---
title: "SARA VANDERSTELT with Creative Kitchens — Kitchen & Bath Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/sara-vanderstelt-with-creative-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~126024716
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~126024716.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "SARA VANDERSTELT with Creative Kitchens"
category: ["Kitchen & Bath Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/da43e3ec00900d08_1688-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "747 Woodmere, Traverse City, Michigan 49686, United States"
latitude: 44.7849
longitude: -85.4907
phone: "(231) 946-2929"
website: http://www.saradakoske.com
rating: 5
review_count: 28
best_of_houzz_awards: 9
followers: 141
last_updated: 2026-08-13
---

# SARA VANDERSTELT with Creative Kitchens

Original Houzz profile: [SARA VANDERSTELT with Creative Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/sara-vanderstelt-with-creative-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~126024716)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Kitchen & Bath Designers
- **Location:** Traverse City, MI
- **Serves:** Traverse City, Elk Rapids, Greilickville, Rapid City, Grawn, Chums Corner, Acme, Williamsburg
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (28 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2015–2023), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

Sara began her career working in restaurants, kitchen accessory and furniture stores, so it is no wonder that kitchen design is her passion. She received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design degree from Michigan State University’s F.I.D.E.R. accredited program in 2004. 

Sara designed Kitchens & Baths in Rochester, Michigan for 4 years before moving back to her hometown to work on The Village of Grand Traverse Commons condo development, in Traverse City, MI.  From there she was a showroom consultant at Ferguson Enterprises where she developed her knowledge and training in plumbing fixtures, lighting and appliances.

She is currently working at Creative Kitchens in Traverse City as a Designer / Sales Person.  Creative Kitchens is a family owned company that specializes in a variety of cabinetry lines and countertop surfaces that will add beauty, elegance and charm to your new construction or remodeling project. 

Her love for food, wine, and design has contributed to her success in providing a warm and welcoming environment that accommodates any clients needs, tastes, and budget.

### Services Provided

- Kitchen Design
- Custom Cabinets
- Bathroom Design
- Custom Kitchen Cabinets
- Custom Bathroom Vanities
- 3D Rendering
- Custom Pantries
- Lighting Design
- Floor Plans
- Laundry Room Design
- Mudroom Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Pantry Design
- Custom Cabinet Doors
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Bathroom Remodeling
- Remodeling
- Tile Installation

### Areas Served

- Traverse City
- Elk Rapids
- Greilickville
- Rapid City
- Grawn
- Chums Corner
- Acme
- Williamsburg

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | SARA VANDERSTELT with Creative Kitchens |
| Address | 747 Woodmere, Traverse City, Michigan 49686, United States |
| Phone | (231) 946-2929 |
| Website | http://www.saradakoske.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 141 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/SaraDakoskeDesigns?ref=hl
- Blog — www.saradakoske.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [SARA VANDERSTELT with Creative Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/sara-vanderstelt-with-creative-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~126024716)
- **Website:** http://www.saradakoske.com
- **Phone:** (231) 946-2929

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design, From Michigan State University, ALA Lighting Certified, Several Cabinetry Trainings, and Several Plumbing Fixture Trainings

- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2015–2023), for Service.

**Affiliations**
- [American Lighting Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-lighting-association-pfvwus-pf~939537007)
- [National Kitchen & Bath Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-kitchen-and-bath-association-pfvwus-pf~1351084655)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 28 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 48.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — KK Bach, Dec. 2023**

> Our kitchen is absolutely beautiful! I had an idea of my dream kitchen and Sara made it a reality. Absolutely recommend her if you are looking at remodeling or building.

**★★★★★ — John and Amy Pflughoeft, Jan. 2023**

> My wife and I decided it was time to update our kitchen. We wanted a style that would be timeless. We chose Creative Kitchens and Sara Vanderstelt was recommended to us and she did a great job. She understood what we wanted to do and gave us great suggestions and guided us to our final decision. She was available when we had concerns and questions during our planning stages. She recommended a cabinetry line that we are pleased with. Unfortunately there were some blemishes due to the manufacturing of the cabinets but Sara lobbied for us and was able to have those marred pieces replaced at no extra charge. We are very pleased with the end result and  recommend Sara for any kitchen remodel.
> Ask to have Frank install your cabinets if you work with Creative Kitchens.

