Rustic Alder in Barley- A Kitchen Designed for Connection and Joy

Alex and Cori were a vibrant couple with the sweetest little boy, ready to turn their new house into a home. Alex, a dedicated provider, and Cori, a passionate home cook and gracious host, came to me with a clear vision: a kitchen that would be both functional and welcoming—a space where she could prepare meals and entertain with ease.

Cori dreamed of a spacious island that would serve as the heart of the kitchen, complete with a prep sink and open shelving behind it for easy access and visual charm. She also envisioned a tucked-away pantry located around the corner from the refrigerator to keep dry goods organized and out of sight.

As the design evolved, Alex and Cori chose to expand the center wall of the island and wrap it in elegant paneling, adding warmth and architectural interest while supporting a dense, heavy countertop (as seen below). Looking ahead, they plan to install a stylish luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floor and thoughtfully selected matching quarter-round molding to finish the island and base cabinets with a cohesive, polished look.

This project was a beautiful collaboration—balancing aspiration with practicality, and creating a kitchen that reflects the heart of a growing family. Cori ended up opting for a Beautiful Deveron door in Rustic Alder built with all plywood construction and a matte black handles. All from KraftMaid.