Some home transformations start with necessity. Martina Gieske’s started with intention.
Her first big move was the kitchen—a space where “big functionality and big style” weren’t just goals, they were the whole design brief. And once that project was complete, something unexpected happened: her laundry room flooded.
But instead of starting from scratch with new suppliers and new decision fatigue, Martina already knew exactly where to turn. She’d done this before. She knew the process. And she knew RTA cabinets could deliver both the look and the function she wanted—fast.
Now, three rooms in, her home makeover has a clear theme: maximize function, keep the style elevated, and don’t limit cabinets to “kitchen-only” thinking.
Have a project in mind?
Martina didn’t figure this out alone. An RTA designer helped her plan layouts, choose finishes, and move forward with confidence—room by room.
Project 1: The Kitchen That Set the Standard
Martina started where it matters most: the kitchen. And the choices here are all about function that still feels elevated.
The Cabinet Finish: Weston Sand
Weston Sand brings that warm, versatile vibe that works with everything—modern accents, classic details, and the kind of styling that makes a kitchen feel finished (not fussy).
Standout Features We Love
- Countertop cabinets for extra storage and a more “built-in” look
- A corner sink that turns a tricky area into a smart one
- A large island that’s clearly designed for real life: prep space, gathering space, everything space
Takeaway: Starting with an anchor room like the kitchen makes every future decision easier—because you’ve already defined your home’s “look” and your must-have functionality.
Project 2: The Laundry Room Flood . . . And The Confident Pivot
After the kitchen came the surprise project: a flooded laundry room.
But this is where Martina’s story gets relatable in the best way—because instead of scrambling, she already had a trusted path forward. She’d done cabinets once. She knew what she liked, what to expect, and how to get a result that didn’t feel like a quick patch job.
The Cabinet Choice: Grizzly Shaker
She redid the laundry room with Grizzly Shaker and summed it up perfectly:
“This tiny, windowless room gained a ton of functionality and charm.” Though she chose a different color cabinet, style from the kitchen carries into the laundry perfectly with the Grizzly. And that’s the dream for a laundry room, honestly.
Laundry room lessons to steal:
- Closed cabinetry instantly makes utility spaces feel calmer
- Darker, richer finishes can add warmth where natural light is limited
- “Small room” doesn’t mean “small impact” when storage is planned well
Project 3: A Bedroom Built-In Desk That Nobody Expected
Next came one of our favorite ideas: a built-in desk for her daughter’s bedroom—made with RTA cabinets.
Martina mentioned that some people questioned the concept (“kitchen cabinets… in a bedroom?”), but she proved the point: cabinetry is just smart, modular storage—and RTA had everything she needed. Plus, an RTA designer helped bring the layout to life, which is exactly what makes these creative, non-kitchen projects easier to execute.
The Cabinet Finish: Weston White
Weston White is a perfect pick for a kid’s room because it feels clean, bright, and timeless (and it pairs with basically any décor as her daughter grows).
The Built-In Details That Make It Feel Custom
- A wood desktop that warms up the whole look
- Bookshelves all the way to the ceiling (huge visual impact + tons of storage)
- A long, functional workspace for homework and crafting in a small footprint
Takeaway: This is the kind of project that changes how you think about cabinets. A built-in desk isn’t “extra”—it’s a daily-life upgrade that keeps clutter contained and gives kids a space they actually want to use.
The Big Lesson from Martina’s Three Projects
Martina’s room-by-room transformation shows what happens when you design around real life:
- Start with the kitchen to set the tone (and learn the process)
- When an emergency hits—like a flood—you can move forward with confidence
- Use cabinets beyond kitchens for built-ins that look custom and work hard in any room of the house.
Big functionality. Big style. One room at a time.
Ready to Design Your Own Space?
Whether you’re planning a kitchen, tackling an unexpected repair, or dreaming up a custom built-in, our designers are here to help you choose cabinets that fit your space, style, and timeline.