Category: Blog

Loyal Clients Repeat the Process

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

Self-admittedly, Becky and Casey Jansen needed a remodel badly. “Our kitchen was dark and outdated. The layout wasn’t functional for entertaining, the island was bulky, and overall, it just wasn’t a space we enjoyed spending time in. We knew it was time for a change,” Becky said.

  

The couple started their home renovation by looking at downtown remodeling companies, but none seemed to understand their vision. Frustrated, they decided to try something different and went local. That’s when they found Thomas Kitchen & Bath. 

 

From the moment they met Amy, our lead designer, they knew they were in good hands. “She had a brain and ideas, and she played a big part in making our kitchen look so great,” Becky noted.

 

Amy understood their needs and helped the couple create a space that was brighter, updated, and had a better flow. 

 

The project required a complete gut of their kitchen and to start from scratch. We installed taller cabinets with a beautiful range hood. The outdated pinkish-red countertops were replaced with textured quartz countertops that resemble concrete. The fridge, which used to be the first thing you saw when you walked in, was relocated to create a more welcoming entrance and more open sightline. We even made sure to consider the cats as we planned out the space!

It made a significant difference to Becky and Casey. They love their new kitchen!

 

A few years later, when the couple decided it was time to tackle their hall bathroom, they called on Thomas Kitchen & Bath once again. They wanted us to create a guest suite by changing the bathroom access from the hall to the bedroom, and of course, update it in the process.

Becky and Casey reached out to our team, and once again, they said we exceeded their expectations. After completing the design and construction process, we succeeded in creating a beautiful space for their guests. 

At Thomas Kitchen & Bath, we offer the whole package. From layout, design and selecting materials, to managing the project and ensuring it is completed professionally, we make the entire process easy for our clients. That’s why many customers, like Becky and Casey, come back for a second project. They trust us to deliver exceptional results. 

 

We’ll leave you with this final thought from Becky, “I would recommend Thomas Kitchen & Bath because they were professional and courteous. The people who worked on our project were very polite and understood they were in someone else’s home. As a homeowner, I think that goes a long way.”

The Burkett’s Successful Kitchen Remodel

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

Mary Lee and David Burkett spend lots of time with family in their kitchen. But David, who loves
to cook, had been considering the idea of a new gas range versus their old electric stove for
some time. They saw this as an opportunity to finally make that change while making additional
upgrades to their kitchen.
After receiving a recommendation for Thomas Kitchen & Bath from a colleague and friend, the
couple hired Thomas Kitchen & Bath for their remodel. They wanted a professional contractor
who would ensure the job was done right the first time to avoid any need for rework later.

 

 

Getting Started

To kick things off, the Burketts scheduled a meeting with Amy, the lead designer, to discuss
their vision for the kitchen. After visiting their home, Amy created a design with full-color
renderings of the proposed changes, bringing their vision to life. One challenge they faced was
differing opinions on the color of cabinets. Mary Lee disliked the old wooden cabinets, while
David was attached to them. Amy helped them find a compromise: A beautiful two-tone look
with warm off-white cabinets on top and deep stained wood base cabinets, with a wood range
hood for added drama. This solution satisfied them both and now they love the combination.
Once the remodeling project began, Mary Lee and David were impressed with the company’s
communication, who provided an app that followed the construction progress daily. The
interactive app included a calendar displaying who would work at their house each day and an
approximate timeframe. This transparency helped the couple stay informed and connected to
the project.

 

 

The kitchen underwent a complete transformation. The new kitchen footprint was enlarged, the
original dining area became the location of a large seating island and their new gas range with a
wood range hood above, and a prep island in the middle of the work area was a feature they
kept from the original layout. The relocated refrigerator is now flanked by glass cabinetry for
Mary Lee to display her beautiful glassware and serving pieces.

 

 

 

The project was not without its challenges… When material delays extended the initial projected
eight-week timeline several additional weeks, the couple were promptly notified by Tim, owner
of Thomas Kitchen & Bath. They were able to track those changes through the app.
Additionally, during the microwave installation, the team discovered a framing kit was missing
and not available. Tim immediately addressed the issue and devised a fix to ensure the
microwave met Mary Lee’s satisfaction. This attention to detail and prompt resolution impressed
Mary Lee and solidified their trust in the Thomas Kitchen & Bath team.

