The Cooper Home

Evone Cooper had a vision of how she wanted her home to look. The Lincoln resident had logged countless hours leafing through the likes of Architectural Digest and Better Homes and Gardens, and tearing out photos that inspired her. So when she first contacted Custom Contracting, she had already stockpiled a surplus of ideas for her remodeling project.

I think I have a good design sensibility because I've been reading these fine magazines for years," said Evone. "It's like cooking; you just follow the recipe. That's how you learn about design."

The Coopers' project involved a complete kitchen renovation along with some significant work to the master and guest bathrooms.

Replacing the Pesky Cabinets

Although the Coopers' home is only 13 years old, the custom kitchen cabinets had become a major pain in the neck.

The doors were warped, the hinges were falling apart and the manufacturer failed to provide adequate replacements. Finally, Evone decided she had to rip everything out and start from scratch.

This time around, Evone insisted on cabinets with the highest quality of construction. She chose a custom line from Bertch with white painted inset doors (some with glass panels). The cabinets contrast nicely with the white marble backsplash, lending an air of elegance to the room.

"The cabinet door style is very unique," said our designer, Nikki DeFelice, who did the design work for the kitchen layout, cabinetry and countertops. "I had ordered and brought over a number of samples for her to look at. If you have to look at something and say, 'That could work,' it won't work. You have to know right away.

"We kept waiting for that type of reaction, but she was looking for that special something with a unique difference. I think she found it."

Worth the Wait

The kitchen sink also required a good deal of legwork. Evone had come across an "over-thetop fabulous" sink in Martha Stewart Living. She called around to determine what kind of marble was used, and then we did some serious digging to find a supplier.

"I wanted that classic look of being in a kitchen in Italy," said Evone. "Stuff that looks like it will be there for another hundred years. [The stone installer] was from Greece, and he was a big influence on me. His mother has had a sink like this for 40 years."

Elsewhere in the kitchen, we replaced the creaky maple floors with rich Brazilian cherry floors. A large island with a one-of-a-kind green marble countertop and handsome detail anchors the room, while a pair of decorative posts serves as a stately gateway into the sunken living room.

"Every single time I walk into this kitchen, I love it. It can hold its own against any of the kitchens I see in Architectural Digest," said Evone.

Like in Fine Hotels

The work in the master bathroom focused on remodeling the shower, which had had a standard appearance. Evone wanted something more luxurious, "like you'd see in fine hotels."

We installed a new shower with all the works, including Pietra de Cardosa granite walls, a Venatino marble seat and tumbled Bianco marble tile on the floor and ceiling. A Grohe brushed nickel tower shower and frameless glass shower door add to the sumptuous feel.

We rounded out the Coopers' project by renovating the guest bathroom, which now features a cherry vanity with white marble sink, gorgeous German faucets and shower heads, marble floors and walls, and a new shower/tub.

Evone had kind words for Nikki, whom she got to know very well.

"On a scale of one to 10, she's a 10," said Evone. "She indulges you and wants you to take your time. She'll give you good ideas and spark your inspiration. And she's a true artist with a practical sensibility, which is hard to find."

She also gave high marks to the entire Custom Contracting team.

"Nice people, gentle people," said Evone. "Not the rough and gruff contractors you might expect; they're the antithesis of that. You know you're in good hands, and that you're working with the finest carpenter, the finest designer and the finest backup office people."