Inside the Dovetail Custom Kitchens design Studio

The Dovetail Story

about dovetail

THE DOVETAIL STORY

Dovetail Custom Kitchens is a full-service kitchen design and remodeling company. We help our clients with improving the interior space of their home, from architectural space planning, to custom cabinetry details, and implementation of the design with our expert remodeling services. Incorporating your budget goals from the start, we operate as a design-build firm, handling all components of your project. Our team of design experts and professional contractors work together to ensure your project vision is executed with precision and efficiency. We believe in a collaborative process, building relationships with our clients and other trade professionals, and elevating the kitchen design and remodeling experience.

So, why did we choose “Dovetail” as our company name? First, a dovetail joint is a type of woodworking joinery and we’re cabinetry nerds. A dovetail joint is recognized as high-quality in our industry. Second, we use the term “Dovetail” to describe how we coordinate all of the moving parts of your project. When designing your space, we carefully consider style, finishes, space planning, functionality, structure, mechanicals, lifestyle, and budget in a holistic way to create a space that you and your family will enjoy forever! We also work with contractors to manage the remodeling process to ensure a smooth renovation.

We Dovetail your project’s priorities and components to build your dream kitchen!

Contact Us

Visit our Branford, CT Showroom

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meet heather

Leading the Way in Kitchen Design

Heather’s passion for building and artistic talents were discovered at a young age. Her balanced approach to design is enhanced by her strong technical skills. Heather has a Bachelor of Architecture from Roger Williams University, and extensive experience in residential and commercial architecture, as well as construction and project management. With nearly two decades of industry experience, she specializes in custom kitchen design, residential architectural design and remodeling, overseeing projects from concept to completion with meticulous attention to detail. Heather believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with clients, contractors, and installers to ensure each design is precisely implemented. Heather’s goal is to create timeless, functional kitchens where her clients can gather, celebrate, and enjoy life with family and friends! She loves to cook and entertain, and personally knows the value of a well-designed kitchen!
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heather rumore


Owner

meet shawn

Where Passion Meets Precision in Kitchen Remodeling

Shawn has over a decade of experience in the custom kitchen and remodeling industry, he has cultivated a wealth of expertise from the ground up. Shawn discovered his natural inclination for construction working for a residential builder as a teenager. He then went onto to find his niche working in a custom cabinetry shop. His experience with the manufacturing process, from woodworking to finishing to installation, gives him a unique perspective and approach to design. Shawn was able to hone his design skills working with high-end products and luxury clientele throughout Connecticut and New York. Shawn’s passion for design has inspired him to provide highly refined concepts to all clients, regardless of project size or budget. Shawn is driven by a passion for creating both visually striking and highly functional spaces.
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shawn flynn


Owner

Meet The Team

owner/designer

Heather Rumore

Heather discovered her passion for building and design at a young age. She earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Roger Williams University and has two decades of experience in residential and commercial architecture, construction, and project management. Heather combines a refined aesthetic with strong technical expertise and meticulous attention to detail, allowing her to create spaces that are both visually striking and highly functional.

As a co-owner of Dovetail, Heather works closely with clients, specializing in architectural space planning, custom kitchen and bathroom design, and interior architectural details throughout the home. She oversees project management across the firm, managing remodel projects from initial planning through to the final details. Through Dovetail’s comprehensive design-build approach, she balances client priorities with thoughtful design and practical construction planning, ensuring every project is executed smoothly and accomplishes the client’s goals.

With her hands-on experience, meticulous attention to detail, and collaborative approach, she brings both vision and expertise to every project, ensuring each space reflects a thoughtful, purposeful design and is carefully guided from concept to completion. Heather strives to craft timeless, functional kitchens and interiors where clients can gather, celebrate, and enjoy life with family and friends. She loves to cook and entertain, and personally knows the value of a well-designed kitchen.

owner/designer

Shawn Flynn

Shawn brings over a decade of experience in the custom kitchen and remodeling industry, with expertise built from the ground up. He discovered his passion for construction as a teenager while working for a residential builder, then found his niche in a custom cabinetry shop. Shawn developed a deep understanding of the cabinet manufacturing process, from woodworking and finishing to installation, shaping his thoughtful, detail-driven approach to design.

