Tucked away in West Cornwall, CT, this secondary home started as a typical 1980s build with one major drawback—lack of storage. For a busy family of four splitting time between New York and Connecticut, the space needed to work harder, feel more intentional, and reflect their personal style. They wanted a custom solution that could transform not just the kitchen, but multiple areas throughout the home.
The Design Journey
After being introduced through their contractor and exploring options online, the homeowners chose Dean Cabinetry based on strong Google reviews and a desire for a more seamless, local experience.
From the start, our process stood out. The in-depth Discovery phase and detailed design presentations gave them a clear understanding of what was possible. While the scale of the renovation led to an “intense” planning phase—with plenty of back-and-forth—the team kept pace, quickly turning around revisions and refining details to match the client’s exact vision.
A Centerpiece Kitchen
The kitchen became the centerpiece of the transformation. Using our John Dean Custom cabinetry, the space features inset cabinetry with flat panel doors and subtle beveled detailing, creating a clean, tailored look that feels both classic and current. The Benjamin Moore Piedmont Gray finish brings a soft, muted tone that pairs naturally with the light countertops and bright backsplash, staying true to the charm of the home.
An island anchors the room, complete with a prominent, polished faucet and ample prep space, while a professional-grade Wolf range and hood create a strong focal point..
Personal Touches & Gathering Spaces
The backsplash blends textures—vertical paneling paired with a centered decorative hand-painted tile inspired by the client’s children— adding a heart-warming personal touch.
Just off the kitchen, a built-in breakfast nook creates a warm, functional gathering space. Wrapped in windows and exposed wood beams, the area feels bright and relaxed. A custom bench in Benjamin Moore Seapearl surrounds a central table, making it an easy spot for everyday meals while keeping the layout efficient and connected.
Cohesive Living & Utility Areas
In the living area, custom built-ins extend the same design language. Painted the same color as the kitchen, the cabinetry frames the room with a mix of open shelving and closed storage. Vertical backing adds texture, while integrated lighting highlights books and collected pieces. A centered window seat ties everything together, turning a simple wall into a functional and inviting feature.
The design carries through to the home’s hard-working spaces, where utility meets high-end style. In the laundry room, theBM Nature Lover finish creates a fresh, organic feel, perfectly complemented by the unique Shiplap cabinetry detail. The mudroom offers even more streamlined storage, finished in the sophisticated, neutral tone of BM Smoke Embers. To round out the transformation, the bathroom vanities are finished in BM Thundercloud Gray, providing a tranquil and polished look that keeps each space feeling bright, cohesive, and seamless with the rest of the home.
Expert Installation & Final Results
Installation brought everything together seamlessly. The client noted Installers Keaton and Jake maintained a professional, responsive approach, ensuring that even small adjustments were handled quickly. Despite the size and pace of the project, the experience remained smooth from start to finish.
The result is a home that feels both elevated and livable. What was once a dated layout is now a cohesive, thoughtfully designed retreat with standout craftsmanship and custom details throughout. The homeowners were kind enough to share their experience in a 5-star Google review, noting the quality and care that went into every step:
“We had an excellent experience working with Dean Cabinetry and highly recommend them. We embarked on a large home renovation, and Dean Cabinetry built most of our cabinetry (kitchen, mudroom, laundry room, bathrooms, built-in bookshelves, etc). We were looking for custom work – and were particular with our preferences. From start to finish, the team at Dean Cabinetry (Paul in design, Kevin, Keaton and Jake in installation) could not have been more professional and client-oriented. They were also very pleasant and quick to respond to / address any issues. We are extremely happy with the final product; the quality of the craftsmanship is outstanding. We hope to work with them again on future projects.”Interested in a kitchen like this?
Contact us today to start your custom cabinetry journey.