**★★★★★ — Kim Gribi, July 2022**

> Very fortuitously, Sara Vanderstelt was referred to us by our neighbors after we went to see their beautiful remodeled kitchen to get some ideas for our own kitchen remodel. Sara designed a wonderful kitchen for us with great recommendations of how we could incorporate the right mix of roll out shelves and large drawers, ceiling high cabinets, a built-in wine rack, pull out garbage drawer, etc., to give us MUCH better function and storage.  We chose Hudson Blue cabinets by Shiloh, with satin gold pulls from the Meadow Collection by Berenson.  Due to Sara’s expert and accurate kitchen drawings/design, all the cabinets fit precisely and the number of trim pieces ordered was perfect, saving us any unnecessary additional costs. Sara’s estimated time of cabinet delivery was accurate and the countertop installation by her crew was professionally done and timely. We now have a gorgeous kitchen, and everyone who sees it absolutely loves it, as do we!
>
> Sara is professional, responsive, creative, and a joy to work with, and we highly recommend her for your kitchen and/or bath design projects.
>
> Kim and Kevin Gribi (retired custom builder)

**★★★★★ — Deborah Deering, June 2022**

> Sara is a pleasure to work with!!
> The kitchen layout and cabinets function well for the cooks in our family. Sara explained the many details of a kitchen remodel and was available when we had additional questions.
> Sara’s guidance on counter tops and cabinet hardware was so helpful.

**★★★★★ — Brandy Waslawski, June 2022**

> Sara was absolutely amazing to work with. She came to my house listened to all my dreams for a new kitchen, and made it a reality! I then had her come back out to help decide how to make the most out of my dinning room space to create an office area with cabinets. I am beyond satisfied with Sara and will use her in the future! Highly recommend!

**★★★★★ — Julia MacLachlan, April 2021**

> Sara helped us with design for our kitchen remodel but where she really excelled was in after sales customer service. There were a few issues with the cabinets when they arrived and she did a great job of getting these taken care of promptly. I doubt we would have been able to resolve things so well without a professional helping us. She was very patient when we took ages to decide on one of the cabinet colors and was excellent with communications despite the fact that a lot of the design and ordering was done during the Covid lockdown. We are very pleased with our new kitchen.

**★★★★★ — dandjhoxsie, Jan. 2021**

> Sara was referred to us by out builder/contractor.  We  were immediately impressed with her ability to design a kitchen that met our needs and our wishes.  She also designed our master and guest bathrooms along with our laundry room.  She was warm and friendly and met all of our needs and requests in a timely manner.  If there was an option that did not work for us, she would always find another.  We would highly recommend Sara and Creative Kitchens for a remodel or a new build.

**★★★★★ — rachelef, Dec. 2020**

> Sara was easy to work with and very friendly. She had some great suggestions for my cabinet layout and color chives.

**★★★★★ — Janet Wessels, Nov. 2019**

> Sara was extremely knowledgeable in helping us plan our kitchen.  She provided sensible recommendations, offered choices and options, stayed within our budget.  Our kitchen is beautiful - so very happy with the work Sara and her team provided.

**★★★★★ — Sharon Sayles, Feb. 2019**

> Sara was very courteous and professional in dealing with me and other members of my family. She answered all my questions, and returned my phone calls and e-mails. I enjoyed working with her, and now consider her a friend.
> L

**★★★★★ — jmgeno, Nov. 2018**

> I would recommend Sara without hesitation.  She knows and understands kitchens & baths. She listens to what her clients say, which is so important.
> She knows her products well and clearly keeps abreast of what is current in the kitchen, bath and all things cabinet related.

**★★★★★ — Renee, Aug. 2018**

> Sara helped us remodel our kitchen and master bath. She was delightful to work with. She communicated in a timely way with us, our contractor and our architect. She made excellent suggestions and we are thrilled with the results!

