--- title: "Arete European Kitchens — Kitchen & Bath Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/arete-european-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1099006347 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1099006347.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Arete European Kitchens" category: ["Kitchen & Bath Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/50b315f00f282456_2449-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "900 S. 1st St, Ste 100, Austin, Texas 78704, United States" latitude: 30.2428 longitude: -97.7658 phone: "(512) 383-9906" website: http://www.aretekitchens.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 198 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Arete European Kitchens Original Houzz profile: [Arete European Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/arete-european-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1099006347) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Kitchen & Bath Designers - **Location:** Austin, TX - **Serves:** Austin, Pflugerville, Hornsby Bend, Bee Cave, Shady Hollow, Lost Creek, West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, Hudson Bend, Rollingwood, Volente, Sunset Valley, San Leanna, Del Valle, Mc Neil - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2023–2024), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves Arete Kitchens + Closets is an Austin-based design studio and showroom specializing in the design, supply and installation of premium modern kitchens, bespoke closets, and complementary wood interiors that connect kitchen, dining and living in beautiful and functional harmony. Design specialists and importers of German-made LEICHT cabinetry and Italian-made MisuraEmme closets and wardrobes. Locally owned and operated in Austin since 1999. (all images are original - no stock photography featured) ### Services Provided - Kitchen Design - Custom Cabinets - Bathroom Design - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Bathroom Vanities - 3D Rendering - Home Additions - Custom Pantries - Design Consultation - Laundry Room Design - Floor Plans - Project Management - Mudroom Design - Universal Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Custom Walk-in Closets - Pantry Design - Sustainable Design - Drafting - Handicap-Accessible Design - Vanity Installation - Green Building - Wine Cellar Design ### Areas Served - Austin - Pflugerville - Hornsby Bend - Bee Cave - Shady Hollow - Lost Creek - West Lake Hills - Barton Creek - Hudson Bend - Rollingwood - Volente - Sunset Valley - San Leanna - Del Valle - Mc Neil ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Arete European Kitchens | | Address | 900 S. 1st St, Ste 100, Austin, Texas 78704, United States | | Phone | (512) 383-9906 | | Website | http://www.aretekitchens.com | | Followers on Houzz | 198 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arete-European-Kitchens/123235341095160?ref=hl - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/AreteKitchens - LinkedIn — www.linkedin.com/company/aretekitchens - Blog — www.aretekitchens.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Arete European Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/arete-european-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1099006347) - **Website:** http://www.aretekitchens.com - **Phone:** (512) 383-9906 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2023–2024), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 13 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Oliver family, April 2023** > We recently had Arete Kitchens design and build us a new kitchen and primary bathroom. We are so pleased with the results and impressed by how professional everyone on their team was. From the beginning, they made sure all of our super-picky details were taken care of, whether it was a wood type or a drawer mat or a shelf support. We met with them multiple times and ended up with a beautiful design for both rooms. It does take awhile to get the components from Europe, but we are thrilled with the result. The installation team was truly top-notch. I have never met such professional, detail-oriented, pleasant people who completely understood our need to have everything exactly lined up and perfectly spaced. They were always on time and on the ball. I would highly recommend everyone at Arete Kitchens for your kitchen, closet or bath. They did a fantastic job! **Comment from Arete European Kitchens:** > We're so glad to hear this! We appreciate your kind words and taking the time to share. It was a pleasure working with you on your project(s) and we hope you enjoy your spaces for many years to come! **★★★★★ — Dawn Winter, Contemporary Abstract Paintings, LLC, April 2021** > I am pleased to recommend Arete European Kitchens to any person interested in modern, contemporary and functional options for their kitchen. The showrooms include several design options and the design team is friendly and knowledgeable. For several years, I have been impressed with the professionalism of each Arete design team member and I look forward to continued collaborations. **Comment from Arete European Kitchens:** > Thank you for your kind words and for sharing, Dawn! We’re excited to see what you create next and we, too, look forward to future collaborations – perhaps one back here in Austin sometime soon! **★★ — George Kontoravdis, June 2018** > We hired Arete for our kitchen cabinets and appliances. We worked with Stacey and she was a very good resource and a pleasure to work