Mount Clemens is a city steeped in heritage, and we residents take great pride in preserving that history. For homeowners of The Clem’s historic gems, renovating while honoring their cherished past is not just a task—it’s a calling.
That’s why it took Shelly Bania 25 years to remodel her historic home's kitchen.
Nestled in the historic Breitmeyer Hills neighborhood, Shelly’s house—the smallest on the block—was built in 1936 by Harold Widrig, a Mount Clemens letter carrier. Over the years, it became home to Barbara and Eugene MacAlpine and their daughters. Barbara was a vibrant presence in the neighborhood, known for her singing and involvement in local community theater. Neighbors fondly recall hearing vaudeville records playing through open windows on warm evenings—and sharing a brew or two with the charismatic Barbara.
“Barbara wasn’t just a neighbor; she was part of the heartbeat of this community,” Shelly says. “Her love for music and people still lingers in the memories shared by those who knew her.”
Barbara’s daughters sold the house to Shelly in 1999, and it’s been her labor of love ever since. The sidewalk still bears the imprints of the MacAlpine girls’ names and the playful inscription, ‘1946 till God knows when.’
The house has a history of bringing people together in unexpected ways. Shelly discovered that a friend and former coworker spent time in the home as a child—she was friends with Barbara’s youngest daughter. When the friend visited Shelly years later, Shelly couldn’t help but ask how everyone fit in such a small space. “'Bunk beds,'” Shelly recalls the friend replied. "Of course! Makes total sense.”
So the 700-square-foot home boasts an intimate charm and rich history—qualities Shelly was determined to preserve in the remodel.
“This house has always had its quirks,” Shelly shares. “The folding shutter doors separating the bedroom from the living room are a perfect example. It’s part of what makes this place so unique, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I loved the sweetness of it and the handmade quality. But it lacked function and was showing its wear—that’s an understatement. And I didn’t have a clue where to begin.”
When a friend recommended Devon Moore, a designer at Cabinetry by Better Bilt, Shelly decided to take the leap. The fact that the company was woman-owned and based in Mount Clemens sealed the deal. “I didn’t shop around,” she admits. “I wanted all local businesses and materials as best I could.”
For Andrea Yeip, owner of Cabinetry by Better Bilt, and her team—including Devon—clients like Shelly are what makes their work fulfilling. “We’re with our customers from the moment they walk through the door until their project is complete,” Andrea notes. “Even when there are hiccups along the way—and there always are—we handle them together. So we don’t just build beautiful spaces—we build lasting relationships. We have customers from 20-plus years ago whose children are coming to us. That kind of trust is why we do what we do.”
Shelly wanted a kitchen that didn’t compromise functionality while it honored her home’s story. To capture the essence of the space, Devon visited the home and took the time to understand its history.
“Shelly wanted to honor the home’s roots,” Devon recalls. “That meant choosing designs that were either historically accurate or adjacent to the era. Working on historic homes is my jam—I love finding ways to honor a home’s story while still making it functional for modern living.”
The design process was deeply collaborative.
“Shelly’s vision was clear,” Devon explains. “She valued simplicity and authenticity, and that guided every decision we made together.”
“Every detail mattered,” Shelly says. “I wanted every piece to feel intentional and connected to the home’s story. Devon was patient."
“Sometimes clients don’t know what they want, but they’re clear about what they don’t want,” Devon explains. “That’s where we start. Eliminating the ‘nos’ helps us get to the ‘yes.’ If something about their space works for them, we keep it. If there’s something they hate, we focus on fixing that. Our job is to bring their vision to life, not impose ours.”
Cabinetry by Better Bilt was Shelly’s only call—they handled every aspect of the remodel, from Redemption Stonecraft’s locally-made Calacatta Mirraggio Cielo Quartz countertops, to Starmark Cabinetry’s semi-custom inset maple and quarter-sawn oak cabinets, to Virginia Tile Co.’s herringbone Pratt & Larson Mono Field Tile backsplash. Shelly selected the perfect shade of blue-white for the backsplash from custom samples.
“People don’t want to run around to multiple stores to complete their remodel,” Andrea says. “That’s why we started offering lighting, countertops, even furniture. It’s about making the process seamless for them.”
Shelly’s project wasn’t without its challenges. The home’s small footprint and irregular walls called for ingenuity. For instance, two tall replacement cabinets had to be built onsite to work around a chimney wall. When Shelly floated the idea of exposing a hidden attic window, Loyalty Contracting, a family-owned team led by Sean Bemiss, rose to the challenge. They created a small vaulted area that transforms the space with natural light.
“The attic window was a game-changer,” Shelly says. “It makes this kitchen feel alive and connected to the rest of the house.”
One neighbor, after seeing the remodeled kitchen, remarked, “Barbara would have loved this.” Shelly jokingly agreed: “I opened up the ceiling for her.”
The finished kitchen strikes a perfect balance between historical charm and modern functionality. Petite appliances, including Shelly’s first-ever dishwasher, maximize space while they honor the home’s vintage vibe. Every thoughtful detail speaks to the care and craftsmanship Cabinetry by Better Bilt is known for.
“Some projects feel like soul connections,” Devon observes. “You work so closely with the homeowner that it becomes personal for both of you. Shelly’s kitchen was one of those projects.”
“This was my pride project,” Shelly reflects. “And it was Devon’s pride project too. She understood how important it was to me. It was a team effort. They took great care of my home, and they were a lot of fun to work with.”
This past Thanksgiving morning, Shelly posted her gratitude on Facebook: “I am grateful for Devon Moore of Cabinetry by Better Bilt and all those who played a role in creating my beautiful kitchen. I will enjoy it for years to come.”
For Andrea and Devon, stories like Shelly’s are what make their work meaningful. “It’s not just about designing a space,” Andrea emphasizes. “It’s about connecting with people, understanding what matters to them, and creating something that reflects who they are.”
As Shelly enjoys her new kitchen, the story behind its design shines through. It’s more than a remarkably functional space: it’s a tribute to her home’s history—and the heartfelt collaboration that brought it to life.
To talk with Cabinetry by Better Bilt about your remodel, visit cabinetsbbb.com or call (586) 469-0080.
“Some projects feel like soul connections. You work so closely with the homeowner that it becomes personal. Shelly’s kitchen was one of those projects.”
Award-winning designer Devon Moore is a third-generation Mount Clemens native with nearly two decades of experience. A proud Michigan State graduate, Devon's been at Cabinetry by Better Bilt for almost nine years, where she finds joy in shaping spaces that reflect both her love for design and her hometown’s revitalization. “Being part of this city’s resurgence is a true highlight of my life,” she says. When she’s not designing, Devon enjoys spending time with her husband Patrick and their two young children, Finlay and Wren.