Naturally Elevated Design
Sometimes a home just needs to catch up with the life being lived in it. For this Cedar Falls couple, that meant reimagining the kitchen from the ceiling down — and creating a space worthy of the people they love to fill it with.
Key Features
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Reconfigured island with seating for six
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Removed popcorn ceiling and re-textured
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Quartz countertops
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Tile backsplash
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New flooring on main level
Timeline
4 weeks
Location
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Investment Range
$85,000-$100,000
The Family
They'd lived in their Cedar Falls home long enough to make it theirs. The couple with all kids grown and out of the house, was comfortable, settled, and by most measures, content. But the kitchen, the room where everyone ends up, hadn't kept pace with who they'd become. It was time for it to catch up.
The Challenge
The oak cabinets were sturdy. The layout worked, mostly. But the kitchen still looked and felt like the 1990s — and no amount of styling was going to change that. The island didn't flow the way they wanted, seating was limited, and the popcorn ceiling and aging ceramic tile weren't doing the space any favors.
For a family that loves to host, the kitchen is the center of everything. They wanted a space that felt as welcoming and intentional as the gatherings they were filling it with.
Working Together
Big Woods Construction wasn't a cold call or a name from a search engine. They came recommended through family — the kind of referral that carries weight in a small community. Brandon and the team understood right away what this homeowner needed most: not just skilled tradespeople, but a collaborative partner who could help her navigate every material selection with confidence.
She wanted to know that the countertops, the backsplash, the flooring, and the finishes would all come together cohesively. Megan made sure that nothing would feel like a mismatch in the end. Big Woods made that part of the process, not an afterthought.
The Plan
The scope was comprehensive. Big Woods scraped the popcorn texture from the ceilings, removed existing ceramic tile, and laid new flooring across the entire main level. The island was reconfigured with new cabinetry to improve flow and add seating. New countertops, a deeper sink, updated fixtures, a tile backsplash, fresh lighting, and new paint brought the whole space into focus.
When the deeper sink created an unexpected conflict with the garbage disposal, the team worked directly with the plumber to problem-solve on the spot — no delays, no drama, just solutions.
The Transformation
The kitchen they have now doesn't look like the same room. The ceiling is clean and bright. The floors flow seamlessly through the main level. The island anchors the space with improved storage underneath and room to pull up a few stools. Every finish — the countertops, the backsplash, the fixtures — was chosen to work together, and it shows.
Entertaining feels different now. The kitchen invites people in rather than just accommodating them, and the family has a home that finally reflects where they are in life.
