In the News

  • Callen Featured in Abode Magazine

    Click here to read the cover story about Callen Construction in the October issue of Abode Magazine.

  • Jay Rambo Cabinetry, Dramatic Color Selections, Puts this Kitchen Off the Charts in Style and Sophistication

    This contemporary kitchen has many aesthetic features from the creamy granite countertops to the sleek stainless appliances to the tasteful display of a prized rooster collection. But taking it to the next level are the custom-built cabinets and glazed finishes by Jay Rambo. manufacturer of custom cabinetry for kitchens, baths, outdoor kitchens, and closet systems. Jay Rambo Cabinetry is a recent addition to the line of quality products offered by Callen.

    “The owners of this home have impeccable taste and are extremely organized. Their wish was for a clutter-free space with slim lines,” said Jay Rambo kitchen designer Janina Johnson.

    To satisfy their desire for a clean, sleek look as well as the most efficient organization, the homeowners chose European-style (frameless) cabinets, which provide a seamless, flowing design that characterizes contemporary kitchens. The cabinets have no ornamentation or trim, except for the drawer and cabinet pulls, letting the natural sapele, an African hardwood with dark tones, speak for itself.

    Customized storage options

    Of utmost importance to the homeowners was organized storage. The frameless cabinet design allows easy access to shelves because it doesn’t require center partitions that hinder free movement of stored items. Drawers and roll-out shelves are wider than with framed cabinets.

    Drawer organizers ensure that items aren’t just floating around inside the drawer, but are compartmentalized and easy to access. The addition of a Lazy Susan in corner cabinets instantly turned unusable space into easily accessible storage. Roll out trays bring items closer – no more stooping or reaching. Large undercounter drawers offer efficient storage than cabinets, allowing a view of all the contents at once. It’s also simple to organize drawers; Jay Rambo offers a diverse range of cutlery, utensil, and silverware divider options. Another option enhancing efficient organization is a dish drawer, equipped with adjustable wooden pegs to secure plates, cups, and saucers.

    One item on the must-have list for these homeowners was a custom pull-out for their coffee maker – a touch of luxury and another artistic way to save space. The pull-out not only improves kitchen functionality, but it also reduces the clutter, which is an important feature in contemporary design.

    The homeowners appreciate the increased counterspace and organization, making the entire kitchen experience, from prepping to cooking to entertaining, more enjoyable.

    Perfect for entertaining

    The center of attention when entertaining is the wet bar. The design plan repeated the kitchen’s granite counter and sapele wood cabinets, but to define the area the finish was in a lighter shade called Restoration. Keeping the area lighter and airier was the use of fluted glass in the aluminum frame doors.

    Jay Rambo also offers drawer configurations to hold liquor bottles and glassware.

    Everything in its place

    Sometimes, collectable displays look out of place in a contemporary scene. But the cheerful rooster figurines, tastefully arranged, add warmth and color where needed, at the entrance to the kitchen. The homeowner inherited the collection from his mother and wanted a unique way to showcase the roosters without evoking a sense of clutter. The answer was a Jay Rambo pantry unit with glass display shelves (provided by the homeowner) and aluminum frame clear glass door.

    “This is a contemporary space without a lot of fuss,” said Johnson. “The homeowners like to entertain and the layout and cabinetry give them plenty of functional space. That was one of their goals in the remodel, to improve the function of the kitchen.”

    These custom cabinets are also easy to upkeep. Johnson advises simply wiping them down with a lightly damp cloth to keep them looking like new.

  • Islands in the (Kitchen) Stream

    When our designers listen to homeowners about their wants in a kitchen remodel, probably the most requested element is an island.

    And why not? Islands make kitchen tasks such as food prep, seating, and storage more efficient, plus they are a design focal point and serve as a room divider.

    Of course, space always dictates how many people and how many functions an island can serve. Your designer can provide the best solution for you after taking several factors into account.

    Islands work best in kitchens that are at least ten and a half feet deep and 12 feet long. Anything less than that and free flowing movement will be impossible, not to mention trying to open the dishwasher door. The rule of thumb is to have 42 inches, the minimum amount of space between the unit and any surrounding cabinet. But since cooking is frequently a sharing activity, 48 inches is recommended.

