Saluda, NC Basement Kitchenette

 

In the rolling hills of Saluda, North Carolina, we had the privilege of creating a warm, independent living space for a growing family. This project centered on designing and building a custom kitchenette in a newly finished basement mother-in-law suite, tailored specifically for an elderly resident. The homeowner's vision was clear: a functional, easy-to-navigate setup that prioritized comfort and safety, allowing Mom to age gracefully in place without unnecessary strain. No climbing for high items, no bending over awkwardly – just smart, thoughtful design that made daily life effortless and enjoyable.

 

Our journey began with an in-depth site visit, where we sat down with the homeowner and the future resident herself. Armed with a sketch pad and a keen ear for their needs, we mapped out a preliminary layout on the spot. Key priorities? Maximum accessibility from the start. We eliminated upper cabinets entirely to avoid reaching hazards, opting instead for an abundance of lower base cabinets equipped with smooth-gliding roll-out shelves. These pull-out wonders bring everything – from pantry staples to utensils – right to waist level, reducing bending and boosting independence.

 

From those initial hand-drawn concepts, we transitioned to advanced 3D renderings to bring the ideas to vivid life. We went through a few collaborative iterations, tweaking dimensions, lighting placements, and flow until Mom gave her enthusiastic thumbs-up. The final design featured a compact yet spacious L-shaped layout with ample counter space, integrated appliances like a mini-fridge, microwave, and induction cooktop, all at ergonomic heights. Soft-close drawers and touchless faucets added that extra layer of user-friendly convenience, ensuring the space felt modern, safe, and utterly personalized.

 

Once the custom cabinets arrived – crafted from durable, low-maintenance materials – our skilled team dove into installation. We ensured every joint was level, every hinge perfectly aligned, transforming the blank basement canvas into a cozy, efficient kitchenette. The homeowner had wisely chosen Wilsonart solid surface countertops for their seamless, non-porous beauty and hygienic qualities – ideal for everyday use without the worries of grout or cracks.

 

Enter Jason from Topcrafters in Greenville, our go-to fabrication wizard. He visited the site to meticulously template the counters, capturing every curve and corner with laser precision. Back at his shop, he fabricated the pieces to exact specifications, blending functionality with a sleek, matte finish that complemented the suite's serene aesthetic. Installation was a breeze: flawless edges, no gaps, and a polished reveal that had everyone beaming. The end result? A kitchenette that's not just beautiful but brilliantly practical – durable, easy to clean, and built to last for years of family memories.

 

This Saluda project is a testament to how thoughtful remodeling can enhance quality of life. The mother-in-law suite now serves as a peaceful retreat, where Mom can prepare her favorite meals or host grandkids with ease and confidence.

 

The homeowner shared, "Patience, guidance and expertise is how we can describe Sam. From the initial phone call to the final day of him finishing the job, Sam and his partner were exceptional. Communication was excellent, proposal was clear and the craftsmanship met our expectations. Our project was to enlarge and update the kitchenette in our basement for my mom in-law. Sam spent many hours with us to come up with the best design and materials to meet her needs and budget. We put complete trust and faith into Sam and he did not disappoint us."

 

At Highlands Remodeling, we specialize in these kinds of heartfelt transformations, blending expertise in residential remodeling with a deep commitment to accessibility and client collaboration. If you're in Saluda, Tryon, Landrum or the surrounding area and dreaming of a similar upgrade, whether for aging in place, family expansions, or multi-generational living, reach out today. Let's sketch your story and build something extraordinary.