The kitchen is considered the heart of the home for good reason. It’s a bustling place where people gather to nourish themselves and their loved ones by sharing food, everyday triumphs, holiday traditions and milestones. Renovating a kitchen is a significant investment in the home and its value. Given all of this, it’s essential to embark on any kitchen updates with partners who will approach the project with careful planning, creative collaboration and custom solutions that function the way you need them to.
For Mason residents Jared and Monique Mattingley, their trusted partners were Brent Thomas Renovations (BTR), alongside interior designer Kelly Fanta.
Jared and Monique wanted a kitchen that felt warm, timeless and highly functional—a hub that supported family life while also providing the ideal backdrop for entertaining. They envisioned an open, inviting kitchen with ample storage, thoughtful architectural details and a high level of craftsmanship without the space feeling overly formal or trendy.
They also wanted the surrounding spaces, including the laundry and mudroom area, to feel just as finished and intentional as the kitchen itself.
“One of the most important elements of a successful kitchen renovation is investing the time upfront to get the design right. A kitchen is not just about finishes, it’s about flow, functionality, storage and how surrounding spaces work together. When homeowners understand that careful planning leads to better craftsmanship and fewer surprises, the result is a space that feels purposeful and serves them well for years to come,” shares Brent Crank, owner of Brent Thomas Renovations.
The BTR process begins with listening and collaboration. They take the time to understand how their clients live in their space—how they cook, gather, move through their home and what isn’t working for them today.
“From there, we guide them through a thoughtful design-build process that includes detailed planning, design development, material selections, budgeting and scheduling before construction begins,” explains Brent.
This project was designed in collaboration with Kelly Fanta of House of Design, whose careful planning, selections and attention to detail were pivotal to the successful renovation. Her design vision provided a clear roadmap for the BTR team to execute.
"They were true professionals with a personal touch,” relates Monique Mattingley. “They took our collection of ideas, and with the designer's help, created a beautiful kitchen and laundry room that both function really well for our family.”
Kelly adds, "The Mattingley's invaluable input and our shared vision allowed us to craft beautiful, high-end spaces that balance design with the functionality their large family requires. It was a sincere pleasure collaborating with both the Mattingleys and the Brent Thomas Renovations team to bring this stunning project to life.”
Custom Built Solutions
The BTR team loves to include custom features and architectural details that elevate a homeowner’s space beyond the ordinary.
"For us, it's about executing the client's vision with unique design elements. We want the finished space to stand out from every home on the block," says Brent.
Their in-house woodshop in Mason makes the process of crafting custom woodwork seamless. Every major wood element in the Mattingley project was custom built, including the floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinetry, island, laundry room cabinetry, mudroom bench built-ins and arched cabinets with decorative glass. A bespoke pocket door for the laundry and a handcrafted arched pantry opening added one-of-a-kind architectural details.
“Exceptional craftsmanship is at the core of everything we do. From material selection and joinery to finishing and installation, every step is handled with care and intention,” Brent says. “Our goal is to create spaces that not only look beautiful, but also live well and stand the test of time.”
From start to finish, Monique was impressed with the BTR team as people and craftsmen.
“Our project manager, Evan Low, was here nearly every day of the project. He communicated the timeline and any changes regularly, worked with us to find solutions when adjustments were necessary and kept the job site (our home) tidy. By the end of the project, he felt like a member of our family. It was a pleasure to work with BTR on this project."
The final result is a truly special kitchen and laundry/mudroom filled with stunning, thoughtful details that delight and solutions that function. The project was ready for the Mattingleys to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones, and the spacious island and convenient, organized cabinetry made entertaining comfortable and effortless.
“Our goal is to create spaces that not only look beautiful, but also live well and stand the test of time.” -Brent Crank