## Selected projects

- [Gaslight Alley Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gaslight-alley-remodel-pj-vj~7542941)
  - Location: Williamsburg, MI
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: GASLIGHT ALLEY REMODEL​ KITCHEN - PERIMETER Crystal Cabinetry Encore Series in Frameless Construction Vienna Slab Door Style​ Gaslit Alley - Matte HPL Finish ​​POWDER BATH Crystal Cabinetry Encore Series in Frameless Construction Springfield Slab Door Style​ Walnut in Natural Matte Finish COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Quartz Per Other ISLAND : Walnut Butcher Block w/ Eased Edge Detail BATH : Quartz Per Other
- [Downtown TC Condos](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/downtown-tc-condos-pj-vj~7542878)
  - Location: Traverse City, MI
  - Photos: 21
- [Nautical Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nautical-remodel-pj-vj~7375555)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 30
  - Description: NAUTICAL REMODEL​ ​KITCHEN - PERIMETER Pioneer Cabinetry Shaker Door Style​ Painted Navel & White POWDER BATH Pioneer Cabinetry Shaker Door Style​ Painted Navel LAUNDRY / MUDROOM Pioneer Cabinetry Shaker Door Style​ Painted Navel HARDWARE : Berenson Hardware - Matte Black COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Cambria - Portrush BATHS : Corian - Everest LAUNDRY : Corian - Everest Remodel with Archer Contracting
- [SLABTOWN REMODEL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/slabtown-remodel-pj-vj~7375494)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 24
- [Elk Lake Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elk-lake-retreat-pj-vj~7375490)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 26
- [Holiday Hills House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/holiday-hills-house-pj-vj~7375477)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Arta & Crafts Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arta-and-crafts-residence-pj-vj~7241513)
  - Location: Leland, MI
  - Photos: 13
- [Leland Luxury](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leland-luxury-pj-vj~7241456)
  - Location: Leland, MI
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: LELAND LUXURY Shiloh Cabinetry Hanover Shaker Door Style All Plywood & Flush Inset Construction Perimeter in Maple Painted Alabaster​ Island is Weathered Maple in Gunstock LAUNDRY / KITCHENETTE Shiloh Cabinetry Hanover Shaker Door Style Maple painted Alabaster with Maple in Gunstock Stain Accents HARDWARE : Brushed Modern Gold Knobs and Pulls COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Hanstone Blanco Canvas Quartz LAUNDRY / KITCHENETTE : Hanstone Blanco Canvas Quartz
- [Woodsy Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodsy-remodel-pj-vj~7241440)
  - Location: Traverse City, MI
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: WOODSY REMODEL Pioneer Cabinetry Square Flat Panel Door Style Perimeter in Maple Painted White​ Island & Accents in Maple Painted SW Greenblack - Custom Paint ​HARDWARE : Antique Nickel Knobs and Pulls COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Quartz Countertops - CaesarStone Bianco Drift ISLAND / TABLE : Butcher Block Countertops per Homeowners
- [Chef's Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chef-s-remodel-pj-vj~7241400)
  - Location: Traverse City, MI
  - Photos: 37
  - Description: CHEF'S REMODEL Shiloh Cabinetry - Eclipse Frameless Construction Aspen - Flat Panel Door Style Perimeter in Rift Cut White Oak Stained Stratus ( Grey)​ Uppers and Tall Units in Rift Cut White Oak Stained Cotton (White) Island is Rift Cut White Oak Stained Espresso HARDWARE : Modern Brushed Gold Knobs and Pulls COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Porcelain Countertops Envi Porcelain - Couture Glossy Finish BUILDER : Shugart Builders
- [Harbor Hideaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harbor-hideaway-pj-vj~7241369)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: HARBOR HIDEAWAY Shiloh Cabinetry Square Flat Panel Door Style Poplar Stained Hudson ​HARDWARE : Modern Brushed Gold Pulls COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Cambria Quartz - Castlemartin
- [Cozy Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cozy-kitchen-pj-vj~7241357)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: COZY CREAM Pioneer Cabinetry Shaker Door Style in Maple Painted Linen​ HARDWARE : Brushed Nickel Knobs and Pulls COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Quartz Countertops MetroQuartz in Feather w/ Eased Edge Detail