with. Their estimate was for 3 month turnaround from the time of order. It ultimately took 2 years (!!!) to finalize the project as we went through several iterations of defective parts. In addition, they made several errors with the design that costed us an additional $3K that we paid in order to keep the project moving. In addition to the above it was really unpleasant dealing with their principal, Tom, at the end of the project. He certainly blew it. We sure wouldn't give our business to him ever again. **Comment from Arete European Kitchens:** > Mr. Kontoravdis, > We strive to refine and perfect our process with every project and value all constructive feedback from our clients, so we appreciate your review, opinion and support. We are happy to read that you had a pleasant experience with Stacey and we’ll make sure that she receives the recognition she deserves. With regard to the timeframe, your cabinetry was delivered and installed on-time once your site and home were ready. Custom grain-matched wood veneer reorders, unfortunately, and inevitably, take time to precisely re-craft. Our intention is to provide you with the highest standard in material quality and to your complete satisfaction, and we trust this was achieved. If this caused inconvenience to you while you were under construction and while you brought the overall project to a close, we respectfully empathize and apologize, however, ‘2 years’ is a misrepresentation. Regardless, we work hard to deliver an exceptional client experience, and your project should not have been an exception. Moving forward, we continue our professional endeavor to provide a comprehensive service that exceeds expectations. > > We wish you much enjoyment with your stunning new kitchen for years to come. > > Sincere regards, > Tom and Andrea Wilkinson **★★★★★ — Col Pre, Feb. 2016** > Morgan at arete deserves a five star rating or more. She is very detail oriented, has great design sense and is a pleasure to work with. The cabinets are beautiful and very functional. They came in months before the other locally built custom cabinets we purchased for our home. We have been extremely satisfied and have recommended Morgan and Arete to friends. **★★★★★ — jamesrgavin, Jan. 2016** > Arete helped us realize our dream kitchen. The design process was very methodical and several options were drawn before reaching the final choices for layout and color. The design is functional and efficient. Everyone that comes to our home remarks on the aesthetics. **★★★★★ — LaRue Architects, Jan. 2015** > Arete Kitchens provides practical, functional, and adaptable ideas while designing an innovative kitchen. Their knowledge and experience makes for a smooth and enjoyable design process when collaborating with their team. Arete’s workmanship and customer service are unmatched along with their appreciation for a Client’s needs. Working with Morgan and the Arete team has helped make the design process seamless and an absolute pleasure. **★★★★★ — beverlyluce, Sept. 2014** > We have worked with Arete Eurpoean Kitchens on 3 projects. They are a great company to work with and have a very knowledgable staff. I would recommend this company to anyone whether you have a small remodel or a twenty story condo project. **★★★★★ — CHRISTY Balaji, March 2014** > Arete European kitchens was an integral part of the interior design team for our new home. They worked closely with us, our architect and builder to help design our kitchen and bathroom cabinets. They were extremely PATIENT - I mean really really PATIENT - and professional through the entire the process. It took us atleast 5 revisions (some of them complete redesigns) of the kitchen over a period of 1.5 years before we settled on a concept that worked for us. i would highly recommend Tom for his design skills and attention to detail. Not only was the final design aesthetically pleasing, but it is extremely functional - i.e well thought out to support our kitchen habits and cooking style. **★★★★★ — marendes, March 2014** > We worked with Arete to remodel our kitchen with Alno cabinets and state of the art appliances. Tom and Morgan spent countless hours with us to design our plans and make changes at our whims. During this phase, they even prepared gourmet lunches for us! They provided regular quality checks during the installation and have made themselves available for any concerns since. 2 1/2 years later, it still looks brand new. We love it and have since worked with them on a laundry room and adjacent powder room. We will also work with them on two additional bathrooms. We are completely satisfied customers and highly recommend Arete. **★★★★★ — cagueramy, Feb. 2014** > Wonderful company. They stand behind their product and were very accommodating . The design was exactly what I wanted and Morgan Bayer was so pleasant and very helpful. **★★★★★ — Jay Corder, Architect, Oct. 2013** > Arete is the premier resource in Austin for fine, modular millwork. The product is without peer and the service and sales staff are knowledgeable and professional. I cannot recommend them enough for anyone considering a kitchen remodel or a kitchen for a new home. **★★★★ — Spaces Designed, Interior Design Studio, LLC, July 2013** > Great European Kitchens!! We worked with Arete for a kitchen project in West lake hills. They are a pleasure to work with, very professional and gave great attention to detail. The clients loved the final result. We would work with them again in the future and highly recommend them! ## Selected projects - [Tarrytown \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tarrytown-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~7017435) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 9 - Description: Textured Antique Oak cabinetry, polished brass hardware, patinated brass chimney wall hood and an Armon Blue gas range by Lacanche. Marine-grade aluminum outdoor cabinetry in Onyx. Design and installation by Arete Kitchens. German-made LEICHT cabinetry. Outdoor cabinetry by Urban Bonfire. © Jake Holt Photography - [Sweet Sky \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sweet-sky-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~6772520) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 11 - Description: Carbon Gray matte statin lacquer and Bergamo Elm wood veneer kitchen, bar, and hall paneling. Global Kitchen Design Award Winner 2021 \| 2nd Place \| Worldwide. Global Kitchen Design Award Winner 2021 \| 1st Place \| USA. Design and installation by Arete Kitchens. German-made LEICHT cabinetry. © Jake Holt Photography - [5th & West Condo \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/5th-and-west-condo-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~7057164) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 5 - Description: High-rise condo kitchen remodel designed in dark gray Minera steel-effect cabinetry featuring carbon glimmer strip handle and textured natural oak veneer uppers with integrating LED lighting. Primary bath designed in carbon gray matte lacquer cabinetry and paneling in textured antique oak. Floating guest bath vanity designed in textured mountain rubina cabinetry. German-made LEICHT cabinetry. Installation by Arete Kitchens. Interiors by Spaces Designed. General Contractor: Skelly Build. Countert… - [Tower \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tower-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~7057878) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 3 - Description: Kitchen and buffet featuring Frosty White matte lacquer and textured Fjord Oak cabinetry with stainless steel strip handle and coordinating bartop. Primary bath featuring textured Black Walnut vanity and tall linen cabinetry with basalt gray powder coated strip handle. German-made LEICHT cabinetry. Installed by Arete Kitchens. Butter Lutz Interiors. Gossett & Co. © Chase Daniel Photography - [Five Yard House \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/five-yard-house-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~6603655) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 11 - Description: Frosty White ultra-matte lacquer and textured Stone Oak cabinetry, featuring motorized bi-fold uppers, open shelving unit with integrated lighting, and matte glass backsplash in Sand Grey. German-made LEICHT cabinetry / Miró Rivera Architects / Rachel Mast Design / J Pinnelli Company, builder / Ten Eyck Landscape Architects / ©Paul Finkel Photography - [Montview \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montview-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~6503556) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 9 - Description: Textured Karst Oak and Kiruna Minera handleless cabinetry / featuring open shelving, integrated lighting, and bar nook. German-made LEICHT cabinetry Matt Fajkus Architecture Texas Construction Company © Jake Holt Photography - [Garner Ave \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garner-ave-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~6235432) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 6 - Description: Carbon Gray matte satin lacquer kitchen, bar nook and living room built-in. Oak wood veneer master vanity. Black Pine textured laminate study built-in. Textured oak laminate master closet. --German-made LEICHT cabinetry --Digs Austin --Matt Sitra Custom Homes --photography © Leonid Furmansky --master closet photography © JP Morales - [Loma Linda \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/loma-linda-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~6503546) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 8 - Description: Frosty White matte lacquer and natural oak veneer kitchen cabinetry // Frosty White strip handle // Frosty White matte lacquer bar nook and utility nook. © Jake Holt Photography - [Encore \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/encore-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~6355812) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 11 - Description: Slate Black matte satin lacquer cabinetry with natural oak accents and integrated Room in Room walk-in pantry. German-made LEICHT cabinetry Dick Clark + Associates Architecture Jon Luce Builder ©Paul Bardagjy Photography - [Lake Travis \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-travis-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~6063410) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 2 - Description: Carbon gray matte satin lacquer and matte mohair glass kitchen cabinetry. Oak smoke silver and matte black glass cabinetry in the bar. Glynis Wood Interiors Furman + Keil Architects ©Ryann Ford Photography - [City Loft \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/city-loft-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~6355800) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 9 - Description: Textured Stone Oak cabinetry and paneling: kitchen/built-ins/stair & wall panels/bath enclosure/vanities. German-made LEICHT cabinetry Webber + Studio, Architects David Wilkes Builders ©Ryann Ford Photography - [Dome House \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dome-house-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~6014772) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 11 - Description: Kitchen remodel featuring Karst Oak textured wood laminate and super matte lacquer in frosty white German-made LEICHT cabinetry Builder/Architect: CG&S Design-Build Photography ©CG&S Design-Build - [Pecos \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pecos-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~5691582) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 4 - Description: Ferrara oak veneer and platinum matte lacquer kitchen cabinetry German-made LEICHT cabinetry RisherMartin Fine Homes Dick Clark Architecture ©Jake Holt Photography - [Moonflower \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moonflower-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~3152645) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 4 - Description: Carbon Gray satin lacquer Bondi \| Tennessee Walnut Orlando ©Lars Frazer Photography - [Bud's Place \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bud-s-place-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~2734405) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 10 - Description: Design and installation by Arete Kitchens German-made LEICHT cabinetry Jon Luce Builder Dick Clark Architecture ©Lars Frazer Photography ©Paul Bardagjy Photography - [Yaupon \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yaupon-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~2843859) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 5 - Description: Frosty White gloss Vitrea cabinetry with Stone Oak Orlando bartop and trim accents. ©Lars Frazer Photography - [Valburn \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/valburn-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~1760884) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 6 - Description: Custom grain matched quarter-sawn walnut veneer and magnolia white cabinetry design and installation by Arete Kitchens. German-made LEICHT cabinetry. © Lars Frazer Photography. - [Barton Springs \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barton-springs-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~3152612) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 5 - Description: Peat Oak LEICHT kitchen cabinetry, shelving and built-in bar. Melissa Shockley Interiors ©Shutterbug Studios - [Bohn House \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bohn-house-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~1321004) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 5 - Description: Gloss white glass cabinetry design and installation by Arete Kitchens. German-made LEICHT cabinetry. Interior design by Elizabeth Stanley. © Lars Frazer Photography - [Stonehedge \| Arete Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stonehedge-arete-kitchens-pj-vj~2843798) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 7 - Description: Arctic White satin lacquer kitchen cabinetry and touch-latch hall panels. Miro Rivera Architecture ©Paul Finkel Photography [See all 36 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/arete-european-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1099006347) ## Ideabooks - [Furniture and Accessories](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66863597/list/furniture-and-accessories) — 20 ideas - [Project pics](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5071927/list/project-pics) — 4 ideas - [Leicht](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2369630/list/leicht) — 8 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/aretekitchens) ## Community Q&A **Q: Patina Hood** *(in Photo Questions)* I love your Patina Hood. Is it possible to share that info who helped you or where you sourced it, I would appreciate that. A: Thank you. Our client had it custom-made, locally from McClain Metal Works in Buda, TX. **Q: Love these cabinet handles!! Where are the from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love these cabinet handles!! Where are the from? A: Thank you. The hardware was custom-made. Our client designed and ordered them through the firm Alexander Marchant. (website link) **Q: Stools details please** *(in Photo Questions)* Who make the stools? They are beautiful! A: Thank you for your inquiry however we did not specify or provide the barstools. Perhaps check with the Interior Designer - Glynis Wood Interiors. **Q: what hardwood flooring is best with blonde kitchen cabinets** *(in Photo Questions)* What hardwood flooring looks best with blonde kitchen cabinets A: In general, it's a matter of contrast - in tone, texture, depth, pattern, and/or material etc - so that they each have their own character. Complementary but without competing or attempting to match. Often a darker floor is selected. Here, though they are each wood material and the tones are similar, we find the contrast in the pattern and dimension of the plank flooring. **Q: Backsplash** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the name and vendor of the backsplash tile? A: Thank you for your inquiry. We did not select it however our records indicate: Ogassian Penta 3d tile, perhaps purchased from Ann Sacks at the time. **Q: Love the barstools!** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can I find those beautiful bar-stools? A: Thank you for your inquiry. We did not select or source the barstools but they were possibly from Design Within Reach at that time. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*