If you’ve ever daydreamed about transforming your outdated kitchen into a warm, functional space that actually makes you want to cook—this story’s for you. 

Katie and her family live in a charming 1930s home, filled with character, quirks, and a fair share of outdated wiring. Like many older homes, it came with “vintage” charm—read: one working outlet, cabinets peeling with age, and a floor plan that made hosting feel more like herding cattle. 

But with a bit of courage, a dash of creativity, and the right contractor team, Katie turned her home improvement vision into a reality that’s both beautiful and deeply personal. 

A Remodel Rooted in Necessity—and Joy 

“I mean, the electrical was… the wires were corroded and sparking,” Katie said with a laugh that only comes once danger is safely behind you. That urgent need to modernize the home’s inner workings sparked the kitchen overhaul (pun fully intended). But what started as a practical fix turned into something far more transformational. 

Originally, the remodel was meant to be confined to a single room. “There was this arch here, and we didn’t think we could afford to open it up,” she explained. But mid-project, the possibilities expanded—literally and figuratively. “Once everything was opened up, we realized, hey, this could work—and for only a little more.” 

Thanks to a flexible and collaborative contractor team—led by Lori and José—the plan shifted without stress. “We changed the project midstream, and they were able to adapt. It ended up being more than we originally envisioned.” 

Details that Delight 

Sure, there are the gorgeous new windows, custom cabinetry, and functional butcher block counters—but ask Katie what her favorite upgrade is, and her answer might surprise you: 

“The outlet. I’m not even kidding. We used to only be able to plug in one thing at a time—tea, toast, or mixer. Now I can have it all at once. That’s luxury!” 

The countertops are a mix of practicality and nostalgia: classic butcher block, because Katie grew up with it and loves the tactile functionality, and quartz for pastry work and aesthetics. “I didn’t want to maintain quartz across the whole kitchen,” she said. “So this felt like a perfect mix.” 

Another small delight? A cozy bench nook added at the suggestion of Lori. “It’s become the favorite corner of the house. My youngest curls up there while I cook breakfast.” Grandma has been commissioned for a future nook cushion to finish it all off just right. 

Collaboration Makes All the Difference 

This wasn’t Katie’s first remodel rodeo, but it was her first time working with a woman-led contractor team. “It was so refreshing,” she said. “I didn’t get mansplained to, which has happened before. I actually felt heard.” 

In the past, she worked with contractors who explained things to her that she already knew. “I couldn’t physically do the work, but I knew exactly what I wanted—and I knew how it should be done. Lori and José respected that.” 

At this moment during the interview, José was reinstalling the original refurbished dining area light, and discovered the pull string wasn’t reinstalled during the refurbish. He laughed as he explained to Katie that he had to run to the store for the part.

“See, like that. Something comes up and José just laughs at it and fixes it. So many contractors you feel like you have to walk on eggshells. They’re so grumpy. It’s so easy and comfortable with José,” says Katie.

Katie’s advice for anyone about to embark on their own remodel?

“Don’t wait until retirement to do this. My neighbor told me that. If you have the resources, enjoy it now.” 

Also: don’t remodel in the summer if you have kids. “That would be chaos,” she laughed. “I did this while my kids were at camp, and even then, it was tough.” 

Keeping the Heart of the Home—and the History 

Despite the upgrades, Katie’s home didn’t lose its soul. From reusing vintage doorknobs to matching the cabinetry to the home’s original woodwork, every choice respected the house’s 1930s bones. 

Even the red floor—a bold choice—was a subtle nod to the home’s history. “The McHughs, who built this place, had a red floor,” Katie said. “It’s our little tribute to them.” 

That balance—honoring the past while upgrading for modern life—is what makes this remodel truly special. 

Why the Right Contractor Changes Everything 

Katie’s story isn’t just about a beautiful new kitchen. It’s about how the right team can take your vision and make it better, all while treating you like a partner in the process—not a spectator. 

“When you hire someone, you should feel like you’re in good hands,” Katie said. “You’re not just buying their skills—you’re trusting their judgment. Lori and José didn’t just build a kitchen; they built something that feels like us.” 

For anyone hiring a contractor, she offers this nugget: “Find someone who listens. You don’t need someone to talk over you or dismiss your ideas. You need someone who takes you seriously, even if they’ve done a hundred kitchens before.” 

Final Thoughts 

Yes, remodeling can have some stressful moments. Sometimes there’s a surprise when you open up a wall or your first choice appliance runs out of stock. 

But there’s also joy—watching your vision come to life, seeing your kids curl up in a corner built just for them, and finally plugging in a toaster without tripping the breaker. 

Katie’s story is a reminder that good design is about more than pretty finishes—it’s about people, collaboration, and creating a space that works for real life. 

So, if you’re standing in your kitchen staring at peeling cabinets and a single outlet, wondering if now’s the time? It just might be. Especially if you find a team that listens as well as they build. 

See during the process here: Surviving the Reno: Creating a Functional Temporary Kitchen (Kids Included!)