- [Hickory Hideaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hickory-hideaway-pj-vj~6978545)
  - Location: Forest Lakes, MI
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: HICKORY HIDEAWAY PERIMETER CABINETRY Pioneer Cabinetry Stockbridge - Flat Panel Door Style Perimeter in Hickory Stained Clear / Natural​ ISLAND / BUFFET CABINETRY Pioneer Cabinetry Shaker Door Style Maple Painted Navel Blue MASTER BATH Pioneer Cabinetry Shaker Door Style Maple Painted Navel Blue MAIN FLOOR BATH Pioneer Cabinetry Shaker Door Style Maple Painted Navel Blue HARDWARE : Antique Nickel Knobs and Pulls COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : MetroQuartz, Biscotti Quartz MASTER BATH : Americast - Cultere…
- [Mid Century Dream](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-dream-pj-vj~6978676)
  - Location: Traverse City, MI
  - Photos: 21
  - Description: Mid Century Dream Welborn Forest Cabinetry Avenue Slab Door Style ​Cherry in Wheat / Natural Stain ​HARDWARE : Chrome Finger Pulls COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Blanco Aspen Quartz Coutnertops BUILDER : D&M Design Company
- [Builder's Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/builder-s-retreat-pj-vj~6978490)
  - Location: Traverse City, MI
  - Photos: 27
  - Description: BUILDER'S RETREAT Shiloh Cabinetry Square Flat Panel Door Style All Plywood & Beaded Inset Construction Perimeter in Maple Painted Polar White​ Island is Clear Alder in Bistre Stain MASTER BATH Pioneer Cabinetry Melbourne Door Style Cherry Stained Coffee JACK & JILL BATH Pioneer Cabinetry Stockbridge - Flat Panel Door Style Maple painted Gray HARDWARE : Antique Nickel Knobs and Pulls COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Granite Countertops MASTER BATH : Granite Countertops BUILDER : Biedron Builders
- [Northport Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northport-cottage-pj-vj~6978459)
  - Location: Northport, MI
  - Photos: 13
- [Westside Dream](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westside-dream-pj-vj~6728394)
  - Location: Traverse City, MI
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: WESTSIDE DREAM Mid Continent Cabinetry Adams - Flat Panel Door Style Perimeter in Maple Painted Antique White w/ Pewter Glaze​ Island is Cherry in Slate Stain ​MASTER BATH Mid Continent Cabinetry Adams - Flat Panel Door Style Maple Painted Antique White w/ Pewter Glaze ​POWDER / LAUNDRY / BASEMENT BATHS Mid Continent Cabinetry Adams - Flat Panel Door Style Cherry in Slate Stain HARDWARE : Antique Nickel Knobs and Pulls COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Granite Countertops MASTER BATH : Granite Countertops
- [Downtown Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/downtown-condo-pj-vj~6701122)
  - Location: Traverse City, MI
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Pioneer Cabinetry Shaker Door Style Maple Painted Onyx - Black ​MASTER BATH : Pioneer Cabinetry Shaker Door Style in Maple Painted Dusk ​HARDWARE : Antique Nickel COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Italian Waves Quartz MASTER BATH : Smoke Quartz BUILDER : Blue Water Homes
- [Tibbets Lake Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tibbets-lake-residence-pj-vj~6701050)
  - Location: Traverse City, MI
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: Urban Effects Cabinetry Aura - Slab Door Style Frameless Construction Melamine in Chill Finish ​ MASTER BATH Decora Cabinetry Modesto - Flat Panel Door Style Maple painted Navel - Matte Sheen HARDWARE : Brushed Stainless Finger Pulls & Modern Brushed Gold COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Apolo Honed Quartz MASTER BATH : Americast - Durastone, Solid White BUILDER : Terhune Construction
- [Golfer's Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/golfer-s-retreat-pj-vj~6701203)
  - Location: Kewadin, MI
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: KITCHEN : Pioneer Cabinetry Square Raised Panel Door Style ​Maple Painted White​ MASTER BATH Mid Continent Cabinetry Town - Raised Panel Door Style Maple Stained Espressoo HARDWARE : Brushed Nickel COUNTERTOPS KITCHEN : Pacific Salt Quartz MASTER BATH : US Marble Composite Tops BUILDER : Kerry Smith Construction ​