The Final Product

Final Burkett Video

Once Thomas Kitchen & Bath finished the remodel, Mary Lee and David were thrilled with the
results. They loved the contrasting colors and the overall functionality of their new kitchen. The
transformation was so impressive that friends and family who visit can’t help but ask, “Who
remodeled your kitchen?”, and the larger space has come in handy for the Burketts as their
family has grown several times this past year!!
Even a year since the remodel, the Thomas Kitchen & Bath team continued to provide
exceptional service and support. Mary Lee noted that this level of care and dedication proved
that she made the right choice in hiring Thomas Kitchen & Bath for their kitchen remodel. If
you’ve been considering a kitchen remodel and aren’t sure where to begin, give Thomas
Kitchen & Bath a call today!

Bringing a Dated Bathroom Back to Life

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

Pam and Steve Peigh recently completed a bathroom renovation that began in August and finished in November. The couple had moved into their house in 2010, and the bathroom was original to the house, dating back to when it was built in 1996. It was clear that the bathroom needed an update, especially since it lacked sufficient storage and had a bathtub that was too small and inconvenient to use. The Peighs wanted a bathroom that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.

To achieve their goals, the Peighs decided to gut the bathroom completely. The couple chose to go with Thomas Kitchen & Bath for the project because they had heard good things about them from friends who had used their services. Pam and Steve commented, “We knew this would be major, and because they are local and specialized in kitchens and baths, we knew their reputation was important, so we chose them.”

The process began with the Peighs meeting Amy — lead designer — to discuss their vision for the bathroom. Pam noted, “I had in my mind what I wanted to accomplish, but she was able to make the vision come alive!” 

 

“The Peighs wanted more built-in storage space in their bathroom so they could get rid of all the superfluous clutter,” Amy recounted. “Having a therapeutic bathtub was also a critical item on their wish list. Their current layout did not allow for either, so we had to get creative! By borrowing from an adjacent hall closet as well as combining their two closets into one large walk-in closet, and also changing the configuration of the room doors, we found that we could make it happen in a beautiful and functional way, including Pam’s dressing table under the windows!”

 

Amy showed them renderings of the new layout as well as how the colors and materials would look together and helped them make informed decisions. Pam appreciated being able to see how everything would look before making any final choices.

Once the project started, Tim from Thomas Kitchen & Bath came in and prepared the area for renovation. The Peighs were impressed with the organization and transparency of the process. They were given a worksite calendar that outlined the schedule and progress, so they knew exactly what would be happening each day. They also appreciated that the team would promptly communicate if there were any delays or issues.

Throughout the renovation, the Peighs were constantly updated on the progress. Each day, as the work crew finished up, they pointed out what had been accomplished that day and any remaining tasks. Steve, in particular, was impressed with the skill and expertise of the entire team.

  

Now that the renovation is complete, Pam is thrilled with the results. The bathroom is neat, clean, and organized, with a place for everything. She loves the new tub, which is a BainUltra ThermoMasseur, and even has self-cleaning capabilities. With delight, Pam and Steve commented on the overall experience, “We felt very comfortable with them and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again!” In fact, the Peighs have already begun the process to update their kitchen this fall!

Carpeted Bathroom Gets New Inspiration

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

Jim and Pam Tate have been living in their Lebanon home since 1996. It was constructed using builder-grade finishes, including base-model countertops and wall-to-wall carpeting in the bathroom. Yes, carpet in the bathroom! Beyond the carpet, their large bathroom had a small shower, lacked organized storage, was largely monochromatic, and was showing signs of wear.

 

Being empty nesters, the couple decided it was time for a change. “It’s just the two of us now; let’s do it!” Pam said. They contacted Thomas Kitchen & Bath to help them remodel the bathroom. Amy, the lead designer, visited their Lebanon home to assess the space and put together a design and an action plan. Pam and Jim were very pleased with how we thought of things they hadn’t considered, such as how to enlarge the shower and improve room lighting. “This large bathroom just needed some inspiration! When I saw the lonely can light above the tub, I knew that was a great place to start!” Amy recalls.

The project began in late spring and took eight weeks to complete. The Tates pointed out that our team was considerate of their home and always kept it clean. Tim Thomas, the owner, oversaw the implementation of the project plan. Pam commented, “We nicknamed Tim the Energizer Bunny. If there was stuff to be done, he took care of it!”

