Brave Element

05/29/2026

This one deserves a hard post for SURE…

A few years ago these fine folks had a beautiful custom home built on Mercer Island. The builder leaned on using Sektion cabinets with custom fronts…. You know very well I think that’s a great idea…

HOWEVER! - unfortunately they seriously lacked experience in design using ikea, as well as how to order the correct sizing in custom fronts…

To make things worse, they brought in subs to install who had no experience in using IKEA… After being completely exhausted from fighting with the builder, they conceded to hire a separate contractor to fix & finish this kitchen…. Wouldn’t you know it…… THAT contractor also couldn’t get the job done…

Feeling defeated, the clients came back to Semihandmade to ask for some advice and THANK GOD the advice given to them was “You should call Wes”

They did, and here we are, with a beautiful and complete kitchen, the way it was meant to look all along… I’ll spare you the very long list of all the repairs, replacements, adjustments, etc that we had to make to get this up to par, but let me tell you what, it was a JOURNEY…

I’m REALLY proud of my work here and I hope they love their new kitchen now that I have worked my magic 🙂‍↔️

05/22/2026

Alright Alright Alright we are done with phase 1 of this project…. Of course this has not been without its challenges but it as always I overcame all of them and it is looking absolutely stunning ✨

Will be returning in a couple weeks after counters are done so I can install the appliance garage, handles, and I’m also building a closet in another bedroom…

Stoked to see this come together!

05/16/2026

05/10/2026

Throughout my entire life, my dad has frequently said to me, “you’re so much like your mother” - and in my younger years, I was always embarrassed about that…. Thinking he was saying that I was feminine, not manly enough, etc. Over the years, I have learned that’s not what he meant. To this day, he still takes pause and points out how much like my mother I am, and I couldn’t be more proud…. Because that means I’m kind, caring, resilient, put others before myself, and have a big heart that’s full of love to give freely…

How lucky am I to be compared to such an awesome person.

Mom, I’m sorry about the face tattoos. I’m sorry I never gave you grandkids. I’m sorry that I work so much and don’t spend as much time with you as I should. Thank you for always being there for me despite my downfalls, always sending me holiday cards even though I don’t check my mail, and always telling me you are proud when I need to hear it the most.

Happy Mothers Day. I sure do love you.

05/03/2026

Feeling very nostalgic over here today, as I did a little warranty swap on this kitchen. The built in microwave drawer became defective and discontinued, so the client chose to swap it for 2 more drawers….

I installed this kitchen nearly SEVEN years ago, at the very beginning of my career as a business owner…. This was my first legit full kitchen install as Brave Element after leaving Traemand…. What an absolute wild and CHAOTIC time in my life….

When I installed this kitchen, I was brand new to business, going through a divorce, moving from one apartment to another to another, and working night shift security at bars on the weekends…

The way this kitchen has held up and stood the test of time is a testament to my determination to ALWAYS give my best work, no matter what I’m going through…. Integrity always comes first…. Keith took a chance on a brand new company (and has also been very patient with my schedule to come make this swap)

These matte black shakers from are SUCH a classic and look just as good as they did on day one…. Especially with the brass hardware and walnut shelves. So timeless…

It’s easy to caught up in how crazy life is, how insane business is…. Time absolutely FLIES, especially when I’m working 80 hours per week….. but standing in this kitchen, seeing where I started, and how far I’ve come, makes me feel a sense of pride in myself that I never thought possible. It truly is an honor to make a living doing something I love. Thank you so much to everyone who has taken a chance on this gentle giant 🦍❤️

05/02/2026

Hey guys just wanted to check in about something that has been weighing on me…. I’ve been getting news that some of you (a lot of you) are worried that I might be treating myself to some days off of work, and enjoying this beautiful Seattle weather we are experiencing and just taking time for myself in this thing we call life…. But I want to nip that in the bud, and let you all know that you can rest easy tonight, knowing that is simply not true….. I am staying in my lane, clocking in 80 hours per week and just barely surviving…. Hope this clears things up ❤️

05/02/2026

Ok before I get into the weeds of what this project entails, I’m going to brag on myself first….. this project was upstairs, I had zero help, and I completed this from start to finish in 3 damn days…. I’m so damn proud of myself…

Designed by - this is a rare ALL IKEA project, using Axstad doors, Forbattra cover panels, and Billy bookcases.
Of course, we can’t do a job without customizations…. These Billy bookcases were cut down in height to sit on the counter while matching the height of the call cabinet on the left…. Flush scribes everywhere and completely dialed in ✨

04/29/2026

Not all the way done with this one, but close…. The green Nickebo doors from really pull in the nature that surrounds this North Bend home…. Perfect choice by the client…. It also pairs beautifully with the Rift white oak doors by - really really love how this one is coming together ✨

04/21/2026

V happy with the latest addition to our Georgetown Studio…
Hit up for all your Sign Painting needs ✨

04/19/2026

You’ve seen IKEA.
But not like this.

We opened a studio in Georgetown.

Not a showroom in the traditional sense—
more like a place to see what’s actually possible when details matter.

By appointment only. Located directly across the street from The Seattle Design Center

If you’ve been thinking about your project,
this is where it starts.

—

DM to book
or hit the link in bio

04/18/2026

If my work isn’t in your budget right now I’ll accept the following as payment:
-Lifetime supply of pizza
-Marriage proposals
-Anything from Festool
-Stock in Ghost energy drinks
-Unlimited iced quad americanos
-A date with .vt
-The original script of Lord of The Rings written by Peter Jackson
-Minimum 5 new face tattoos
-An iced out grill