Laurel Builders Inc. of Shakopee, Minnesota, earned the 2025 National Remodeler of the Year Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for their outstanding residential kitchen remodel in the $100,000 to $150,000 category. The project involved reimagining a small, dimly lit kitchen with a disconnected breakfast bar into a bright, open-concept space that seamlessly integrates with the main floor. By removing walls and structural elements, the team created a unified area that offers ample storage, cooking space, and an inviting seating area for family and guests.
The homeowners desired a more functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen without expanding the home’s footprint. Laurel Builders addressed this by eliminating underutilized spaces, such as the seldom-used dining room, and incorporating them into the new kitchen design. The result is a spacious kitchen featuring a large white oak island that seats up to eight people, full-height cabinetry, and modern amenities like a pot filler and integrated spice storage. This transformation not only enhanced the home’s functionality but also fulfilled the homeowners’ vision of a welcoming gathering space.
