At Architectural Design + Interiors (formerly Design Build San Juan), designer Lori Williams is known for crafting spaces that blend elegance with function. In a recent major renovation in a Washington home, Lori and her team transformed a large kitchen, walk-in pantry, wet bar, and mudroom, carefully selecting materials that not only reflect the homeowners’ personalities but also stand the test of time. For this project, the objective was to create a cohesive yet dynamic space by carefully selecting durable design features while ensuring an inviting and stylish atmosphere.
Central to the project’s success was the incorporation of multiple Grothouse wood countertops and surfaces, which brought warmth, refinement, and superior craftsmanship to key areas of the home.
A Harmonious Balance of Color and Texture
This custom-built renovation seamlessly blends bold contrasts with timeless materials. The semi-custom cabinetry by Canyon Creek Cabinetry Co. was custom painted in a rich blue and paired with flat grain Sapele Mahogany surfaces to create a striking yet natural and inviting aesthetic. The wet bar, coffee bar, and mudroom bench seat designs were intentionally selected to enhance the space with wood surfaces, providing a sense of balance between cool and warm tones.
The kitchen island, designed using heavily veined quartzite and Sapele Mahogany cabinetry, was another intentional choice, grounding the space with warmth and reinforcing the natural elegance of the wood cabinetry.
Williams’ approach to interior design prioritizes function first, then form—a principle that was especially crucial in spaces like the wet bar and mudroom, where durability is just as important as aesthetics. Sapele Mahogany coated in Durata® Satin provided waterproof protection, durability, and rich grain, a combination of perfect solutions for these high-traffic areas.
Masterful Craftsmanship: A U-Shaped Wet Bar with Custom Fabrication
One of the most impressive elements of this project was the U-shaped Sapele Mahogany countertop used to create the wet bar. This wasn’t just any countertop—it required expert precision due to varying depths and intricate trim details throughout the space.
Grothouse fabricated the countertop to exact specifications ensuring a seamless fit, making the installation process effortless for the design and construction teams. “The challenge was the U-shaped wet bar,” says Williams. “The countertop also had different depths around the U shape which Grothouse fabricated to perfection from our drawings. Our easy interaction and their understanding and shop drawings made the installers’ job a breeze. No easy feat for this unusual U-shaped wet bar area!”
Durability Meets Luxury
Beyond the kitchen and wet bar, wood surfaces were also incorporated into the mudroom bench seat and coffee bar countertop. These elements provided both function and aesthetic appeal, as the deep, warm tones of the Mahogany contrasted beautifully against the blue-painted cabinetry. The natural finish of the wood countertops emphasized the organic grain pattern, adding texture and dimension to these secondary spaces while maintaining cohesion with the rest of the home.
- The coffee bar countertop—crafted in Sapele Mahogany with a striking Roman Notch edge detail—adds richness to the space while complementing the surrounding custom blue cabinetry, while protecting the surfaces with Durata® for the ultimate in aesthetic, function, and overall livability.
- The mudroom bench seat, with matching Roman Notch edge profile and Durata® Satin finish, provides a warm contrast to the cool-toned paint, creating an inviting and stylish transition area.
The Grothouse Difference
By thoughtful selection of materials, Lori Williams successfully achieved a space that is both visually stunning and highly functional. The meticulous craftsmanship of the wood surfaces ensured a seamless installation, while the warmth and durability of the material created an inviting atmosphere throughout the home.
The homeowners were thrilled with the results, especially with how the wood countertops elevated the entire design. “The homeowners loved the wood countertops!” Lori shared, reflecting on their satisfaction with the renovation.
From the intricate wet bar to the inviting mudroom and elegant coffee bar, Grothouse’s wood countertops played a pivotal role in enhancing the beauty and function of this custom home project. Precision fabrication made all the difference, proving that the right materials—and the right partners—can truly transform a space into something extraordinary.
For high-end projects like this, where customization and quality are non-negotiable, Grothouse remains the industry leader in luxury wood countertops. With unmatched expertise in waterproof wood surfaces , precision fabrication, and custom finishes, Grothouse continues to be the trusted choice for designers, architects, and builders who demand the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Explore our custom wood countertop solutions online or contact the Grothouse team at (610) 767-6515 to get connected with a sales representative.
