The Story
Dick and Jane’s kitchen was separated from the rest of the first floor, capped by a flat 8-foot ceiling, and had barely enough room to cook together, let alone host.
The Build It Right team approached the kitchen, dining room, and living area as one connected project. Two walls came down, the ceiling rose to 12 feet, and larger windows and doors brought more natural light and lake views into the space.
Oconomowoc, WI
3 months
$258,000
749 sq. ft.
“Don’t hesitate to hire Brian and Build it Right. From creative design ideas to demolition to fine finished carpentry, Brian and his tradespeople provided an excellent kitchen remodel project. Brian’s eye for possibilities, his superb carpentry skills, communication skills, use of technology for project management, and just being a quality human being made our dream kitchen a reality. Engage with Build it Right if you want Amazing.”
— Dick & Jane, Oconomowoc, WI
The kitchen sat beneath a flat 8-foot ceiling and was separated from the surrounding dining and living areas. Limited workspace and storage made it difficult for two people to use the room comfortably, let alone a crowd.
Although the home sat beside the lake, the closed layout kept much of the natural light and view from reaching the kitchen.
A load-bearing wall separated the kitchen from the dining and living areas, while a narrow hallway interrupted movement through the first floor.
The wall served an important structural purpose, but it was also the primary barrier between the existing layout and the open space Dick and Jane wanted.
The new Chief Architect plan removed the load-bearing wall and reorganized the kitchen around a large central island.
The dining and living areas would open on either side, improving sightlines and natural flow. A new patio door, larger windows, and a butler’s pantry would bring in light, lake views, and added storage and prep space.
Detailed plans and Twinmotion renderings helped Dick and Jane visualize and experience the vaulted ceiling, island, cabinetry, and new sightlines before construction began, giving them a clear sense of how the finished first floor would look and feel.
The kitchen now opens directly into the dining and living areas, with the island anchoring the center of the first floor and creating the kind of space Dick and Jane wanted for hosting.
The vaulted ceiling makes the room feel larger and brighter, while larger windows and a new patio door bring in more daylight and finally make the lake view they had lived beside for years part of the home rather than something hidden beyond it.
Client Must Haves
The redesigned central island anchors the kitchen, offering generous space for prep, seating, and entertaining, with durable, low-maintenance Cambria Berwyn quartz suited for everyday use and gatherings.
Floating shelves, cabinetry, and a detailed backsplash turned an underused corner into a practical coffee station with additional storage and countertop space.
Replacing the flat 8-foot ceiling with a 12-foot vaulted ceiling opened the kitchen vertically, giving it a brighter and more spacious feel that complements the first-floor layout.
Removing the load-bearing wall opened the kitchen to surrounding rooms, while larger windows and a new patio door bring in natural light and lake views for the first time.
Cambria Berwyn quartz covers the island and perimeter counters, creating a durable, low-maintenance surface.
New Showplace cabinetry provides the storage, organization, and polished finish the old kitchen never had.
A 30-inch under-cabinet range hood improves ventilation without interrupting the kitchen’s clean design or the new sightlines.
Dutch Limed Oak-finish luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the kitchen and first floor for a consistent, durable look.
A new butler’s pantry off the kitchen provides dedicated storage and preparation space the old floor plan couldn’t fit.
An Elkay undermount sink, Brizo Litze faucet, and new LG refrigerator complete the kitchen’s functional working area.
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.
