The 3rd Street Project

Seeing is Believing

A Full Home Build by Sterling Woodworks

Welcome! The Stuart Residence is a complete build that feels as warm and genuine as the couple who calls it home. Owned by Randy & Pat Stuart, high school sweethearts with a love story that’s stood the test of time, this country retreat was designed to honor both family legacy and everyday living. Set against peaceful pastoral views and thoughtfully crafted in collaboration with the architectural firm of McCloud and Associates to balance accessibility, comfort, and timeless character. From the first step inside, you’ll see how custom cabinetry, natural wood tones, and layered textures quietly guide the eye from room to room. Every detail has a purpose, every space is meant to be lived in, and every cabinet, drawer, and built-in was designed to serve the people – and the stories – at the heart of this home. We are SO excited to share it with you.

Meg Wheeler

Meg Wheeler
Marketing & Creative Director

Explore Room by Room

From the welcoming Living Room & Bar Area to the serene Primary Bath, this home is a seamless story of comfort, accessibility, and craft. Use the quick-jump links below to step into each space – the hardworking Kitchen, cozy Guest Bedroom, thoughtful Mudroom and Hallway, and the connected Powder Bath and Jack & Jill Bath. Every stop highlights how custom cabinetry, smart storage, and warm finishes serve real life beautifully.

This Place Pulls Us Back...

“We spend the cold months down in Florida, but there’s something about this place that always pulls us back. Building on the farm where Randy grew up made it that much more special and Sterling Woodworks made the process feel personal every step of the way.“

Pat Stuart
Sterling, IL

Project Challenges

Every project comes with its own set of challenges – from tricky layouts and accessibility needs to balancing function with the finishes you love. At Sterling Woodworks, we don’t shy away from complexity; we lean into it with experience, clear communication, and thoughtful problem-solving. Whatever your home is asking for, our team is here to help you navigate each decision with confidence and end up with a space that feels just right.

Additional Challenges

  1. Seamless Accessibility + Function
    Integrating accessibility and functional features without making the home feel “sterile” or overdesigned.
  2. Consistent Flow Across the Entire Home
    Ensuring every inch of the home worked beautifully for daily living, not just in a few key rooms, from storage to everyday traffic flow.
  3. Cohesive Country Charm
    Maintaining a cohesive, country-inspired charm throughout the entire floor plan, tying cabinetry, finishes, and transitions together seamlessly.

SWW Solutions

  1. To make it accessible and functional…
    We designed and built custom cabinetry in every space to integrate accessibility and functional features without ever feeling clinical or cold.
  2. To ensure consistency…
    We made every design decision pull double duty – serving daily life, storage, and traffic flow so every inch of the home truly works.
  3. To maintain country charm…
    We carefully coordinated natural wood tones, warm finishes, and layered textures to carry a cohesive, country-inspired charm through the entire home.

Living Room & Bar

The Space

A warm, central gathering area anchored by a fireplace feature wall with an adjacent built-in bar – designed for both everyday living and easy entertaining.

The Challenge

Creating a cohesive living space that blended storage, fireplace, and media needs while also incorporating an accessible bar area – all without sacrificing style or the warm, inviting feel of the room.

The Solution

Sterling Woodworks designed custom cabinetry on both sides of the fireplace to seamlessly integrate storage.

The Kitchen

The Space

An open, light-filled kitchen at the heart of the home, centered around a hardworking island for cooking, gathering, and everyday living.

The Challenge

The Stuarts needed an open layout with generous prep space that could keep up with real-life cooking, while still honoring their love for classic, country-inspired design and modern conveniences.

The Solution

Sterling Woodworks anchored the room with a custom XL island that provides ample workspace, accessible storage, and easy circulation. Glass upper cabinets, a Hoodsly range hood, and warm, layered lighting bring in modern amenities with timeless charm, creating a kitchen that feels both sophisticated and deeply welcoming.

Powder Bath

The Space

A compact powder bath just off the main living areas, designed to feel like a small surprise with big personality.

The Challenge

The room had a small footprint and limited storage, and needed to feel distinctive and full of character without clashing with the home’s warm, pastoral aesthetic.

The Solution

Sterling Woodworks crafted a custom vanity that maximizes counter and storage space while leaving open area below for easy access. Floral wallpaper, dill-green cabinetry, and tailored door profiles and trim add a playful, personal punch that still feels cohesive with the rest of the home.

Mudroom

The Space

A hardworking mudroom, laundry, and office hub that catches everything coming and going while supporting daily routines behind the scenes.

The Challenge

This high-traffic area needed to stay organized, accessible, and clutter-free, all while adding personality and warmth to what could easily become a purely utilitarian space.

The Solution

SWW designed fully custom cabinetry with dedicated zones for office work, laundry, cleaning supplies, and coats, preserving an open path of travel and keeping everything in its place. Reseda-green cabinetry layered over natural maple, along with integrated custom lighting details, turns this practical workhorse into a space that feels calm, welcoming, and visually engaging.

Hallway

The Space

A simple hallway connecting key areas of the home, with the potential to be more than just a pass-through.

The Challenge

The hallway needed to add function without feeling cluttered, while also bringing beauty and interest to a space that’s often overlooked.

The Solution

Sterling Woodworks added a built-in display cabinet for family mementos and décor, crafted in soft sea-salt paint over maple with elegant hardware and glass-front uppers. The result turns a simple corridor into a refined, visually engaging transition that quietly works hard for the family.

The Guest Bedroom

The Space

A welcoming guest bedroom designed to feel like a quiet retreat for visiting family and friends.

The Challenge

The room needed to feel cozy and charming while staying space efficient, and its cabinetry had to align with the elevated craftsmanship found throughout the rest of the home.

The Solution

Sterling Woodworks added a custom built-in bench between the closets to create a tranquil reading nook and maximize usable space. Every detail—from trim profiles to joinery—was tailored to match the home’s overall standard, giving guests a room that feels both intimate and thoughtfully finished.

Jack & Jill Bath

The Space

A shared Jack & Jill bathroom connecting bedrooms, designed to give each user a sense of privacy within a compact, highly functional layout.

The Challenge

The room needed clear functional division for multiple users while maximizing privacy, and it had to feel elevated and full of personality without overwhelming the small, practical footprint.

The Solution

SWW incorporated pocket doors to separate the toilet and shower areas, thoughtfully designing each zone for privacy and ease of use. Custom sea-salt cabinetry throughout – including a small counter-height cabinet in the shower/toilet area – is paired with elegant hardware, mirrors, and tile, creating a cohesive, polished look that feels both luxurious and highly functional.

Primary Bath

The Space

A serene primary bathroom designed as a private, spa-like retreat where daily routines feel calm, effortless, and elevated.

The Challenge

The room needed to deliver true luxury while remaining fully accessible, with wide, fluid circulation and cabinetry that supported ease of use, all while showcasing natural materials without overwhelming the space.

The Solution

Sterling Woodworks designed fully accessible cabinetry and vanities that marry function with beauty, allowing comfortable movement throughout the room. An onyx seat and striking tilework complement the custom cabinetry, creating a spa-like environment that balances indulgence, warmth, and everyday practicality.