When Allison and Jake moved into their 1990s home on the edge of Sacramento, they were sold on the natural light, the neighborhood, and the potential.
But their kitchen? Not so much.
“The island was tiny, the cabinets were peeling, and everything felt… off,” Allison recalled.
“We wanted to cook. Host. Live. But the kitchen made all of that hard.”
Instead of buying new, they chose to renovate—and do it right. Inspired by the idea that the American dream works when we build it ourselves, they set out to create a space that felt elevated, yet livable.
Here’s exactly how they made it happen.
🔹 Step 1: Dream It (Yes, Literally)
Every good design starts with imagination.
Together, we made a vision board of what mattered most:
Warm finishes
Natural textures
Plenty of prep space
A seamless blend of beauty and practicality
Their dream was a luxury custom kitchen—but one that didn’t feel too precious. Think organic meets polished. A space you could cook in and exhale in.
🔹 Step 2: Choose Your Guide (a.k.a. Your Remodel Dream Team)
They chose a local contractor known for quality, transparency, and timeless craftsmanship—truly the spirit of American dream works.
What made it work?
Open communication
Detailed scheduling
Custom cabinetry plans from day one
The right team doesn’t just build. They listen.
🔹 Step 3: Make Cabinetry the Foundation (Because It Is)
Cabinets take up the most visual real estate—and they set the tone for the whole space.
Allison and Jake selected luxury custom cabinetry in a soft matte oak finish. Think:
Hidden appliance garage
Deep lower drawers
Slim-profile upper cabinets with integrated lighting
Interiors just as beautiful as the exteriors
It was the moment the kitchen turned from a plan… to a statement.
🔹 Step 4: Layout for Life
Their old kitchen had no flow.
So we reimagined the layout from scratch:
A generous central island, perfect for prep and morning coffee
A new built-in pantry wall with glass uppers
Work zones that made cooking with two people actually doable
The kitchen now opens directly to the dining room with clear sightlines and a soft visual rhythm.
🔹 Step 5: Finish with Heart
No remodel is complete without personal details:
Handmade clay tile behind the range
A soft linen Roman shade over the kitchen window
A curated shelf of vintage cookbooks and heirloom pottery
The kitchen didn’t just look like them. It felt like them.
🌟 Final Reveal: A Kitchen That Delivers Joy, Daily
Allison and Jake’s kitchen is now the heart of their home—warm, high-functioning, and layered with light.
“We don’t rush through the space anymore,” Jake said. “We linger in it.”
And that’s exactly what design should do: support your life, your routines, and your story.
Final Word from Emily
If your kitchen doesn’t reflect who you are—or how you want to live—it’s time.
Start with intention. Build with care. And remember: the American dream works best when it’s built one thoughtful decision at a time.
Let it be beautiful. Let it be practical. Let it be yours.
