Log Cabin kitchen remodel

A marriage of design and project management

When the Olsons were ready to freshen up their home by tackling a kitchen remodel, designer and project manager Sherry R. Simmons, owner of Veshé Inc., knew this was an important job.

“It was important to give this beloved log home the kitchen it deserves,” Simmons said. “One that meets the needs of Honna, a professional cook, and also allows for a project manager. When she takes on a remodeling job, she provides a design that meets her clients’ lifestyle and aesthetics, and also manages bids for all sub-contractors. She acts as the go-between for the client and the team, and ensures that the project is completed successfully.

When your designer is also your project manager, several good things happen. Designs are realistic and buildable according to the clients budget. The designer is also aware of what it will take to build the design and can choose a “Team” that best fits the desired final result.

“Sherry was good at keeping all of the sub-contractors on task,” he said. “She knows all of the contractors around town and how to coordinate their efforts. We didn’t have to work directly with any the sub-contractors; she was the ‘go between’ for all of us. This was just an invaluable part of the process.”

The Gold Team

by Andrea Busche

and Honna Olson’s Long Lake log cabin is a much-loved piece of real estate. Originally built in Montana, it was painstakingly deconstructed in 1976, log by log, at the former homeowner’s request, so it could be transported to Minnesota.

Rick

some of the outgoing Olson personality to come through.”

Designer + Project Manager

One special aspect that Simmons brings to the table is that she is not only an interior designer, but also

With more than 30 years in the industry, Simmons refers to her favorite sub-contractors as her “Gold Team.” Whether it’s a plumber or a carpenter, she has a specific list of requirements each professional must meet before she’ll consider hiring them.

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Beautiful new custom cabinetry...

The measurements within the log cabin required exquisitely close attention to detail.

Spacious refrigerator and other appliances

“Some of the qualities I look for in a sub-contractor include quality workmanship and competitive pricing,” she said. “Additionally, they must be good communicators, responsible and available when I need them.”

For the Olson project, Sherry’s Gold Team included:

• Cabinetry — Gemini Designs

• Countertops — Graniteworks

• Fireplace — Fireplace Corner

• Project Manager — Veshé

Cabinetry Details

Gemini Designs’ interior designers Patty Sertich and Nicole Krisak provided beautiful new custom cabinetry. Having them visit the site for the final measurements was a valuable service. The measurements within the log cabin required exquisitely close attention to detail, as the walls were a bit bowed, and nothing was perfectly straight.

“With every remodeling project, there are different challenges,” Patty and Nicole share. Gemini enjoys joining forces with Sherry on a variety of projects, and are proud to be members of her Gold Team.”

Nicole and Patty said when they work with designers like Sherry, the cabinetry arrives with extra-special attention to detail because three designers are working together.

Full-Scale Remodel

The Olson kitchen project was a fullscale remodel.

“Our family gatherings revolve around food and food preparation,” Rick said. “So, we wanted Honna to be able to cook and entertain at the same time.”

The project took many months to complete, requiring many stages of demolition and construction. Walls were removed to create a better flow, doorways were widened, and the lighting, cabinetry, appliances, flooring and countertops are all new.

A new 10-foot island was installed, creating a natural place for the Olsons to gather. Ceiling beams were added, and electrical service was wired to the beams. This allowed for the use of special, upward-facing mono-point lighting, which highlights the home’s beautiful vaulted ceilings.

A professional range with two ovens and new refrigerator and freezer were added. A new heavy-duty hood was installed, which required venting that exits through the roof. A walk-in pantry was built, and windows were relocated and replaced, with one new window added.

Before the remodel, the kitchen of the Olsons’ log home was cold.

“The home is beautiful, but it’s almost like the kitchen was forgotten,” Simmons said.

A top priority was to install a propane fireplace, adding not only warmth, but a comfortable ambiance to the space.

A Few Special Surprises

Sherry included a few delightful surprises along the way, proving just how closely she listens to her clients. Rick, a retired dentist, enjoys woodworking in his spare time. One of his hand-carved logs, featuring an expressive human face, was used as a base to construct a hanging light fixture. A custom, built-in knife block gave Honna a special place to store her highly prized kitchen knives.

“Sherry added amenities that we hadn’t even thought of,” Rick said. “The knife block, spice drawer and pantry are just invaluable. And the fireplace has really become a focal point of the room.”

Of all the remarkable comforts in their new kitchen, a particular favorite of the couple is a new seating area where they can visit over a cup of coffee. “The little coffee area has been such a great addition,” Rick said. “It’s cozy and warm, and we just spend hours in there.”

Happy Homeowners

The Olsons are thrilled with their new kitchen. They look forward to plenty of visits from their adult children and grandchildren, along with opportunities to entertain neighbors and friends.

“We want this to be a legacy home,” Rick said. “We know our family will be able to use and enjoy this home, along with our beautiful new kitchen, for many years to come.”

And, Sherry Simmons couldn’t be happier with the end result. “My driving force is not just to create spaces, but a place my clients can go home to, or a business that they’re proud of.” D

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

For more information, Veshé Inc. can be found on Facebook, and Sherry R. Simmons can be reached at vesheinc@gmail.com.

Hand-carved logs, featuring an expressive human face by home owner, Rick

Lighted cabinets allow for unique displays.

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