Home Details that Finish First this Fall

Exceptional Examples of Woodworking, Millwork, Custom Cabinetry, and More

When it comes to homes that feel truly soulful, it’s the finishing touches that elevate design from baseline to breathtaking. The rich details such as handcrafted millwork, custom cabinetry, archways, paneled ceilings and beyond take each room to the next level. This fall, we are celebrating the fine finishes that define remarkable craftsmanship, showcasing builders, designers, and artisans across New England whose work shows that these details make a house a home.

Sweenor Builders: The Art of Craftsmanship, Defined

Sweenor Builders’ in-house millwork team brings artistry and precision to every home they touch, as seen throughout this multigenerational coastal retreat. The primary bath plays on balance, geometry, and detail, with custom crafted vanities designed for everyday functionality.

The breakfast nook, bathed in natural light and  overlooking the bay, showcases exceptional craftsmanship. In the kitchen pantry, no detail was overlooked. With sleek shelving and thoughtfully designed storage, it was designed for top-grade organization. Even the mudroom is a work of art, with its White Oak v-groove cathedral ceiling executed seamlessly without visible beams. Each space showcases Sweenor Builders’ holistic approach to design-build, where structure and finish are created as one.  

Builder: Sweenor Builders, Architect: DiMauro Architects, Interior Design: Reider + Co., Photography: Read McKendree, George Gray

SBS One Source: Finishes that Frame the View

Choosing the right details such as high quality windows and doors not only brings the outdoors in. These finishing touches can also improve the home’s efficiency. Reigning from a coastal dune in Provincetown’s far West End, this home embodies modern coastal living. The home encapsulates views of Cape Cod Bay while embracing sustainable design through carefully selected doors and windows sourced by SBS One Source. Inside, refined finishes and carefully chosen materials reflect the natural serenity outside. Photovoltaic solar panels power the fully electric systems, making this home both environmentally thoughtful and beautiful.

Windows and Doors: SBS One Source, Architect: Hammer Architects, Landscape Architect: LeBlanc Jones Landscape Architects, Builder: LaBarge Homes

Carpenter & MacNeille: Utility Meets Style

Originally an antique carriage house, this home was thoughtfully renovated by Carpenter & MacNeille into a distinctive residence that honors its equestrian roots and embraces modern functionality. The renovation included a comprehensive transformation of the kitchen wing, including the addition of a new scullery bay bump-out that expands both space and utility, as well as a newly integrated built-in “secret” bar that blends effortlessly with existing architecture. The reconfigured kitchen, dining, and bar areas embody refined simplicity and craftsmanship, blending timeless materials and top-quality finishes that echo the home’s historic character.

Architectural Design, Interior Architecture, Interior Design, Construction, Woodworking: Carpenter & MacNeille | Photography: Greg Premru

JB Sash & Door: A Reimagined Victorian Revival

After decades of neglect made a traditional renovation impossible, this Italianate Victorian was reimagined from the ground up, honoring its historic character while introducing contemporary performance and energy efficiency. JB Sash & Door supplied all Marvin Ultimate triple-pane windows, doors, and skylights, upleveling the home’s comfort and charm.

“From the triple-pane windows to the skylights, every Marvin product helped achieve that balance of historic character and modern living,” says Joe Adams, JB Sash & Door. The reimagined home is nearly 60% more efficient than a typical new build, earning a HERS rating of 41.

Architect: Sam Kachmar Architects, Builder: Lancelotta Construction, Dealer: JB Sash & Door, Photography: Tim Bjerk

Fine Finish: Craftsmanship that Completes the Vision

Through the finer millwork touches, Fine Finish elevates architecture into a work of art. In this detail-packed home designed by Catalano Architects and Kotzen Interiors, and built by Howland Builders, Fine Finish executed nearly every wood element apart from the handrail, from paneling and trim to cabinetry and built-ins. These details are the type of craftsmanship that makes a space feel timeless yet wholly personal.

Millwork: Fine Finish (Peter Murray), Interior Design: Kotzen Interiors, Architecture: Catalano Architects, Builder: Howland Builders, Photography: Warren Patterson

CM Ragusa: Craft and Character by the Sea

On one of New Hampshire’s most scenic stretches of coastline, this seaside home built by CM Ragusa balances preservation and innovation. Early 20th-century details were lovingly restored, while new archways and custom millwork seamlessly connect each living space. “This renovation strikes a thoughtful balance, retaining original architectural details while enhancing the home’s visual harmony and livability,” says the CM Ragusa team. These softly curved transitions not only enhance the flow, but also serve as sculptural focal points, adding rhythm and elegance throughout the home

Architecture + Interior Design: TMS Architects & Interiors, Builder: CM Ragusa, Photography: Rob Karosis

Koopman Lumber: Transitional Kitchen with a Modern Flair

This transitional kitchen renovation balances classic and contemporary design, with millwork materials sourced by Koopman Lumber. Featuring Shrock Cabinetry in crisp White paired with a Maritime Blue island, the space radiates brightness and personality, perfectly tailored for a young dynamic family. “[This project] was a fun renovation of an old house transformed into a beautiful transitional kitchen with modern flair for a young family,” says the team at Koopman Lumber. Loaded with smart storage solutions, the kitchen is equal parts functional, modern, timeless, and welcoming.

Builder/Contractor: Bach Builders, Cabinetry: Shrock Cabinetry, Dealer: Koopman Lumber

JH Klein Wassink: Archways of Your Dreams

In this jewel box home by TMS Architects and Tucker Associates, curved archways frame serene water views, creating graceful transitions between rooms. “This client spared no expense to make every room a showpiece,” says the team at JH Klein Wassink, who are expert woodoworkers, millworkers, and custom cabinetry makers. Each curve, finish, and molding detail reflects a devotion to timeless craftsmanship.

Woodwork: JH Klein Wassink, Photography: Rob Karosis, Architect: TMS Architects, General Contractor: Tucker Associates

The Beauty Is in the Details

Whether it’s the curve of an archway, the joinery of a paneled wall, or the seamless finish of custom cabinetry, these details define the essence of great design. The artisans and builders highlighted here remind us that in luxury homebuilding, true beauty lies in craftsmanship—and the finishing touches always finish first.