Reimagining a 1930s Shoreline Classic
In the shoreline community of Old Lyme CT, this 1935 single-family home had charm to spare—but the kitchen told a different story. When the clients moved in seven years ago to be closer to family, they inherited a small, closed-off galley layout that didn’t reflect how they wanted to live in their forever home.
As retirees who love to cook and entertain, they envisioned a more open, welcoming space with better storage and room to gather.
Through a contractor referral, they connected with our team to reimagine the heart of their home with a truly custom approach.
Expert Coordination and On-Site Problem Solving
A key part of the project’s success was contractor Keith Knickerbocker, who brought experience, craftsmanship, and a steady hand to the renovation. When an architect’s original bay window concept proved unworkable, Keith helped thoughtfully reconfigure the plan, ensuring the final layout felt seamless and intentional rather than forced.
He personally installed the cabinetry and coordinated closely with both our team and the stone supplier to keep everything aligned. The homeowners appreciated his clear communication and problem-solving mindset, especially when working against a fast-track timeline to have the kitchen ready for Thanksgiving.
The John Dean Custom Advantage
From the beginning, the design phase was collaborative and thoughtful. Working closely with our Client Manager, Cara, they knew they wanted a two-toned kitchen with a custom color—something they quickly discovered wasn’t possible through stock or semi-custom options.
Semi-custom cabinet lines they explored with us offer sizing in three-inch increments, limiting layout flexibility. With John Dean Custom Cabinetry, we were able to tailor every detail, from varied cabinet widths to a custom-designed wine rack that replaced what would have been simple filler space.
A Masterful Mix of Materials and Color
The cabinetry itself is where the homeowners’ vision truly came to life. They wanted contrast and character: a Cherry fridge wall, designed to feel more like a piece of furniture, paired with perimeter cabinetry painted to match Benjamin Moore’s Harbor Town 493.
This frameless cabinetry features a clean, modern flat-panel door with a subtle beveled inside edge and a simple square outer profile. The Garden State crown moulding blends the simplicity of this style with the classic character of their 1930s Old Lyme home.
The material selections brought warmth and personality to the space. Two dramatic slabs of African Rainbow granite—sourced through Stone House—anchor the room with movement and color.
The homeowners especially appreciate the increased capacity and the quality craftsmanship visible in every drawer and door. One of their favorite features? The sleek Bosch induction cooktop, which pairs beautifully with the custom cabinetry and makes cooking together even more enjoyable.
Designed for Connection and Celebration
Beyond the finishes and fixtures, what stands out most is how the space feels. There’s now room to sit with a morning coffee, prep meals side by side, and gather comfortably with friends and family.
The renovation transformed a tight galley into an open, functional kitchen that supports the way they truly live. They shared how impressed they were not only with the cabinetry itself, but with the care, structure, and efficiency of our six-step process—from design through installation.
Why Homeowners Choose Dean Cabinetry
As our clients noted in their five-star Google Review, Dean Cabinetry stood out among four different quotes for our balance of cost, quality, and customer service:
“We recently completed a kitchen renovation and expansion which entailed the installation of all new kitchen cabinets and appliances. In our search for cabinets we received quotes from four different cabinet companies ranging from fully customized and installed to ready to assemble and self-installed. After reviewing all of the quotes it quickly became clear that Dean Cabinetry was the best choice in terms of cost, quality and customer service. From the very outset to the day of delivery and every step in between the Dean Cabinetry team made the selection, design and production stages a seamless process with a constant focus on customer needs and satisfaction. The quality of the product, the level of service and competitive pricing created a value proposition that none of the other cabinet companies could match. The entire Dean team were a pleasure to work with every step of the way and we couldn’t be more pleased with the product and the people of Dean Cabinetry. If you or anyone you know are looking for high-quality cabinets, superior workmanship and excellent service at a fair and reasonable price then look no further than Dean Cabinetry.”
Interested in creating a custom kitchen designed around your lifestyle? Contact us to start your own renovation journey.