Acclaim Renovations & Design owner Bob Gallese is planning his own kitchen remodel

By Patricia Nugent

This is the last in a year-long series of stories covering the home remodeling business in Northeast Ohio.

Working with Bob Gallese, owner of Acclaim Renovations & Design, we’ve covered everything from trends in kitchen design to how he brings clients onboard with a phone app that allows 24/7 access.

This month, we’re turning the tables on Bob, going behind his front door and finding out about his own kitchen renovation, which is in its initial stage.

“I built the house myself 26 years ago, so I guess my wife and I are past due for an update,” he says. “It’s been a little nerve-wracking, with so many selections.”

For more space, they are knocking down a wall between the kitchen and dining room.

When it comes to updating his dated maple cabinets, he points out how far new cabinetry has come, not just in looks (he’s opting for an off-white Medallion cab), but also functionality. For instance, all his base cabinets will be pull-out drawers for easy access.

“We’re adding a second island for food prep with a butcher block top, and bells and whistles such as a wall oven so we don’t have to lean down anymore, a microwave drawer and a warming drawer,” he says.

“Making the second island mobile will allow us to reconfigure the space in a snap if we need to. We’re also thinking about putting in an additional single drawer dishwasher, as well as an apron sink that sits below the counter line and extends slightly outward so there’s no more leaning over and down. And we’re big coffee drinkers, so a coffee station is on our wish list.”

Now that they’ve finished the design phase, he says he appreciates even more the professional level of the 5-step process.

Looking back on the year behind him, and the 40 years before that spent in remodeling, Bob says he wants to say thank you to his customers and friends, as well as the Mimi Magazine readers for all their interest and support, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Acclaim Renovations & Design powered by One Man and a Hammer is located at 8550 East Avenue in Mentor. The company has been honored with the NARI Contractor of the Year Award, the Guild Master Award for Service Excellence and the Best of Houzz award, just to name a few. Call 440-974-8082 or visit AcclaimReno.com for more information.