[See all 69 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/sara-vanderstelt-with-creative-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~126024716)

## Ideabooks

- [HOUSE IDEAS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82850620/list/house-ideas) — 3 ideas
- [Northport Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59052954/list/northport-bathroom) — 11 ideas
- [WALNUT](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58400240/list/walnut) — 5 ideas
- [basement bars](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54017694/list/basement-bars) — 1 idea
- [laundry rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53909705/list/laundry-rooms) — 5 ideas
- [Hickory Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30948416/list/hickory-kitchen) — 30 ideas
- [Barrows Pantry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25665715/list/barrows-pantry) — 9 ideas
- [LAKE MICHIGAN COTTAGE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24258881/list/lake-michigan-cottage) — 4 ideas
- [Peninsula Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18899349/list/peninsula-beach-house) — 7 ideas
- [Bruder Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16698425/list/bruder-cottage) — 10 ideas
- [Janz Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16587073/list/janz-residence) — 12 ideas
- [Peninsula House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12480553/list/peninsula-house) — 9 ideas
- [Green Lake Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11492534/list/green-lake-residence) — 13 ideas
- [Islands ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9809067/list/islands-ideas) — 3 ideas
- [laundry room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7694070/list/laundry-room) — 16 ideas
- [Historical Remodel - Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6316448/list/historical-remodel-bathroom) — 4 ideas
- [Great Ideas!!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5739727/list/great-ideas) — 4 ideas
- [BATHROOM IDEAS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5146884/list/bathroom-ideas) — 7 ideas
- [KITCHEN IDEAS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5146771/list/kitchen-ideas) — 4 ideas
- [White kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5394745/list/white-kitchens) — 17 ideas

[See all 28 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/saravanderstelt)

## Community Q&A

**Q: cabinet color in kitchen** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is this cabinet color?

A: Benjamin Moore : Hale Navy

**Q: What is the flooring and what is the finish of the hardware?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Type, color and brand of flooring would be great. Is the hardware brushed nickel or something else?

A: This flooring was existing so I dont know the manufacturer, Im sorry
Hardware finish is Brushed Nickel :)

**Q: Love the cabinets! what is the stain color?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I have a customer who wants to use Cambria Galloway. Your stained cabinets are a lovely match.

A: Swita Cabinetry, thanks!!  The Finish is Maple Stained Silas w/ Graphite Glaze by Shiloh Cabinetry.

**Q: What is the color of the perimeter cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Stark110, the perimeter cabinets are Shiloh Cabinetry in Select Poplar with Heatherstone Stain

**Q: Can you tell me the size on the thin lower cabinet?** *(in Photo Questions)*

We have been looking at the Shiloh Silas cabinets for a couple months. We actually picked out the Galloway counter top as well before I found this website picture :). We have two lower cabinets that measure 9 inches and just wondering if the inset still works. Thank you!

A: HI, debmesin
You will love Shiloh Cabinets, and the Inset style is beautiful.  As far as a 9" cabinet, they will do it but it will be a slab front, 12" wide is the narrowest with a detailed front, that is what we used as a pull out spice!!

**Q: New house!** *(in Photo Questions)*

Was wondering what wood these cabinets were and the color and glaze if there is one. These are exactly what I have been considering for our new kitchen. They are beautiful!

A: HI lbolhofner
These Cabinets are Shiloh Cabinetry, Maple Silas with a Graphite Highlight in a Flush Inset Construction
Thank, Sara

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*