    Some homeowners choose to have a sink or dishwasher in their island. No problem, but remember that plumbing will have to be housed underneath, so you may not have as much cabinet storage as you want. If you are equipping the island with a bar sink or vegetable washing sink, you will want it to be at least nine inches deep to prevent splashing.

    When considering storage options, you may want to opt for glide-out shelves, lazy Susans, tip-out trays or extra deep drawers to make it easier to reach those hard to get items in the back of the unit.

    Islands that serve functions such as food prep, cooking, or cleaning, are more aesthetically pleasing if they are configured as bi-levels, with the higher countertop serving as a screen from the invariable mess and clutter. For example, your design could include a 36-inch high work counter for food prep and a 42-inch high bar for casual dining. You could also vary the finish on the counters to further define the zones.

    Even if you don’t want an island cooktop, you’ll want electrical outlets for when you want to plug in a warming tray, buffet server, and such. Another thing to consider when using the island for a cooking center is adequate ventilation. Depending on ceiling height and overall space of the kitchen, a vent may block the view to adjacent living areas or provide a barrier to those who want to be seated opposite you while you cook. Your designer can help you determine the best option.

    When using the island for additional seating, whether casual or for meals, you will also need knee clearance. We recommend nine to fifteen inches. Besides knee room, don’t forget about elbow room – about 24 inches for each person.

    Once the function of the island is determined, you can have fun with the shape, materials, and color. Islands can be configured as squares, oblongs, triangles, round, angled, and even L-shaped. They can be stand alone or abutted to a wall or room divider. Hint: For those with young children, island corners can be rounded to protect children from injury.

    Numerous countertop options are available from natural stone, solid surface, concrete, butcher block, marble, and stainless steel, but that’s another blog.

    Last but not least, don’t forget about the lighting. If the island is task oriented, you will need overhead recessed lighting. But you’ll also want to supplement that with pendants for dining and setting the mood.

    Of course, many more elements go into a functional, beautiful kitchen besides the island. But by creating an island that combines form with function, you will help your kitchen look and perform better.

  • Callen Design Group in Distinctive Kitchen Solutions Magazine

    Click here to see Callen featured in a recent article in Distinctive Kitchen Solutions magazine.

Awards

  • 2011 Awards

    Residential Kitchen $40,001 – $80,000: Silver Award

    Residential Interior Specialty: Silver Award

    Residential Exterior Specialty: Silver Award

    Residential Exterior Under $100,000: Silver Award

    Residential Bath Over $60,000: Bronze Award

    2010 Awards

    Residential Kitchen $40,001 – $80,000: Silver Award; Bronze Award

    Residential Interior $50,000 – $100,000: Bronze Award

    Residential Exterior Specialty: Bronze Award

    Residential Exterior Under $100,000: Bronze Award

    Website Design: Bronze Award

  • 2009 Awards

    Remodeling Magazine’s Top 550

    Replacement Contractor Magazine’s Top 100

    Qualified Remodeler Magazine’s Top 500 (10th year in a row)

    GAF-Elk Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence Award

    GAF-Elk Master Elite Training Excellence Award

    GAF-Elk Master Elite Installation Excellence Award

  • 2008 Awards

    GAF Master Elite Training Excellence Award

    GAF Master Elite Installation Excellence Award

  • 2007 Awards

    Angie’s List 2007 Super Service Award

    GAF Master Elite Training Excellence Award

    Residential Kitchen $60,000 – $100,000

    Gold Award Residential Bath $30,000 – $60,000

    Two Silver Awards Four-Color Brochure: Gold Award

    Vinyl Siding Institute Awards of Distinction for Residential Re-Siding and/or
    Historic Restoration

