It all started with a Google search.

Kim had a vision in mind for her kitchen remodel and found Suburban Lumber after searching online.

"I searched online for the best kitchen cabinets in Cedar Rapids and Suburban Lumber came up."

—Kim, Client

Through initial conversations to understand how Kim and her family would use the space, followed by an in-depth design mockup with 3D views, we created a kitchen that combined form and function with some creative storage solutions.

Read on to get an inside look of how our team helped bring a dream kitchen to life

Starting By Understanding

When Kim came to Suburban to update her kitchen, she had a picture in her mind and a magazine clipping. Kim met with our designer, Victoria Upah, for a store consultation, and Victoria had a lot of questions. 

Who is the main cook in the house?

What kind of storage do you need?

What do you like and dislike about your current kitchen?

"After five minutes with Victoria, I knew she was the one to make our kitchen match my vision."

—Kim, Client

Understanding Kim’s family and what she wanted from her kitchen were key in developing the perfect design. Victoria quickly learned that Kim needed plenty of storage, a variety of cabinetry functions, and spaces to display plants, cookbooks, and other accessories.

The magazine page Kim provided also helped Victoria get a sense of style and colors.

Now it was time to design.

Visualizing the Design

Victoria took all the information and inspiration from Kim—along with measurements of the space—and created a visual layout of her kitchen, complete with 3D perspectives. This allowed Kim to virtually see herself in her new kitchen. Victoria walked Kim through each of her suggestions and aligned the design elements with Kim’s specific needs. Victoria even outlined the function of each cabinet, covering everything from utensils and food storage to pots and pans. Every item had its place in this reimagined space!

After discussing the full design and making a few adjustments, we were ready to get to work.

Crafting the Dream Kitchen

With Victoria’s design, we partnered with Tom Voss Construction and installer Doug Upah for installation. This project featured some of the premier brands in kitchen design for cabinets, countertops, and hardware, including Bertch, Cambria, and Top Knobs. 

Highlighted by floating shelves, a full-height backsplash, and honed bronze hardware, this kitchen is a thing of beauty. 

The variety of cabinetry and storage sizes and configurations keep the space uncluttered and organized. And the undercounter refrigerator? Chef’s kiss. 

What began with a picture in mind and page from a magazine in hand became a stylish, functional kitchen that Kim and her family can savor for years. 

"I have the kitchen of my dreams—on time and on budget."

—Kim, Client

Ready to design your dream kitchen?

Give us a call at (319) 362-3115 or swing by our showroom to explore options in person and talk to our team of experts.