What happens when form meets function in a dream kitchen remodel?
Just ask the Deutmeyer family. Thanks to the collaboration and partnership between the family and our team at Hometown Restyling, their new kitchen is not only a functional hub for daily life but also a stunning showcase of their personality and style: a beautiful blend of warmth, wood tones, and wow factor.
When the Deutmeyers reached out to our team, they had a big idea: to create a kitchen that felt open, was great for gathering, and reflected their own personality. This kitchen remodel project was also about reclaiming a special space in their Cedar Rapids, Iowa home and making it work for them every day.
With custom kitchen cabinets, a warm mix of textures and finishes, and expert craftsmanship from start to finish, this Cedar Rapids kitchen remodel shows just how thoughtful design and local expertise come together to create dream homes. Now, two years later, their kitchen has become a real-world example of what’s possible when you combine thoughtful design and expert installation.
Transforming a Closed Kitchen Layout in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The original layout of the Deutmeyers’ kitchen wasn’t exactly cramped, but it was compartmentalized. The space was visually divided, with a peninsula that broke up the flow between the kitchen and sitting area. One side was used as a cooking zone, the other as a dining area near the slider doors.
“They really wanted a big open kitchen,” said Michelle, the project’s designer. “They wanted that whole space to become the kitchen and just make an island big enough that they could use that for their table.”
Without needing to remove any walls, the Hometown Restyling team gutted the existing space. It started from scratch, designing a layout that embraced the entire room and reoriented it toward gathering in the kitchen, instead of splitting between the cooking and dining spaces.
Kitchen Remodel Plumbing: What to Know Before You Move Your Sink
One of the biggest layout changes in the Detmeyer kitchen remodel involved relocating the sink. Originally installed in the peninsula, the sink was moved to the main wall beneath a large window, reimagining the view of the kitchen sink.
While many homeowners hesitate to consider moving plumbing because of perceived cost or complexity, the reality is often simpler than you think. Depending on the layout of your current kitchen, rerouting plumbing to shift a sink from a wall to an island (or vice versa) can be straightforward. In this case, the plumbing only had to move a short distance, which was efficiently handled by the Hometown Restyling team without major disruption.
Thoughtful planning, a solid understanding of your home’s infrastructure, and an experienced local team can make these types of changes smooth and surprisingly budget-friendly. The key is having expert guidance early in the design process to evaluate what’s possible, so it’s done right the first time.
An Open Feel Without an Open Floor Plan
While the rest of the Deutmeyer home isn’t built around an open-concept design, the reinvented kitchen and dining space now feel incredibly open and cohesive. The flow between the island, perimeter cabinets, and nearby walkways makes this space feel spacious, bright, and intentionally designed, even though it’s still very much its own room.
Custom Kitchen Cabinet Design That Reflects Personality
The previous kitchen featured white thermofoil cabinets that needed updating and offered little in the way of style or personality. “It just didn’t reflect them at all,” Michelle said. “They’re a really fun couple, and the space felt flat.”
To turn that around, Michelle designed a kitchen with two-tone kitchen wall cabinets that instantly warmed up the space. A blend of rich wood tones and a soft neutral created contrast without clashing. Together, Michelle and the Deutmeyers created a space that is visually interesting while still feeling timeless.
And to give the design a bold centerpiece, the couple opted for a dramatic dark island, which anchors the room and adds a statement that still fits within the cozy, modern color palette.
“There are elements in there that are classic,” Michelle explained, “but then there are touches of fun throughout the space, like the island countertop. The new kitchen totally reflects their personalities.”
How Kitchen Design Consultations Lead to Seamless Remodels
One of the keys to success for this Cedar Rapids kitchen remodel? Time spent at the beginning of the project getting to know the homeowners and their goals.
Michelle shared:
“I always spend time early in the process talking to homeowners about how they use their space, what they’re drawn to, and what kind of feel they want. That helps me create a design that’s not just beautiful but personal.”
That upfront investment in the design consultation made the rest of the process smooth. The layout came together quickly because the designer listened closely and asked all the right questions. The homeowners were on board with the design well before ordering and installation began, which meant fewer changes, faster progress, and a smoother experience overall.
