The Holmes-Farley Home

Becky and Randy Holmes-Farley love their Arlington neighborhood. In an effort to make the most of their home - rather than find a new one - they contacted Custom Contracting to discuss renovations to their kitchen, back hallway and half bathroom.

The original kitchen lacked natural light, and the small window in back didn't provide a good view of the backyard and its pond with running water. Becky and Randy also wanted to add new cabinetry and flooring along with a farmer's sink, modern appliances and a work island.

Over the course of several months, we tore down the kitchen to the rough framing to install all necessary framing, plumbing piping, electrical wiring and wall insulation. We also put in new cabinetry, flooring, windows, countertops, appliances and more.

To open up the kitchen to the backyard, we removed the refrigerator and cabinetry, and replaced the existing window with a large bay window. In front of the window is a custom seating area seamlessly integrated into the corner space.

Going for a Traditional Feel

Becky and Randy wanted to make sure the kitchen maintained a traditional feel to match the rest of the home. They addressed this issue, in part, through their choice of cabinetry and flooring.

The custom-painted cabinets and drawers came courtesy of Crown Point Cabinetry. We worked closely with Crown Point to integrate these beautiful, elegantly designed products along three walls of the kitchen.

Perhaps the defining mark of the new kitchen is the foot-worn hickory board flooring. The manufacturer, Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, hand-scrapes each board to create the convincing illusion that the floor has been walked upon for hundreds of years.

New appliances (including a range hood vent), a butcher-block work island, granite countertops and stylish light fixtures round out what has been transformed into a truly stunning kitchen.

Professionalism Worth Paying For

The flooring and wainscoting carry over into the abutting back hallway for a sense of continuity with the kitchen. Off the hallway is a half bathroom with elaborate tile flooring featuring a coral reef motif (a fish tank housing coral reef sits several feet away from the bathroom).

We completed work on the Holmes-Farley kitchen in November 2006. The couple later hired us to renovate two bathroom spaces on their second floor as the next step in fulfilling their long-term vision for their beloved home.

"One big reason we decided to go back to Custom Contracting is that you can rely on someone there to answer your call and to be responsive if you have an issue," said Becky. "They may not be the least expensive option, but the fact that they're so prompt and pleasant is worth paying for."