Home Remodeling Projects in Des Moines

Clive Open Kitchen Remodel With Poolside Views

Written by Rusty Green | Oct. 20, 2025

We often talk about the kitchen as the “hub” of any home because it is so often the central meeting place for everyone in the family. But if we stop to think about it, what really makes a “hub”? The answer is a connection to the other spaces where you want or need to go.

In this remodel, we created a beautiful new kitchen that is both a place to come together and a space that’s connected to the rest of the home. This kitchen satisfies all aspects of being a hub without any of the hustle and bustle. 

The project starts with an open-concept layout that links the kitchen to the adjacent dining space and the rest of the main floor. 

 

But for this homeowner, it wasn’t just the interior connection that mattered. They also wanted to be able to see outside to the pool area, where their growing children spend more and more time.

For that reason, we put in a large picture window, which makes the space feel more open and, most importantly, provides a direct view of the backyard and pool. Now, when prepping meals, the homeowner gets the peace of mind of seeing that her children are safe and the joy of watching her kids be kids. 

Other design elements make this kitchen both elegant and comfortable. Off-white tile on the walls and backsplash provides a classic and understated look. The tile’s appearance is enhanced with layered lighting that includes recessed ambient lighting, three wall sconces (especially useful at night when there’s no natural light streaming in through the window), strategically placed pendant lights, and under-cabinet task lighting. 

This kitchen is also a showcase for the benefits of blending different natural wood materials, each of which offers its own tone and personality. We used stylish oak with a darker stain for the floors and designed cabinets with both walnut and maple, creating visual appeal without garishness or exaggeration. 

For a touch of contrast, we installed stainless steel appliances and faucet hardware. These components look sleek and sharp, especially under the distinct lighting sources throughout the kitchen.

In the end, the new kitchen fits perfectly within this home that whispers “relax” without it sounding like a to-do. 

The project also reflects everything that makes our work compelling -- thoughtful design, tailored solutions to client needs, and careful attention to detail in every step of project execution.