Our challenge was to take a builder grade kitchen and infuse it with elements that combined Traditional cabinetry with Rustic overtones. Because our clients enjoy entertaining, the first step was to enlarge the kitchen. We took down the wall that separated the living room from the kitchen. This simple change enabled us to build an oversize island which serves as both a gathering place for guests and a work space for our client and her daughter, who is an aspiring chef. The island is made from reclaimed heart of pine taken out of a factory in Chicago. The semi-gloss, black lacquer cabinets were distressed to add to the rustic ambience the homeowner desired. We wrapped the micro-lam beam used to support the upper level of the house with the same reclaimed wood used for the island. Using a shot gun, we distressed the beam and hand worked the dovetail joints and walnut pegs creating a barn like post and beam look. The pantry has a charming hand made heart of pine screen door. Chicken wire was used for the screen, adding yet another rustic element to this thoroughly custom kitchen. There are even Urban Industrial overtones with the metal pulls on the cabinetry and the metal accented barstools. Cory Locatelli