 

Now the Tates have a gleaming new bathroom complete with a larger, more functional shower, beautiful stained-wood cabinetry that offers better organization and increased storage (including a dressing table for Pam), striking satin black fixtures and accessories, and a new freestanding tub, complete with a dimmable chandelier, great for a relaxing soak in the tub. Pam and Jim are also pleased with the wall color, which complements everything nicely. Best of all, there is no wallpaper or carpeting to be found!

The couple highly recommends Thomas Kitchen & Bath for anyone looking to remodel their bathroom. After making their dated bathroom brand new, Pam and Jim have nothing but positive things to say, “We were really happy with our bathroom and glad to show it off. They thought of everything!” 

 

If you want to take your home from dated to purposefully designed, contact our team for a consultation today!

Newcomers Find the Perfect Fit

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

Sally and Bruce LaVergne moved into their Tennessee home two years ago after moving from Northern California. “The second I saw the house and property, I just loved it, but the kitchen and bathroom had to go!” Sally explained. The couple didn’t know anyone in Tennessee, as they had only recently moved, so they didn’t know who to use for renovating their bath and kitchen. 

After looking up several contractors online, they decided to walk into the Thomas Kitchen & Bath showroom to see what we had, and the couple immediately met our designer, Amy. Sally recognized our knowledge and expertise after walking in, stating, “It was a feeling. I could just tell they were going to do it right.” Sally and Bruce made their appointment, and Amy came out to their home to take photos and make measurements. 

 

During this time, Bruce wanted to get additional quotes to compare services. What they got back from other contractors just wasn’t comparable to what we were offering. So, after seeing those other quotes, they decided to go with Thomas Kitchen and Bath. With newfound direction, Bruce and Sally headed back to our showroom on a mission, and Amy was ready to present full-color renderings of the couple’s new dream kitchen and bathroom. Sally immediately thought, “Oh my God, this is it!”

We began remodeling their kitchen and bathroom, finishing the project in only two months. Our team gutted everything in both the kitchen and bathroom, starting in the kitchen and working our way to the bathroom. The original kitchen was small, with a wall stifling the space, and the bathroom was bright blue with old tile and a small shower tucked into the corner. 

Now, the kitchen feels massive, and the bathroom has a large modern shower and understated color palette. Sally says she loves the low-entry new shower, the hardware on the kitchen cabinets, the large kitchen island, and the use of drawers instead of cabinets for kitchen storage. “I got everything I wanted!” she exclaimed. 

Sally and Bruce were so excited about the final result and their entire experience working with our team. They summed it up with, “You can look anywhere you want to, but you won’t find anyone better. Don’t even look any further! They stand behind their products and do what they say.”

A Bathroom Renovation for the Harpers

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

When they bought their second home in TN, Stan and Jamie Harper were in for a surprise as they walked into the primary bathroom. The last time anyone touched the house was when it was built in 2004, and it needed a lot of updating.

 

 

The bathroom counter height was too low, the oak cabinetry was dated, and the shower had an insert behind a false wall, making it feel cave-like and dark. There was less to be desired, meaning it was time for an upgrade. 

 

Stan and Jamie originally dropped into the Thomas Kitchen and Bath showroom to try and reorder handles for a few cabinets. After speaking with Amy Garcia, the lead designer, the Harpers realized they could get a full remodel and leave the handles to the professionals. “Amy was phenomenal. She really listened to what we said,” they commented. 

 

Once all the materials and supplies came in, Thomas Kitchen and Bath went to work remodeling their outdated bathroom into a dream. Stan and Jamie noted, “We feel good with who they bring into the house. We trust them.”

Our team gutted the entire bathroom but kept the same footprint, added medicine cabinets to increase storage space, removed the false wall to lengthen the shower to the ceiling, built custom cabinetry, and added a heating setting and exhaust fan. 

 

 

Even though the Harpers live full-time in FL, the entire project went smoothly and finished in about six weeks. The couple was most excited about their new shower, exclaiming, “It’s just so improved from what we had before; it looks twice as large!” Even when comparing the primary bathroom in their current FL home to the newly renovated primary bath in their TN home, they favored the latter. 

 

 

Stan and Jamie loved working with Thomas Kitchen and Bath so much that they tasked us with a guest bathroom remodel and kitchen remodel, declaring, “Thomas Kitchen and Bath have a good product. Not just their materials but their whole business model. They are true professionals.”

 

A Coastal Feel in Every Room

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

Jan Worstell lived in her home for ten years and had never liked the countertops or flooring since day one. She wanted a complete refresh throughout the whole house, bringing her dream vision to life by creating a coastal feel in every room.

