From Functional Kitchen to Entertaining Outdoor Bar
Some kitchen remodels are about updating what’s there. This one was about reimagining what was possible.
When the Monroe family came to Tenhulzen Construction, they had a clear vision: they wanted their kitchen and patio to feel like one space. Not connected by a door, not separated by a window — one continuous environment that could open up entirely when the moment called for it. They love to entertain, and they knew that a traditional window or door would always create a barrier between the hosts inside and the guests outside.
What they needed was a wall that could disappear.
The Challenge: Dissolving the Barrier Between Indoors and Out
The back wall of their kitchen faced the patio — prime real estate for the indoor/outdoor flow they were after. But making that vision real required more than swapping out a window. It required a high-performance architectural system that could retract completely, stand up to Pacific Northwest weather, and look beautiful doing it.
It also needed to do something specific: turn the kitchen countertop along that wall into a functional outdoor bar top when open — so that guests on the patio could interact naturally with whoever was inside, pass dishes, grab a drink, and feel genuinely part of the gathering rather than separated from it.
That’s a tall order. It’s exactly the kind of challenge we love.
The Solution: La Cantina Sliding Glass Systems
Our design solution centered on integrating a premium operable glass system from La Cantina — a brand that has set the standard for high-end indoor/outdoor glass architecture.
We installed a sliding window and door system along the back wall of the kitchen. When fully opened, both units retract completely, eliminating the wall entirely and transforming the space into a seamless extension of the patio. There’s no compromise, no partial opening — the glass simply disappears, and the two spaces become one.
The centerpiece of the installation is the window unit positioned directly over the kitchen sink area. This was not an arbitrary placement. When opened, the countertop beneath it becomes a fully functional outdoor bar top — at the perfect height for guests on the patio to pull up a stool, set down a glass, and be part of the action happening in the kitchen. Hosts can pass appetizers, pour drinks, and hold a full conversation without anyone needing to move between spaces. It’s a single design decision that completely redefined how this family entertains.
Beyond the Glass: A Kitchen Worthy of the Moment
A wall that opens to the outside deserves a kitchen that can hold its own. The rest of the remodel was designed to match the ambition of the La Cantina installation at every turn.
Custom Cabinetry and Storage. The old kitchen components were removed entirely and replaced with new, custom cabinetry that dramatically improved both the aesthetic and the functional storage of the space. Every drawer, every cabinet, every inch was designed intentionally.
A Kitchen Island Built for Gathering. A new, larger central island anchors the kitchen — adding workspace and storage while serving as the natural gathering point for family and guests alike. It bridges the indoor and outdoor zones visually, drawing people toward the open wall and the patio beyond.
Hardwood Floors That Carry the Warmth Through. Beautiful hardwood floors were installed throughout, extending the warm, natural feel of the space and tying the kitchen’s interior aesthetic to the outdoor environment just beyond the glass.
Appliances Upgraded for the Way This Family Cooks. Our clients invested in high-performance kitchen appliances throughout, equipping the space for serious cooking that matches the caliber of their entertaining.
Designer Details That Elevate the Whole The finishing touches make the difference between a remodel and a transformation. Elegant pendant lights hang over the island, casting warm light over the heart of the kitchen. A stylish new hood over the range adds architectural presence. And a kettle faucet — a pot filler positioned directly above the stovetop — brings a touch of functional luxury that serious home cooks immediately appreciate.
The Result: A Lifestyle Upgrade, Not Just a Remodel
The Monroe kitchen is now something genuinely rare: a space that functions at the highest level whether the glass is open or closed, whether it’s a summer barbecue with twenty guests or a quiet Tuesday morning with a cup of coffee and the back wall slid open to the sound of the garden.
The La Cantina system is the kind of product that earns its place not just on the day of installation, but every single day after. Guests notice it immediately. Family members use it constantly. And the family that asked for a wall that could disappear now has exactly that — and a kitchen that was rebuilt around making the most of it.
This project is a perfect example of what Tenhulzen Construction does best: partnering with clients to tackle unique design challenges, sourcing the right products for the right applications, and turning a remodel into something that changes how a family lives in their home.
Ready to get started? Contact Tenhulzen Construction today for a free consultation.
