Why Rust Belt
At Rust Belt, our work is built on a combination of interior design expertise, skilled craftsmanship, and a deeply hands-on approach to renovation. Unlike traditional remodeling companies or general contractors, our interior design, custom cabinetry, and renovation services are managed entirely in-house—allowing us to create homes that feel cohesive, intentional, and thoughtfully executed from beginning to end.
Josh Blasko | Construction Lead
As co-owner of Rust Belt, Josh leads the construction, finish carpentry, and custom cabinetry side of the business with a hands-on approach rooted in craftsmanship, problem solving, and attention to detail. With more than 20 years of experience in carpentry and residential renovation, he oversees the day-to-day execution of projects throughout Buffalo, NY and the surrounding Western New York communities including Clarence, Amherst, Orchard Park, East Aurora, and Williamsville.
Josh’s background in finish carpentry and construction plays a major role in shaping the level of detail and craftsmanship Rust Belt is known for. Over the last four years, he has expanded Rust Belt’s in-house custom cabinetry division; fabricating, and installing custom kitchens, built-ins, mudrooms, vanities, and millwork tailored specifically to each home and project.
From site coordination and cabinetry installations to solving field conditions and overseeing craftsmanship details, he works closely with clients and the Rust Belt team to ensure every project runs smoothly and maintains the design vision established from the beginning.
Dusty Blasko | Lead Designer
Dusty leads the creative vision at Rust Belt with a thoughtful, highly personal approach to interior design, renovation, and custom cabinetry. Her work is centered around creating homes that feel layered, functional, and deeply connected to the people living in them—balancing timeless design with the realities of everyday life.
As a Certified Interior Designer in New York State, Dusty brings both creativity and technical expertise to every project. As a CID, she is qualified to prepare and submit interior design plans for permitting while helping guide projects from the earliest design concepts through final construction details with clarity and precision.
Dusty’s background in interior design, custom cabinetry, and renovation allows her to approach projects holistically—carefully considering how materials, layouts, architectural details, and functionality work together throughout the home. Whether restoring a historic Buffalo home, designing a custom kitchen, or layering furnishings into a completed renovation, her focus is always on creating spaces that feel collected, intentional, and built to last.
Why Our In-House Approach Matters
At Rust Belt, we believe the best interiors are created when every part of the process works together seamlessly. Unlike many remodeling companies and traditional design-build firms that outsource cabinetry, interior design, or portions of construction, our work is handled entirely in-house from design and space planning to custom cabinetry fabrication and renovation execution. This in-house process also gives our clients a higher level of quality control and personalization than a traditional contractor model.
Serving homeowners throughout Buffalo, NY, Amherst, Clarence, Orchard Park, Elmwood Village, and surrounding Western New York communities, our integrated approach allows us to maintain a clear and cohesive vision throughout every phase of the project. Because our interior designers, cabinetmakers, and renovation team collaborate together from the very beginning, our clients work directly with one experienced boutique team that understands the project from concept through completion.
Historic Home Renovation Expertise
Buffalo’s historic homes require a thoughtful balance between preservation and modernization. Rust Belt specializes in renovating older homes throughout Elmwood Village, Parkside, North Buffalo, and surrounding Western New York neighborhoods while carefully preserving architectural character, original details, and craftsmanship.
Our fully integrated in-house process allows us to thoughtfully blend custom interiors, historic preservation, cabinetry, and renovation together in a way that feels natural to the home rather than overly modernized or disconnected from its original character.
In-House Custom Cabinet Shop
One of the things that truly sets Rust Belt apart is our in-house custom cabinet shop. Rather than outsourcing cabinetry, we design, fabricate, and install custom kitchens, built-ins, vanities, mudrooms, storage solutions, and millwork internally—allowing for greater quality control, customization, and consistency throughout every project.
With more than two decades of hands-on carpentry and renovation experience, Josh leads the construction and craftsmanship side of Rust Belt with a strong focus on detail, quality, and execution. His background in finish carpentry and residential renovation plays a major role in the level of craftsmanship seen throughout every kitchen, built-in, historic renovation, and whole-home project.
Certified Interior Design Expertise
As a New York State Certified Interior Designer (CID), Dusty brings a level of professional training and technical knowledge that goes beyond aesthetics alone. Her experience in interior design, space planning, construction documentation, and code-compliant design allows Rust Belt to approach projects with both creativity and precision—helping clients throughout Buffalo, NY and the surrounding Western New York communities feel confident throughout the design and renovation process.
Design + Build, Working Together
Josh Blasko
OWNER + MILLWORK LEAD
Dusty Blasko
OWNER + LEAD DESIGNER
Garrett Schultz
LEAD CARPENTER
Jeremy Vriesen
CARPENTER
Libby Wideman
CARPENTER
Our Expertise
At Rust Belt, our work is rooted in thoughtful interior design, custom craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of how homes should function and feel. Serving homeowners throughout Buffalo, NY and surrounding Western New York communities including Amherst, Clarence, Orchard Park, East Aurora, Williamsville, and Elmwood Village
Interior Design
Our interior design process focuses on creating cohesive, functional spaces that feel layered, intentional, and deeply connected to the character of the home. From kitchen and bathroom design to whole-home interiors and furnishings
Custom Cabinetry
Custom cabinetry is one of the defining elements of our work. Designed and fabricated in-house, our cabinetry and millwork are thoughtfully developed to maximize storage, improve functionality, and create interiors that feel architecturally connected to the home.
Historic Home Renovation
Buffalo and Western New York are filled with homes rich in architectural character and history. We specialize in thoughtfully renovating historic homes while preserving the craftsmanship, proportions, and details that make older homes unique.
Design-Build Renovation
Unlike traditional remodeling companies that separate design and construction, our fully integrated design-build process allows our team to guide projects from concept through completion under one cohesive vision.
Millwork & Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship is at the center of everything we create. From detailed trim work and custom built-ins to handcrafted cabinetry and architectural millwork, our work reflects a strong attention to detail, proportion, materiality, and timeless construction techniques.
Ready to transform your home with a team that brings interior design, custom cabinetry, millwork, and renovation together under one cohesive vision?
Start Planning Your Next Project
Whether you are planning a custom kitchen in Clarence, built-in cabinetry in Orchard Park, or a historic millwork renovation in Buffalo, our team is here to guide you through every phase of the process. Explore our portfolio, learn more about our renovation services, or contact us to begin planning your project.