Good news spread to Jan about Thomas Kitchen and Bath from her neighbors at Del Webb, and she headed to our showroom to meet with designer Amy Garcia. “Amy was just wonderful!” Jan exclaimed.

The first thing Jan did was pick out the cabinetry she loved. She knew she wanted a beautiful range hood, which she quickly zeroed in on, but the rest was left up to Amy. After seeing the initial design renderings, Jan immediately fell in love with everything Amy presented. Jan mentioned how one specific item would be the inspiration for a room, and then everything else would fall into place. For example, a piece of artwork would inspire the bathroom, tile in the guest bathroom, or cabinet color in the kitchen.

                                        

Along with the new Coastal-inspired finishes, the kitchen layout was reworked to be more functional. “Amy thought of things I would never have thought of,” Jan said. For example, in the kitchen, she transformed an awkward angle into a more practical design and found a new location for the pantry to make room for a handy beverage statin near the dining area. She also recommended lowering a raised bar to create visual flow into the open floor plan, perfect for entertaining.

          

Soon after presenting the design ideas, Thomas Kitchen and Bath began the remodel, tackling all four rooms back-to-back: kitchen, primary bathroom, guest bathroom, and laundry room. “I was only doing [a renovation] once, so we did everything at the same time!” Jan commented.

    

All four rooms were gutted and rebuilt from floor to ceiling. Even pushing through supply chain issues, Thomas Kitchen and Bath still stayed within our estimated timeline for finishing each room. Jan noted how easy to work with and how professional our contractors were.

A few of her favorite new additions included the kitchen’s beverage station and cabinet colors, the fun pattern Amy chose for the guest bath, and the vessel sink in the bathroom. She gave one final comment about our team, “I highly recommend them to anyone who needs their kitchen or bath remodeled. You will be very happy with the results.”

 

Relief For a Maxed-Out Kitchen

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

When homeowners Denise and Ricky first came to Thomas Kitchen and Bath to discuss their kitchen remodel, they had already spent many hours considering what they needed and wanted in their new kitchen.  They had planned and shopped and discussed and measured and compared.  Denise had a notebook full of ideas but was unsure how to execute them.  Along with a new, updated look and getting rid of the dark wallpaper, the couple knew they needed more storage, but where? Their kitchen space was totally maxed out and they needed ideas that would fit their budget.

“It is exciting to dream about a new kitchen,” she said, “When we met with designer Amy Garcia, we felt comfortable and realized we would be in good hands.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After their initial design consultation in our showroom, we scheduled a site visit to see how we could make their dreams a reality and we got to work on a design for them. At the next appointment, the “Design Reveal,” Denise and Ricky viewed renderings and floor plans to see what their new kitchen would look like, how it would function and of course, discuss every detail of the project.  Although the kitchen footprint did not change much, we were able to better utilize the corners and upgrade cabinet functionality to maximize their storage space.

Over several months, Denise made all her design choices and chose every color and element that would go in her new custom kitchen. Once all decisions were finalized, “the remodel did not begin for several months,” Denise thoughtfully explained. “Thomas Kitchen and Bath did not want to begin our project until all items needed were in their possession. That detail was very much appreciated.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once work began, our team gutted their kitchen, including that wallpaper, down to the studs. From there, we rebuilt the new kitchen from the ground up.  From framing in a new cabinetry area in an adjoining hallway, to electrical and plumbing, drywall work, new cabinetry throughout, Cambria® quartz countertops, tile backsplash, lighting, and finally a fresh coat of paint, we remodeled their kitchen into a space that is brimming with storage, fits in with the warm tones and décor of the house, and is light and bright with ample ambient and task lighting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the demolition all the way through to the final stages of the kitchen remodel, our team handled everything professionally. Denise was especially impressed with Thomas Kitchen and Bath’s subcontractors. “Their subcontractors have all worked with them for a long time, which speaks volumes about the quality of their work.”

“Owner Tim Thomas’s attention to detail was very impressive,” Denise noted. She continued, “We couldn’t be happier with the final outcome of our kitchen. We have actually referred several couples to Thomas Kitchen and Bath for their kitchen/bathroom remodel projects!”

If all you want for the new year is a new kitchen, give Thomas Kitchen and Bath a call!