His background working with high-end products and luxury clientele allowed Shawn to refine his design sensibility and technical knowledge. This hands-on experience gives him a unique perspective, bridging craftsmanship and design to ensure each project is both beautiful and expertly executed.

As co-owner of Dovetail, Shawn is deeply involved in kitchen and bathroom design while also overseeing project management across the firm. He works closely with clients on cabinetry design and material selections, remaining actively engaged throughout construction to ensure every detail is coordinated and executed to the highest standard. Driven by a passion for creating visually striking, highly functional spaces, Shawn is committed to delivering refined, thoughtful design to every client, regardless of project size or budget.

designer

Rosanne Jessen

Rosanne’s passion for design has been a lifelong thread. She began her creative journey at the Fashion Institute of Technology, before building a career in marketing and advertising.

After raising her family, Rosanne returned to her design roots, starting with kitchen and bath projects and expanding into full-home interiors. She is currently completing her Master of Interior Design and Architecture, continuing to refine her expertise.

At Dovetail, Rosanne specializes in kitchen design, guiding clients through detailed cabinetry layouts and the selection and specification of finishes, fixtures, and appliances. Her work is rooted in how people truly live and use their spaces, resulting in kitchens that balance intuitive function with timeless appeal.

Rosanne’s approach reflects Dovetail’s full-service design-build philosophy, thoughtfully coordinating layout, materials, lifestyle, and budget into a seamless process. She partners closely with clients and trade professionals to ensure each kitchen is executed with clarity and precision, from initial concept through final installation, creating spaces that elevate everyday routines and celebrate life’s most meaningful moments at home.

designer

Kim Vickerman

Kim’s lifelong passion for interior design and her eye for detail are at the heart of every project she takes on. With nearly a decade of experience in the design industry, she understands how thoughtful design can transform the way people live in their homes. Her career began in 2016 at an interior design firm, where she worked on both residential and commercial projects as part of a collaborative team of designers. As the firm’s procurement manager and primary client contact, Kim gained hands-on experience in every stage of the design process—from concept through installation.

Kim joined Dovetail after meeting the team during her own home renovation, an experience that deepened her understanding of design from a client’s perspective and strengthened her appreciation for the skill and collaboration behind every project.

At Dovetail, Kim works closely with clients to select the finishing touches in their kitchens, including decorative hardware, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and backsplash tile. She also curates interior decorating projects throughout clients’ homes. She is passionate about creating interiors that are both beautiful and livable; spaces that reflect her clients’ personalities and enhance how they experience home.

Kim finds inspiration in architecture, travel, and the small details that make a house feel like home.

project manager

Evelyn Zepeda

With a background in architecture and interior design, Evelyn brings a refined balance of creativity and technical understanding to every project. Growing up with an engineer father inspired her passion for precision, problem-solving, and the art of building. Fluent in multiple languages, Evelyn thrives in diverse environments, connecting effortlessly with clients and collaborators to create spaces that are both functional and inspiring.

At Dovetail, Evelyn brings extensive experience in bathroom design and plumbing fixtures and serves as a project manager, overseeing remodel crews and cabinet installations. She ensures clear communication and precise execution on every project, specializing in quick problem resolution and helping clients feel confident and comfortable throughout the construction process.

Evelyn’s expertise ensures that every design is implemented accurately and efficiently on site. She coordinates teams, anticipates challenges, and keeps projects running smoothly, making sure the project vision is completed exactly as planned.

EXPERTISE IN CRAFTSMANSHIP

Elevate your space with our mastery in crafting custom kitchens that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics.

PERSONALIZED DESIGN APPROACH

Experience tailored solutions as we prioritize your unique style and needs, ensuring your kitchen reflects your vision.

END-TO-END SUPPORT

From initial consultation to final installation, our dedicated team provides hands-on assistance, guiding you through every step of the remodeling journey.

Explore our personalized designs and exceptional craftsmanship, tailored to elevate your kitchen experience.

visit our showroom

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