Header: Stephen Morgan Photography
Summerlin, an old-school community in Las Vegas, is known for its homes, individual character, and unique landscape where mountains surround everywhere a compass might point. Unlike many nearby developments that defend architectural consistency, Summerlin offers a variety of design styles, from desert modern to English Tudor, all surrounded by mature trees. This community was recently the setting for a home remodel that moved away from the Tuscan-inspired design trend once common in the Las Vegas suburbs and brought the space to our modern age.
The homeowners, who previously owned a larger property, wanted to downsize without losing style or functionality. After purchasing their 6,858-sq-ft (637-sq-m) home in Summerlin, they initially planned for a light remodel but decided to do a full overhaul. As the house was built in 1997, it required both aesthetic and functional updates to become what its new owners had in mind for their future.
To realize their vision, the homeowners hired designer Michelle DiMauro, of Olive Miner Interiors, who had worked with them on three previous projects. “The clients have a great vision, especially architecturally,” said DiMauro. “They know how to use spaces well and enjoy taking risks, doing things differently in home design.”
A major focus of the remodel was the kitchen, where the goal was to maximise space and functionality. DiMauro collaborated with cabinetry partner Dave Peterson of PCW Custom Cabinetry and Design to ensure the space would be fully optimized. The kitchen includes two islands, floating shelves, and ample cabinetry, all integrated with Rehau Rauvisio Terra Craft Elm, a durable HPL laminate surface that complements the home’s minimalist look.
“When we showed Dave the concept, he recommended RAUVISIO terra for the cabinetry,” said DiMauro. “The quality and colour of Craft Elm caught the homeowners’ attention, and it’s modern but not harsh. The surface also adds visual depth, which can be hard to find in cabinetry.”
Rauvisio Terra’s durability was crucial in creating a kitchen fit for frequent cooking. “The homeowners love to cook, so they needed a well-equipped kitchen,” said Peterson. “Rauvisio Terra is sturdy, well-coloured, and long-lasting, with the right balance of weight.”
Peterson installed a 6-foot-long Galley sink, Gaggenau appliances, multiple dishwashers, and a walk-in cooler and pantry where Rauvisio Terra Craft Elm was used again. “The cabinets incorporate a lot of elements, including dishwashers and trashcans,” said Peterson. “The pantry shelves also have a thicker look than usual, which is different from what most clients request.”
The neutral tone of Craft Elm serves as the foundation of the kitchen, contrasting with other materials like the marble backsplash in Calacatta Viola, powder-coated hardware, and matte black faucets. Simple white countertops keep a minimalist feel alive, balancing the kitchen’s bolder features.
Rauvisio Terra is a strong option for those looking to use wood-like materials in their kitchen without the maintenance real wood needs. The textured surface offers durability while mimicking the appearance of wood, and, when compared to other materials, it is more resistant to impact and chipping—even real wood.
“Rift white oak is popular, but it’s hard to get consistent grain and texture with real wood,” Peterson explained. “Rauvisio Terra, being an HPL product, offers consistency and a slightly more modern look than rift oak. Its colour pairs well with the light wood flooring chosen for the kitchen.”
The kitchen remodel reflects the homeowners’ vision of combining functionality with modern minimalism. “It’s exactly what they wanted,” said DiMauro.
