Behind the Build: A Custom Kitchen in Old Lyme, CT
By Steve Martins
There’s nothing better than seeing a project come together from blueprint to final install—and this custom kitchen in Old Lyme was no exception. My team and I were brought in after a full demo had been done, and we got to start fresh with a clean slate.
The clients worked closely with Reba Tehan (@rebadesign) to bring their vision to life. Reba put together a solid blueprint layout for the space, and once those plans were finalized, we jumped right in.
The cabinetry throughout the kitchen—including the island—was built entirely from maple, one of my favorite hardwoods to work with. In total, we built about 24 custom cabinets for this space. Each one was made by hand in the shop, then delivered piece by piece to SPM Painting for finishing.
The clients chose Sherwin Williams Sage Green for the island, and Restful White for the perimeter cabinetry—a classic combination that feels fresh but still timeless. We’ve used the X-pattern end panels on kitchen islands before, and this client asked for that specific detail. It adds just the right amount of character without being too busy.
One of my favorite things about this project was the thoughtfulness that went into functionality. We built a utensil pull-out, a pull-out for trash and recycling, and a spice roll-out, all integrated seamlessly into the cabinetry. Every cabinet door and drawer is soft-close—no slamming, just a smooth, quiet close every time.
One set of upper cabinets featured seeded glass panel doors, which add a nice texture and break up the solid cabinetry with a lighter, more open feel. The mix of painted finishes, classic lines, and simple but functional upgrades made this one of those kitchens that feels both hardworking and high-end.
While we didn’t handle the countertops, we were proud to deliver everything else on our end from fabrication to installation. The entire project took around 3 to 4 weeks to complete, start to finish.
Custom kitchens like this are what we love doing most—taking a vision on paper and building it into something that a family will live in and enjoy every single day.
Special thanks to Nicole Bedard Photography for capturing the details and craftsmanship of this project so beautifully.
Ready to start your own custom kitchen project in Connecticut?
From handcrafted cabinetry to thoughtful storage solutions, I take pride in building kitchens that are both functional and beautiful. If you're dreaming up your own renovation or have questions about what's possible, I’m here to help. Reach out and I’ll get back to you quickly:
https://therusticbarnct.com/pages/handcrafted-kitchen-cabinetry
– Steve Martins
