The 3rd Street Project

Project Summary

The Client

Jerry and Lisa Baker of Mount Morris are the sweetest couple, full of banter and laughter, who wanted a kitchen that reflected both their history and their heart. Their vision was simple: take their outdated space down to the studs and rebuild it into something timeless, functional, and full of life.

The Challenge

The Bakers’ 1911 kitchen (last remodeled in the late 1950s) was dated, inefficient, and filled with odd-sized, poor-quality cupboards. A wide soffit limited cabinet access, and the space as a whole felt tired and uninspired. While they wanted a full tear-down to the studs, big walls and the overall layout needed to remain, making thoughtful design within existing constraints essential

The Solution

Sterling Woodworks carefully reworked the space, shortening the soffit to allow taller, more functional cabinetry and opening up the entry for better flow (with hopes to later add a custom mudroom built-in). The design was fully custom from the inside out, featuring thoughtful accessories and storage solutions throughout—utensil drawers, deep base pull-outs, interior organizers, and ample outlets to make everyday life easier.

The Bakers selected stunning neutral quartz countertops, paired with Sterling Woodworks’ signature Hale Navy lower cabinets and warm wood-stained uppers—a combination that feels both classic and fresh. A Morris & Co. bird-themed wallpaper tied it all together, echoing the warmth of the newly exposed brick chimney and giving the kitchen a one-of-a-kind personality. The wallpaper, a Sterling Woodworks in-house designer favorite, created the perfect “birds of a feather” finishing touch.

Additional Challenges

  1. Challenge: Dated cabinetry in odd sizes with poor functionality
  2. Challenge: Wide soffit limited upper cabinet space.
  3. Challenge: The existing finishes felt flat and uninspired.

SWW Solutions

  1. Solution: Replaced with fully custom Sterling cabinetry, complete with tailored accessories and storage features that bring both beauty and function to every cabinet.
  2. Solution: Shortened the soffit, opening up room for taller cabinetry and maximizing storage.
  3. Solution: Introduced a layered palette—neutral quartz, Hale Navy, warm stained wood, and a statement wallpaper—for character that balances history and modern style.

The Kitchen of my Dreams

“I wouldn’t have made these selections on my own, but with Sterling Woodworks’ guidance I walk into the kitchen of my dreams every single day - and I absolutely love it.“
Jerry and Lisa Baker
Mount Morris, IL