About Us
Who we are.
We have over 20 years of home remodeling and design expertise and love to deliver a custom, personalized experience to clients like you.
The Cabinetry is an energetic team of design and construction professionals who love nothing more than a very satisfied client.
Marlene MacDonald Ketchen
Owner & Designer
Prior to purchasing the business from her uncle in 2003, Marlene lived in Washington, DC for 13 years where she studied at Catholic University and entered the world of politics as a political appointee. Following September 11, 2001, she decided to move home to the South Shore and pursue her love of interior design. She joined her uncle’s firm and, after working together for a year, she took over ownership when he retired, re-branding it as The Cabinetry.
Marlene truly loves what she does and finds the challenge of each project to be an exercise in trust and creativity. Her ability to develop an easy rapport and positive working relationship with her clients is her superpower, and her favorite part of the job is the final walk-through because she loves the excitement clients feel when they see their vision come to life.
Three Generations of
Impeccable Service
Our roots date back to 1960 when Norman MacDonald started manufacturing cabinetry under the name MacDonald Kitchens, and soon, all five of his sons joined the family business.
Sons, Paul and Frank eventually evolved the company to manufacture cabinetry hardware, with Paul inventing the popular “Shelf Lock,” allowing cabinetry to be shipped with the shelves installed and revolutionizing the cabinetry shipping process.
In the mid-1980s, brother Ed left manufacturing to go into the custom kitchen design business. In 1993, he started Kitchen-N-Counters, and successfully built an ever-growing client base throughout Massachusetts' South Shore. Paul’s daughter Marlene joined the company in 2002 and spent a year working alongside her uncle before purchasing the company and christening it, The Cabinetry.
Today The Cabinetry is a robust team of experienced designers and project managers who have completed hundreds of renovations for many very happy (and relieved!) clients. So often when we meet with a client, their overwhelm and indecision is palpable. We strive to put them at ease, make them feel like their needs and desires have been heard, and to give them the peace of mind that their home remodel is in extremely capable hands from start to finish.
The Seven Pillars of Remodeling
Our Philosopy
The kitchen is truly the heart of the home. Make it a space that invites leisurely conversations, cooking collaboration, and plenty of room to gather with friends.
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A well-designed walk-in pantry is life-changing for a growing family. It’s an extension of the kitchen but doesn’t have to match, so make it functional and fun!
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When selecting a countertop, consider visiting a granite yard and falling in love with a piece of stone that makes you happy. It will feel really personal, and you’ll always remember the fun of finding it.
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The first-floor half bath is an opportunity to do something bold and push your home’s design. Don’t be afraid to really go for it.
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Hardware is the style-defining jewelry of your cabinetry. Make a statement and do the unexpected!
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It’s never too early to hire a kitchen designer. If you’re building a new home, it’s less expensive to change architectural plans than to move walls.
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Resale value matters, but so does your daily life. Make sure you design it so you can enjoy it now!
Like what you see?
Let’s get to work!
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