  • 2006 Awards

    Residential Kitchen $60,000 – $100,000 – Silver Award

    Residential Bathroom $15,000 – $30,000 – Silver Award

    Residential Lower Level Over $50,000 – Silver Award

    Commercial Specialty (Showroom) – Silver Award

    Residential Kitchen $30,000 – $60,000 – Bronze Award

    Residential Exterior Under $100,000 – Bronze Award

    Tom Callen – Marvin Johnson Meritorious Service Award

  • 2005 Awards

    Residential Kitchen $15,000 – $30,000 – Silver Award

    Residential Kitchen Over $100,000 – Silver Award

    Universal Design – Silver Award

    Residential Exterior Specialty – Silver Award

    Residential Exterior Under $100,000 – Silver Award

    Residential Interior Under $100,000 – Bronze Award

  • 2004 Awards

    Residential Kitchen $60,000 – $100,000 – Silver Award

    Residential Bath $15,000 – $30,000 – Silver Award

    Residential Bath $30,000 – $60,000 – Silver Award

    Residential Interior Under $100,000 – Bronze Award

  • 2003 Awards

    Residential Kitchen $30,000-$60,000 – Bronze Award

    Residential Exterior Under $100,000 – Bronze Award

  • 2002 Awards

    Residential Kitchen $30,000 – $60,000 – Bronze Award
    Residential Kitchen Over $60,000 – Honorable Mention
    Residential Interior – Honorable Mention
    Residential Exterior – Honorable Mention
    Vinyl Siding Institute Awards of Distinction for Residential Re-Siding and/or
    Historic Restoration

  • 2001 Awards

    Residential Kitchen $30,000 – $60,000 – Bronze Award
    Vinyl Siding Institute Awards of Distinction for Residential Re-Siding and/or
    Historic Restoration

  • 2000 Awards

    Entire House – Bronze Award
    Residential Specialty – Honorable Mention

Testimonials

  • We not only have a kitchen that is beautiful to behold and a joy to work in, we also have had a wonderful experience making it all happen. Everyone who entered my home was a delight to be around.

    R&S R.-Whitefish Bay

  • In June 2008 we were one of many hit by the major rains and flooding in the basement. Now everyone is amazed at the difference from its previous look. It is a pleasure to sit down there in a family room once more.

    P. K-D -Milwaukee

  • Our bedroom remodel project proved to be a challenge. The workmanship displayed by your demolition, electrical, construction and drywall crews was excellent. They did everything required to limit the dust and dirt from affecting the rest of the house while providing quality work.

    S&M A.-Muskego

  • We are very pleased with the workmanship on our kitchen and will definitely recommend Callen to our friends. We like supporting our local businesses.

    D&D M.-Muskego

  • We were very happy with all the Callen employees we dealt with on our bathroom remodel.

    C&B B-Hartland

  • This is our second renovation with Callen I have recommended you several times. Your employees are very helpful and have a wonderful sense of design. We are very happy.

    S&A K.-Milwaukee

  • Thank you for a job well done. Your designer was a jewel to work with, giving us great ideas but always listening as well. You met our deadline, getting it done before our daughter’s wedding. We get so many compliments on our house, we love it.

    D&C T.-Franklin

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Before our Callen designer brought up the 3D floor plans, she told us that she had created two plans ... one was closer to our budget, and one was a bit of a stretch, but she wanted us to see it. She brought up the "stretch" floor plan on screen and my jaw dropped. It was a beautiful plan. It was a great use of the space, looked high end, and exceeded our expectations (and budget). We were a little worried when she brought up the second plan, that we wouldn't like it as much, but we weren't at all disappointed. The second plan had less cabinetry and granite, but had the same "feel" as the first one.

She was very helpful in making selections, both for materials that Callen was supplying and those that we were responsible for (light fixtures, towel bars, etc.). She had a good eye for what we liked and how it would "go".

The work started on time, and went largely according to the schedule that they had laid out. It took about 6 weeks overall, but we were able to use the toilet and sinks after 4 weeks. As with any major project, there were hiccups along the way, but Callen handled all of them with professionalism and customer focus. Our bathroom turned out better than we could have expected. We are very pleased with Janell's design and the project team's skills.

We will likely be remodeling our kitchen in a couple years, and will definitely call in Callen to propose a design. They're a little expensive, but I believe you get what you pay for.

J&M K. - Lisbon


 

 

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