Montecito Charmer Remodel
Project Overview
The Montecito Charmer project began with a clear client vision: transform a dated 1950s home into a modern yet timeless space that better supported their family lifestyle and love for hosting. The clients wanted an open-concept living room and kitchen with added charm and warmth through custom built-ins and high-quality design elements. Their goal was to refresh the home’s layout while preserving the character and inviting feel that originally drew them to the property.
Client Objectives
Open the floor plan by removing outdated walls that obstructed flow and natural light
Introduce custom charm, including a built-in bookcase and fully custom kitchen cabinetry
Upgrade a 1950s layout to meet modern needs while maintaining a classic, clean aesthetic
Improve hosting capability with more functional, cohesive living spaces
Refresh additional living areas, including a separate den, as the project expanded
Our Approach
We began by removing major entrance walls and fully clearing the original living room footprint. This opened the space dramatically and created the foundation for a reimagined layout. From that blank canvas, our design and production teams collaborated closely with the clients to build a cohesive environment that honored their vision.
Conducted detailed design consultations to understand the clients’ goals and aesthetic preferences
Removed structural barriers to create a unified, open living space
Installed custom built-in bookcases and handcrafted cabinetry tailored specifically to the home’s architecture
Guided clients through material selections that balanced beauty, durability, and long-term value
Integrated additional scope mid-project, including remodeling a secondary den, without disrupting overall timelines
Design Highlights
Custom Bookcase Feature Wall: Adds warmth, character, and functional storage
Fully Custom Kitchen Cabinetry: Designed for efficiency and long-term durability
Open-Concept Flow: Wall removals transformed the home into a unified, spacious environment
Clean, Classic Finish Palette: Timeless selections chosen to age gracefully with the home
Tailored Space Planning: Every built-in and design detail was crafted specifically for the existing architecture
Ongoing Work Photos
Final After Photos
See Before and after slideshow
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Ensuring Client Satisfaction
Client communication was central to the project’s success. We maintained weekly updates, presented clear design visuals, and ensured every decision aligned with both the aesthetic direction and the practical needs of the clients.
Our team remained flexible and responsive, seamlessly incorporating the expanded scope to remodel an additional living area. This adaptability reinforced client trust and kept the project on a smooth, efficient timeline.
Client Feedback
The clients expressed high satisfaction with:
The smooth and reliable timeline
Our flexibility in adding scope without delays
The quality and craftsmanship of all custom work
The transformation of their home into a modern, clean, and charming space that perfectly suits their lifestyle
The Montecito Charmer project stands as a strong example of how thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and responsive communication can completely revitalize a historic home. By combining structural updates with high-end custom elements, we created a warm, functional, and timeless space that exceeded client expectations.
Our Satisfied Clients Share Their Kitchen Remodel Experience
Salli Peterson
We contracted with Kellow Construction to start a major kitchen/dining renovation the end of April, to be completed the end of August - and it was finished right on time! The permitting and demolition processes were smooth, and soon we were in the exciting construction phase. We were given plenty of time and assistance in making choices and it was fun to watch the transformation take place. Throughout the entire time, every worker was respectful of the fact that we were living in the house. The entire experience was pleasant and we are delighted with the outcome - the vision I had in my head is what we ended up with. Kudos to Kiel and Emily Kellow, Jason Long and the entire team for giving us a fabulous new space!