CEDAR FALLS - The decision by George and Jan Lansink to open Kitchen Design Gallery in downtown Cedar Falls was driven as much by evolution as economics.

Despite the glut of stories about a national housing slump, the Lansinks opened Kitchen Design Gallery as a storefront for their custom cabinet shop, Wood Grain Specialties.

"I think the media has overblown the housing situation," said George. "Here in the Cedar Valley we're doing just fine."

Kitchen Design Gallery is the third Cedar Valley business for the Lansinks, who started a custom homebuilding company called Lansink Homes in 1993. Tired of cabinets that did not meet their specifications, the Lansinks started making their own cabinets at Wood Grain Specialties in 2003.

The success of Wood Grain Specialties led them to explore the possibility of opening a storefront to display their craftsmanship. When a spot became available at 2120 Main St., Suite A, the Lansinks seized the opportunity.

The location made perfect sense. The Lansinks expect to garner foot traffic from Barnes Building Materials, located in the same building. And the store is a stone's throw away from the Wood Grain Specialties workshop at 1916 State St.

The storefront showcases their line of cabinets - ranging from the affordable Midcontinent line to the high-end Crystal line. It also lets customers sit down and go over the details of a project with the company building the cabinets.

"Everything is hand built. If you want a round door, we'll give you a round door," George said.

Customization helps do-it-yourselfers avoid nuisances often found with pre-manufactured cabinets. Customers do not have to worry about cabinets fitting properly or matching existing designs.

Kitchen Design Gallery and Wood Grain Specialties offer five lines of cabinets. Besides the Midcontinent and Crystal lines, there are two mid-level lines called Chowplace and Millbridge. There is even an eco-friendly line called Green-Core.

Though George does not believe the local housing market is in trouble, he thinks the business would thrive even in the event of a downturn. Those who are scared away from purchasing a new home may remodel their kitchens instead. And those who have their homes on the market may need a kitchen makeover to help their home stand out.

Either way, the Lansinks are confident their newest business will experience equal or greater success than their last two worthy ventures.

Contact Drew Andersen

at (319) 291-1418

or drew.andersen@wcfcourier.com.