Before Laundry Remodel

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After Kitchen Remodel

Substantial changes came with the refrigerator and pantry. The existing refrigerator was opposite the range. It was a full-depth fridge, and the already tight walkway between the pantry and the island became even tighter.

Our solution was to remove the desk and move the refrigerator to where the desk had been. This move allowed us the room to install 18-inch-deep pantry cabinets to replace the 24-inch-deep cabinets. This gave us additional room for the walkway. Moving the refrigerator allowed us to create a secondary pantry storage area. It also gave us a perfect spot to place a drop zone right next to the door into the laundry room, which was the main entryway from the garage and pathway to Anton’s home office.

Bonus Features

Opposite the refrigerator, we added a bonus China and buffet feature. This gave the homeowners a functional space to store their decorative dishes. After multiple island designs, the winning design features a unique angle that allows a small, raised seating area to be placed while giving enough space for the refrigerator.

Classic Rustic Elements Complete the Design

With the kitchen design layout complete and the custom Amish barn wood cabinets selected, Anson and Brenda’s kitchen still felt like it needed something. To complete our rustic style kitchen, we created decorative beam work for the kitchen ceiling and openings made from the same barnwood as the cabinetry.

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Before Kitchen Remodel

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Before Kitchen Remodel

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After Kitchen Remodel

Keeping the rustic theme going, we chose a rich, dark brown granite countertop. We included a chiseled edge design to complement the rugged and rustic style. For the kitchen sink, we chose a stunning hammered copper farmhouse sink. We paired it with a rubbed bronze faucet to emphasize the style. The English brick backsplash complements the rustic feel, and the tile mural introduces a natural element, bringing in a forest vibe. The pinecone-decorated pendant lighting keeps the forest vibe going. For the final touch, hand-forged black steel cabinet handles complete the design.

Upscaling the Laundry and Powder Room

We redesigned the laundry room space to take advantage of an awkward closet under the stairs. We moved the washer and dryer into that space, which opened the floor space and gave us much more space for cabinets and countertops. We continued the petrified wood floor tile into the space. We chose a black quartz sink for the laundry room, and the homeowners wanted to reuse the existing kitchen faucet in the laundry room.

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Before Kitchen Remodel

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After Kitchen Remodel

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Before Kitchen Remodel

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After Kitchen Remodel

With everything happening around it, we had to include the powder room in the fun! We designed a new vanity cabinet and included a bucket-shaped hammered copper vessel sink!

The Result of this Kitchen and Laundry Room Remodel

We completely transformed this space into Anson and Brenda's dream kitchen with its custom-designed barn wood cabinetry, rich dark countertops, brick backsplash, and updated layout. The updated laundry room, powder room, and rustic style kitchen move their home closer to becoming their dream space. Anson and Brenda are ready to entertain and set up to tackle whatever project is next!

Are you considering a kitchen remodel or any other home improvement project? Whether a new kitchen remodel, a bathroom update, or any other project, let us help you create a new look and design for your home! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Are you ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.