A Kitchen Reborn: Better Cabinets, Hutches, and Storage

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

For Mary and John Vignalo, there is nothing worse than loving to cook and having a kitchen that doesn’t function. “One thing led to another,” said Mary, regarding their lackluster kitchen. Their appliances were not working well anymore, the cabinets and flooring felt dark and dreary, and they discovered a leak under the sink that ruined their bottom cabinets. Needless to say, it was time for a total kitchen transformation.

 

The couple reached out to Thomas Kitchen & Bath to give their kitchen an overhaul because they had redone their primary bathroom a year prior. Mary and John knew the quality of work they would get, so they had Thomas Kitchen & Bath come to their home to give a quote on the job. 

Mary stated, “Amy (Lead Designer) came up with all kinds of things to help us! Things we would never have thought of.” She continued, “You don’t have to call a bunch of people and then have to coordinate them all yourself. They are full service from beginning to end, and they make it painless.”

Mary and John ordered the appliances they wanted, including a Wolf Cooktop, and TKB replaced cabinets, backsplash, countertops, lighting, and a vented hood. The entire kitchen transformation took about eight weeks to finish considering supply chain delays. “It wasn’t a difficult process. It didn’t ever seem bad to me, even though we lost our kitchen for eight weeks. We planned ahead!” Mary explained. 

They loved getting a schedule that outlined when people would be at their home to perform the renovation. When the subcontractors left, they left behind a neat and clean space. Both Mary and John noted a few of their finished favorites: appliance hutches, deeper cabinets, more storage, a mixer stand on the island, and better organization.

   

To Thomas Kitchen & Bath’s delight, Mary emphasized that other contractors can do good work, but they don’t come with ideas. They just want to do what they are told. Thomas worked with them, shared ideas, and wanted to make sure the space fits their life. Now the couple has a fully-functioning dream kitchen where they will share many happy moments cooking delicious meals. 

Contact Thomas Kitchen & Bath to get a quote for all your home renovation needs!

A Yellowed Bathroom Turned to Lakeview Paradise

Posted on by Margaret Tolbert

When Chuck and Gertrud Jeffries bought their new house, they quickly realized nothing had been touched for 25 years. What sold them on the property was its stunning lake view, but the inside of the home was outdated. One room they knew needed immediate attention was the primary bathroom.

  

Their primary bathroom carried a laundry list of problems, the most obvious of which was the terrible yellow paint color. Their son called it “the color you use if you want to make everyone mad.” In addition to the paint, the counters and toilets were low, the shower was small and cramped, an enormous tub occupied too much floor space, tile installed on top of linoleum, storage was limited, and the space flowed awkwardly.

           

The couple, wanting to clean the slate and start fresh, listed all their wants and needs: dedicated enclosed space for the toilet, a larger, more attractive shower, improved storage, an updated tub, better use of the bathroom square footage, and preserving their gorgeous view of the lake.  

Chuck and Gertrud quickly found Thomas Kitchen & Bath online. They appreciated that we were close to them in Lebanon, TN, and they also knew people in their neighborhood who had worked with us before.  

Next, they walked into the showroom (without an appointment) and spoke to our designer, Amy. After that discussion, they got more serious and set a time for her to visit their home. Amy took photos and measurements and designed a bathroom that met their needs and wants. She presented the Jeffries with design renderings and sample materials to show them just how their new bathroom would look. Chuck commented, “She reimagined the space and floorplan for us!”

When the project began, we gave them a workflow schedule which outlined what to expect each day and what work would occur. Of course, we updated them in advance if there were any changes to the schedule. This was something they really appreciated as it allowed them to plan each day out and know to a “T” what was happening with their bathroom remodel.  

The bathroom was gutted down to the studs and beyond. Thomas Kitchen & Bath replaced everything: floors, cabinetry, mirrors, tub, shower, toilet, exhaust fans, plumbing, lighting and even moved walls. “It was interesting to go in and see what was happening each day,” Chuck commented. 

From start to finish, it took eight weeks for the bathroom renovation, even considering supply chain issues with the glass for the shower. “If something wasn’t right, they came back and fixed it. Not everyone does that!” Gertrud commented. She continued, “They did what they could to minimize the dust and even cleaned up after themselves.”  

   

The couple love the heated towel bar, medicine cabinets, quiet exhaust fans, fresh paint colors, and the gorgeous full view of the lake from the open shower. They both fell in love with their primary bathroom, as emphasized by Chuck saying, “We aren’t used to a bathroom this nice.” 

Contact Thomas Kitchen & Bath today to update or completely remodel your primary bath.