When our clients approached us about remodeling their farmhouse-style kitchen, they came with a clear vision: a space that blended the warmth of traditional farmhouse design with the clean lines and intentional craftsmanship of the Craftsman aesthetic. As professional chefs, they also needed a kitchen that worked as beautifully as it looked—one that offered organization, flow, and thoughtful details to support the way they cook every day.
Design Vision: Elegance Meets Practicality
From the beginning, the guiding principles were elegance and functionality. The clients wanted a space that felt elevated yet welcoming, rich in natural materials but refined in its detailing. Every design decision centered around marrying form and function—creating a kitchen that would not only look stunning but also perform seamlessly during even the busiest cooking sessions.
Custom Cherry Cabinetry: The Heart of the Transformation
The standout feature of this remodel is the fully custom, inset cherry cabinetry. To achieve the exact tone the clients envisioned, we developed a custom stain color specifically for this project. The stain beautifully muted the natural pink hues in cherry wood while preserving its depth and character, resulting in an elegant finish that feels tailored and timeless.
The cabinetry includes a number of high-end, custom-built elements:
- Inset construction for a precise, furniture-grade look
- Soft-close doors and drawers for everyday comfort and longevity
- Clear glass upper cabinets to showcase dishware while maintaining visual openness
- Custom-designed toe kick inspired by Craftsman details
- Hand-crafted corbels that add architectural interest and reinforce the farmhouse-meets-craftsman theme
Every cabinet was planned with the customers’ workflow in mind—optimized storage, purposeful organization, and accessories chosen to support two skilled chefs sharing the same workspace.
A Cohesive, Built-In Look From Every Angle
To complete the refined aesthetic, all kitchen appliances were flush inset, aligning perfectly with the cabinetry. This not only enhances the clean, tailored lines of the space but also gives the kitchen a true built-in feel, free of visual clutter—ideal for both style and efficiency.
The Result: A Kitchen With Character, Craft, and Culinary Purpose
The finished kitchen is a harmonious blend of farmhouse warmth and Craftsman detail. The custom cherry cabinets elevate the space with rich texture and timeless presence, while the chef-driven layout ensures the room functions at a professional level. The clients now have a kitchen that supports their passion for cooking and reflects their personal style with authenticity and elegance.
This project is a perfect example of how thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and attention to detail can transform a space into something truly exceptional.
Oak & Otter Woodworks is a bespoke cabinetry studio based in Mills River, NC, offering full kitchen and bath design, custom cabinet building, premium countertops, cabinet lighting, and decorative hardware. Each project is crafted in-house by master artisans using high-quality materials and traditional techniques, with a singular focus on your vision from concept through expert installation. — Visit us at oakandotterkb.com or stop by our showroom at 4725 Boylston Highway, Mills River, NC.