Custom Kitchen Features That Elevate Your Home Remodel
This remodel is full of thoughtful, customized features that add both beauty and practicality to the space. With help from Hometown Restyling’s in-house craftspeople, these elements brought the homeowners’ dream to life with quality, durability, and charm.
Handcrafted Range Hood Adds Farmhouse Style
The designer and homeowners wanted to introduce a hint of farmhouse character, but without overdoing the shiplap trend. The solution? A custom-built range hood, crafted by Hometown Restyling’s own carpenters.
“We didn’t want to go full-on farmhouse,” Michelle said. “So we used just a bit of shiplap and paired it with modern textures. It was designed on-site, adjusted as we went, and ended up being one of the highlights of the space.”
Large Kitchen Window for Natural Light & Outdoor Views
Above the new sink sits a large window that brings in natural light and opens up the kitchen to the outdoors. With countertops running right up to the window base, it creates a seamless connection between inside and outside.
“When you’re standing at the sink, you feel like you’re right outside,” Michelle said. “It’s peaceful. And it’s a beautiful view.”
Coffee Nook Design: A Functional & Stylish Kitchen Addition
Another wish list item was a coffee nook. A dedicated space to house their favorite mugs and morning essentials. Thanks to the new layout, there was room to create this cozy corner, adding functionality without crowding the space.
Open Kitchen Design with a Large Island for Gathering
One of the Deutmeyers’ top priorities was to create a space that was perfect for hosting and spending time in the kitchen. Before, the kitchen and dining area were divided. Now, they’re connected in a way that enhances both daily use and gatherings.
“They’re very social,” Michelle explained. “They love having people over. The large island lets them cook, talk, and entertain all in one spot.”
The overlarge island serves as both a prep area and a gathering zone, replacing the need for a traditional dining table without sacrificing seating or connection. It invites conversation, meals, and memory-making, exactly what this eastern Iowa couple wanted from their kitchen remodel.
Kitchen Design Trends in Eastern Iowa
From a design perspective, the Deutmeyers were ahead of the curve. The combination of warm wood cabinetry, darker accents, and a full-height quartz backsplash gave the space a refined but still very approachable look.
“They were one of the first I did with full-height quartz backsplash,” said Michelle. “Now it’s one of the most requested features. It’s clean, elegant, and super easy to maintain. No grout lines to scrub.”
Another forward-thinking feature? The Blanco composite sink is a customer-favorite for good reason. These sinks are scratch- and stain-resistant, incredibly durable, and come in a range of modern colors.
“I always recommend composite sinks,” Michelle said. “They’re low-maintenance and they hold up beautifully, especially in a busy kitchen like this.”
Local Kitchen Remodel Experts in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Beyond
What makes a remodel like this possible? It’s a great design, and the people bringing that design to life.
“I want clients to know what to expect,” Michelle shared. “That includes the exciting parts and the slow parts, like the wait for countertops. Setting expectations early makes everything easier.”
Communication is key, but it’s expert craftsmanship that makes a project like this shine. From vision to execution, the kitchen remodel came together thanks to a team of local professionals who take pride in their work and their community.
“This kitchen is the result of a homeowner’s goal, a designer’s vision, and expert builders who care deeply about getting it right,” Michelle said. “Our carpenters put their heart into everything they build, and you can feel that in the final space.”
Custom Kitchen Remodels That Reflect Your Life and Style
The Deutmeyer kitchen is a great example of what’s possible when you combine thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and expert installation. It’s warm. It’s bold. It’s practical. And most importantly, it feels like home.
“Don’t be afraid to mix textures, tones, and materials,” Michelle encourages. “You don’t have to play it safe. If you want personality in your space, challenge your designer, we’ll help bring it to life.”
If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen or start any home remodel project in Cedar Rapids or anywhere in our Eastern Iowa service area, Hometown Restyling is here to help. Whether you want custom kitchen cabinets, a better layout, or a kitchen that feels like you, our designers and expert installers are ready to bring your dream kitchen to life.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation, or if you’re still in kitchen dreaming mode, check out some of our recent kitchen remodels for inspiration.