Kitchens by Kleweno: A Kitchen and Bath Legacy 80 Years in the Making

In 1946, Merle Kleweno opened a small appliance store in Kansas City: Kitchens by Kleweno. At a time when kitchens were largely viewed as functional spaces, the company held a perspective that was ahead of its time—recognizing the kitchen as more than a place to cook but as a space central to daily life at home.

As the role of the kitchen evolved, so did the business. What started with appliances gradually expanded as homeowners placed greater importance on flow, layout, and finishes. The company transitioned into a kitchen and bath design studio alongside these shifts, growing its services to meet changing needs and expectations. 

Kitchens by Kleweno Today

Nearly eight decades later, that early understanding continues to shape the company’s work. Today, Kitchens by Kleweno is led by Sue Shinneman, CEO and Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), just the third owner in the company’s history. Sue first joined the firm in 1997 as a designer. After gaining experience at other companies, she returned to Kitchens by Kleweno when its second owner, Randall Sisk, approached her about taking on ownership.

Under her leadership, the firm specializes in kitchen and bath remodeling and custom cabinetry. Kitchens by Kleweno serves homeowners across the Kansas City metro area, while also continuing relationships with long-term clients on projects beyond the region.

Inside the Showroom

Supporting this work is the company’s Kansas City showroom, which functions as a 3,500-square-foot design studio. The space features nine full kitchen displays, showcasing everything from richly detailed, furniture-quality custom cabinetry to sleek contemporary compositions, with materials and finishes selected to reflect the breadth of the firm’s design capabilities. 

“Our showroom plays an important role in how clients experience design. They want to see kitchens and materials in person, and as styles evolve, we want our displays to reflect the latest possibilities and ideas,” says Sue. As part of that evolution, the team is currently updating select showroom displays, including expanded Cambria installations that reflect the latest designs.

Cambria Connection: What Clients Are Seeking

Sue’s relationship with Cambria began in the late 2000s. Over time, Cambria has become a regularly specified surface for Kitchens by Kleweno clients, valued for its balance of performance and aesthetics.

Beyond design versatility, Sue points to how Cambria supports everyday living as a key factor. “What resonates most with my clients is the simple upkeep of the material—it’s easy to clean and maintain, without any added concern,” she says. 

A Contemporary Retreat at Table Rock Lake

Located along Table Rock Lake in southern Missouri, this featured residence reflects Kitchens by Kleweno’s expertise. Designed by Sue Shinneman and Heidi Harrison, a  Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer, the project reflects the crisp, contemporary aesthetic the clients hoped to achieve.

In the kitchen, Ironsbridge clads the island in a diagonal waterfall application, creating a sculptural focal point within the space. The surrounding countertops and backsplashes are finished in Delamere, offering a striking contrast and modern visual depth.

That bold approach continues into the bar, where Blackbrook™ is featured as a full wall statement. Extended mitered countertops and a waterfall island reinforce the dramatic presence of the material, while warm gold fixtures and clean-lined cabinetry balance the darker tones. Together, the spaces create a modern retreat designed for entertaining and daily use alike.

Continuing the Tradition

Looking ahead, Sue remains focused on using her decades of experience and the firm’s legacy to guide clients toward kitchens and baths that truly support how they live. “I’ve been designing kitchens for 30 years, and with everything available today, clients know what they like. Our role is to help translate that into what truly works best for their lifestyle and their home,” Sue says.

Balancing experience with collaboration, Kitchens by Kleweno continues an approach rooted in tradition—one that has defined the firm since its founding and will keep shaping kitchens and baths in the Kansas City region for years to come.