The Working Kitchen: Inspired Kitchen Design for Everyday Living
Presented by The Working Kitchen LTD | Fall 2025 | Home Improvement
Kitchens can be the most complicated rooms to design, but the challenge of bringing elegant, functional spaces to life is what draws Stephanie Holmes of The Working Kitchen to them. Holmes, who founded the Oneonta full-service cabinetry and design showroom with her husband Chip in 2014, relishes the opportunity to create such important spaces in her clients’ homes. “Kitchens are where memories are made in a house,” she says. “I feel like that’s the case for everyone.”
One element that defines her distinctive designs is the cabinetry, much of which is inset construction, a woodworking style in which doors sit inside the cabinet framing. “It feels very appropriate for the homes we design, many of which are older,” she says. Their made-to-order cabinetry delivers a seamless finished look and, contrary to popular opinion, need not be more expensive, she says. “A lot depends on the materials and features that we select,” says Holmes. “We have great resources and lines to pull from, so we can incorporate beautiful details while working within our clients’ budgets.”
In older homes, updating a space may involve relocating architectural features in the room, or even starting from scratch. To visually integrate elements, Holmes incorporates vintage colors, materials, and features. “We want spaces to feel very intentional and authentic,” she says. “That can be a challenge when something is new. I want it to feel like it has age to it, even if that’s something we have to add.”
For her designs, she balances state-of-the-art appliances with rustic touches and naturally textured surfaces. In the kitchen of one newly constructed home, Holmes used soapstone counters, hand-made ceramic tiles, and burnished brass hardware for a timeless look. In another picture-perfect remodel, she paired warm-toned European larch flooring with rich black cabinetry and honed slab marble counters.
Design is always a collaboration, she notes, and the final product must represent the client. “We really want it to feel like their space and something they can live in, but also something that has depth and character and a sense of purpose,” she says.
In addition to their design services, The Working Kitchen can source flooring, plumbing and lighting fixtures, and even furnishings and accessories when desired. Yet their best resource may be the relationship they’ve built up with contractors and vendors.
“Over the past twenty-two years, we’ve made some great relationships, which is something our clients benefit from. We have been fortunate to collaborate on numerous projects with talented local contractors and tradespeople. We have a shared goal of giving our clients the best outcome possible, and I think that comes through in the work. We love what we do.”
About the Designer
Stephanie Holmes
The Working Kitchen, Ltd.
18 Water Street, Oneonta
(607) 441-3242
Theworkingkitchenltd.com
Instagram @theworkingkitchenltd
Facebook @theworkingkitchenltd
In addition to their design services, The Working Kitchen can source flooring, plumbing and lighting fixtures, and even furnishings and accessories when desired. Yet their best resource may be the relationship they’ve built up with contractors and vendors.
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