Formerly known as The Cabinetry, Marlene purchased the original family business in 2003. She transformed and grew the company into a thriving cabinet retail business.
Prior to that, she lived in Washington, D.C., and studied at Catholic University, eventually entering the world of politics as a political appointee at The White House. The events of September 11, 2001 inspired Marlene to return to her family on the South Shore of Massachusetts and pursue something she truly loved, interior design.
She joined her uncle’s kitchen design firm and, after working together for a year, took over ownership when he retired. The business was rebranded as The Cabinetry and has since evolved into the full‑service design & build model now known as Marlene & Co.
TWENTY‑FIVE YEARS IN, AND WE’RE STILL ENERGIZED BY EVERY NEW PROJECT. WE LOVE FINDING CREATIVE, REFINED SOLUTIONS THAT MAKE YOUR HOME FEEL MORE LIKE YOU.
Marlene loves nothing more than transforming her client’s vision into a space that feels personal, intentional, and beautifully crafted. Every project is a new adventure rooted in trust, fueled by creativity, and shaped through genuine collaboration. Her superpower is her ability to connect effortlessly with clients, making the design‑build experience feel clear, manageable, and even fun.
Marlene has over two decades of design experience, holds a Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor’s License, and her company is a registered Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor.
And her favorite moment of every project? The final walk‑through. There’s nothing quite like seeing clients light up when they step into their newly transformed space for the first time.
I spend my days off
getting my two teens to their sporting events
My cocktail order
Bacardi and coke with a lime
If I was stranded, the one kitchen gadget I would bring
airfryer
My guilty pleasure is
british true crime shows
I couldn’t live without
beach vacations in Mexico
“I am three things in one: designer, general contractor and project manager. I am a true design build firm that doesn’t outsource the design or the build. I am extremely detail oriented and with almost 25 years of experience I know where the pitfalls are in this industry and how to avoid them. Because of my experience I am able to easily identify creative design solutions for an existing space in a home so it better functions and solves the problems the space causes for the homeowner.”
Marlene Macdonald Ketchen
where we are now
Marlene’s family involvement in the kitchen remodeling industry dates back to 1960, when her grandfather Norman MacDonald founded MacDonald Kitchens, a family cabinetry business that soon involved all five of his sons. Over the years, the family contributed meaningful innovations to the industry. Marlene’s father Paul invented the “Shelf Lock” system that transformed how cabinetry was shipped.
In the 1980s, Marlene’s uncle Ed MacDonald shifted the family legacy toward custom design, launching Kitchen‑N‑Counters in 1993 and building a strong South Shore following. In 2002, Marlene joined the business, later purchasing it and renaming it The Cabinetry.
Today, that legacy continues through Marlene & Co, where craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a curated build experience come together to create spaces uniquely tailored to each client.
With over twenty years of design and renovation experience, Marlene has shaped a process that catches potential hiccups early, keeps choices clear, and helps your project stay beautifully on course without the usual remodeling drama.
Her approach is hands-on and human, grounded in a deep understanding of how people live and how construction unfolds in the real world. Every detail is thoughtfully curated and every step guided, so your renovation feels smooth, supported, and surprisingly enjoyable.
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.
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!
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.
Hardware is the style-defining jewelry of your cabinetry. Make a statement and do the unexpected!
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.
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.
Resale value matters, but so does your daily life. Make sure you design it so you can enjoy it now!
We are excited you are considering Marlene & Co for your home project and are happy to answer any questions you might have. Let’s get started!
