The 3rd Street Project

Project Summary

The Client

This homeowner wanted to restore her family’s country kitchen with a design that felt warm, natural, and enduring. With the possibility of resale in mind, she sought a space that balanced personality with broad appeal through neutral, high-quality selections.

The Challenge

The original kitchen layout was awkward and inefficient, with poor-quality cabinets, an outdated stain, laminate countertops, and a bulky soffit that weighed the room down. The refrigerator awkwardly protruded into the space, the peninsula cut off flow, and overall, the design didn’t reflect the warmth or charm of the home.

The Solution

Sterling Woodworks completely flipped the flow of the kitchen, relocating the peninsula so the entry now opens gracefully near the refrigerator. To balance budget and resale goals, high-quality RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinetry was selected in a neutral finish—delivering a polished, timeless look without the expense of full custom. A built-in microwave in the peninsula maximized counter space, while quartz countertops provided an elevated yet practical upgrade from laminate. By removing the intrusive soffit and carefully reworking the layout, the kitchen now feels open, functional, and inviting—ready to serve both everyday life and future resale value.

Additional Challenges

  1. Challenge: poor-quality, outdated cabinets with a dated finish
  2. Challenge: the room felt cramped and closed-off with awkward flow
  3. Challenge: outdated finishes diminished the home’s appeal

SWW Solutions

  1. Solution: installed RTA cabinetry in a neutral palette, ensuring both budget-conscious practicality and long-term charm
  2. Solution: redesigned the layout to improve movement and usability, creating a more natural flow into the space
  3. Solution: upgraded from laminate to durable quartz countertops—neutral, high-end, and perfect for modern buyers

Beautiful and Functional

“I wanted to bring back the heart of the home while keeping things simple, natural, and timeless. Sterling Woodworks made it not only beautiful, but functional in ways I never imagined.“
Christine Vest