The Story
Jim and Kris loved their Oconomowoc home, but their narrow kitchen had become a daily frustration. A peninsula in the middle of it turned meal prep into a juggling act every time they cooked together.
Kris’s sister, an interior designer at Gerhard’s Kitchen & Bath, had already created a design that reflected their vision. The Build It Right team brought that vision to life and transformed the kitchen, dining room, and great room into one open, connected first floor.
Oconomowoc, WI
3.5 months
$126,000
“We remodeled our kitchen, dining, and great room area with Build It Right Remodeling. Brian and his crew were great to work with. Attention to detail, timely, and good craftsmanship. Highly recommend!!”
— Jim & Kris, Oconomowoc, WI
The old kitchen was narrow and crowded, with a layout that worked best for one person at a time and worn cabinetry and finishes that had faded well past their best years.
At the center of the problem was a peninsula that blocked movement, collected clutter, and separated the kitchen from the adjoining dining room and great room.
The peninsula interrupted nearly every part of the kitchen’s daily use, making the kitchen feel boxed in and keeping the first floor from feeling connected.
Jim and Kris already had a clear design direction. Our job was to turn that vision into a functional, buildable plan.
The new plan removed the peninsula and replaced it with a central island designed to support cooking, casual seating, and entertaining.
Two new walls created a dedicated butler’s pantry, while a new 96-inch-by-80-inch patio door opened the back of the home to the yard, brought more natural light inside, and improved the connection between the kitchen and outdoor living area.
Detailed plans and 3D renderings helped Jim and Kris visualize the new island, cabinetry, custom range hood, and open sightlines before the first cabinet came out.
They could see how the rooms would connect, giving them confidence that the finished first floor would feel open without losing the function each space needed.
The finished kitchen opens naturally into the dining room and great room, allowing the entire first floor to function as one connected space.
The kitchen island anchors the space and improves movement in a way the old peninsula never could. What was once a tight, one-person workspace now comfortably supports cooking together, hosting friends, and moving through everyday routines.
Client Must Haves
A Cambria quartz surface and larger sink make the island a practical center for meal preparation, hosting, and everyday routines. Pendant lighting defines the island as the kitchen’s focal point while keeping the space open.
A custom wood range hood adds architectural detail while providing the ventilation the kitchen needs, with a finish that coordinates with the cabinetry and backsplash for a more cohesive design.
Tucking the microwave into cabinetry keeps the countertops clear and preserves the kitchen’s clean lines without sacrificing everyday convenience.
A built-in bench beside the kitchen window creates a comfortable place to sit, complemented by a wine refrigerator, perfect for entertaining.
Horizontal 3-by-12-inch subway tile adds brightness and texture while connecting the white cabinetry and quartz countertops.
Kemper Echo and Choice painted maple cabinetry provides durable storage with a smooth, timeless finish throughout the kitchen.
Low-maintenance Cambria quartz covers the island and counters, offering a durable, low-maintenance surface for everyday use.
Continuous vinyl plank flooring connects the kitchen, dining room, and great room while standing up to the demands of daily use.
Modern Brookline hardware gives the cabinetry a clean, consistent finish throughout the kitchen and adjoining storage areas.
Two new walls created a dedicated butler’s pantry with additional storage and preparation space just off the kitchen.
The result
Jim and Kris’s kitchen, dining room, and great room now feel like one connected first floor rather than three competing spaces.
Removing the peninsula and adding a new island, butler’s pantry, and patio door opened the kitchen to surrounding rooms and created a brighter, more functional first-floor space for cooking, hosting, and everyday living.
Contact Us
We can help you see what is possible within the walls you already have.
Your home should grow with you. Whether you’re opening your layout, modernizing your space, or finishing your basement, our team is ready to bring your vision to life.
