Andrew Kranz had just left the Coast Guard and moved to Colorado Springs, where he decided he wanted to be involved in the kitchen industry. He had been a machinery tech in the Coast Guard and had construction experience before that. The kitchen is the heart of a home, combining the functional as well as the emotional. This is where memories are made alongside meals, stories unfold and lives are shared, blending utility with warmth, connection and comfort.
Interior Architecture + Real World Experience
Kranz also knew that most kitchens are indoors, and since the part of construction he disliked the most was being out in the cold, he cleverly deduced that this version of construction would at least keep him (mostly) warm. He began taking classes in interior architecture while he worked at Home Depot in the cabinetry section. This real-world experience in tandem with his studies provided a valuable measure of perspective.
That earned perspective taught him that clients often must try to navigate each element of the renovation process on their own or with minimal input from an expert. From measurements and finishes to functional elements like cabinetry and surfaces and how everything flows together with adequate space planning. Plumbing and electrical with project management is generally an afterthought, all while trying to stay on time and within budget. Many times, all these elements can become overwhelming.
Tailoring Spaces to Real-Life Needs
In 2010, he brought his diverse experience and vision together to launch Aspen Kitchens, creating a company rooted in thoughtful design, craftsmanship and full-service renovation. Since then, the focus has been to serve each unique homeowner, transforming each space into a tailored reflection of their lifestyle, taste, and the real-life needs and comforts of their household.
Evolution is a strong business proposition, and relevance is paramount to keep the pulse and meet the ever-changing needs of the customer. With an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, the Aspen Kitchens team found there were continual opportunities to not only build kitchen cabinets but then refer their clients to the best places to fill those cabinets. Kranz’s wife, Lisa, had experience with a company called The Koastal Kitchen and the decision was made to re-create that experience in land-locked Colorado Springs.
“Kitchens are so personal,” Lisa says. “We seek to source unique and quality products that evoke joy, happiness and nostalgia.”
Curated Selections for Entertaining
With Aspen Kitchens being a community staple for years, Lisa notes that clients sometimes walk into the showroom surprised, expecting kitchen layouts and instead finding curated selections for every stage of entertaining. She explains that there is certainly a place for online shopping, but sometimes it is nice to see, touch and feel what is being purchased.
“I have noticed that the value of online reviews has gone down significantly, with some companies even being able to purchase a review from a customer,” Andrew says.
Lisa and the team at Aspen Kitchens seek out unique local as well as hard-to-find items that help tell a story, adding personal touches that turn shopping into an experience, not just a task.
“We love hearing customers say, ‘this is my new favorite store’ or being told at checkout that they can’t wait to bring in so-and-so,” Lisa says. “Food is a universal language, and we want to be the store that gets the ‘if anyone was going to have it, you would’ calls.”
Fifteen years after its founding, Aspen Kitchens continues to grow—not just as a business, but as a place where design, community, and quality come together as a reflection of the belief that the kitchen truly is the heart of the home. From full-scale renovations to the smallest kitchen gadgets, Andrew and Lisa Kranz have built more than kitchens; they’ve created a space where stories begin, connections deepen, and every detail matters.
With a solid inventory ready to peruse, it would seem the only thing Aspen Kitchens is missing from their showroom is, well, you.
Address + Phone: 5020 N Nevada Ave., Ste 150 | 719-264-9200
Website: https://aspenkitchens.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @AspenKitchens