Meet the Team Behind Rust Belt
Rust Belt is a husband-and-wife-led boutique design-build firm bringing interior design, custom cabinetry, millwork, and renovation together under one roof. Our work is guided by a shared belief that a home should feel thoughtful, personal, and deeply connected to the people living in it.
By keeping design, cabinetry, and construction within one in-house team, each part of the project is considered as part of the bigger picture. Layouts, materials, storage, architectural details, and construction decisions are developed together, creating a more organized process and a finished home that feels cohesive from room to room.
One Team, From First Sketch to Final Detail
Rust Belt was created around a simple idea: the people designing your home should remain connected to the people building it. By bringing interior design, custom cabinetry, millwork, and renovation together in-house, we are able to make decisions with the complete home in mind, not as separate pieces handled by different companies.
For our clients, that means clearer communication, fewer handoffs, more consistent craftsmanship, and one experienced team that understands the project from the first layout through final installation.
Design-Led From the Beginning
Every project begins with thoughtful space planning, technical design, and an understanding of how the home needs to function. Dusty’s experience as a New York State Certified Interior Designer helps connect creative ideas with the drawings, selections, and details needed to move confidently into construction.
Built and Crafted In-House
Josh and the Rust Belt team bring hands-on carpentry, renovation, cabinetry, and millwork experience to the project. Because custom cabinetry and many of the defining details are created through our own shop and construction team, the design stays connected to the way it is built.
Thoughtful About the Home Itself
Older Buffalo and Western New York homes rarely fit a standard formula. We take time to understand the architecture, original details, proportions, and existing conditions so new work feels like it belongs. While still providing the function, storage, and comfort needed for everyday living.
New York State Certified Interior Designer
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20+ Years of Carpentry & Renovation Experience
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In-House Custom Cabinet Shop
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Historic Buffalo Home Expertise
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New York State Certified Interior Designer ... 20+ Years of Carpentry & Renovation Experience ... In-House Custom Cabinet Shop ... Historic Buffalo Home Expertise ...
Our Founders
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.
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, helping fabricate and install 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.
Why Our In-House Approach Matters
At Rust Belt, interior design, custom cabinetry, millwork, and renovation remain connected from the earliest planning stages through final installation. Our designers, cabinetmakers, and construction team collaborate throughout the project, allowing layouts, materials, storage, architectural details, and field decisions to support one cohesive vision.
For our clients, that means clearer communication, fewer handoffs, stronger quality control, and one experienced team that understands the home and the project from concept through completion.
Interior Design
Thoughtful layouts, materials, lighting, furnishings, and finish selections developed around the way you live.
Custom Renovations
Design-led renovations managed through one connected planning and construction process.
Custom Cabinetry
Cabinetry, built-ins, vanities, mudrooms, and millwork designed and fabricated in-house.
The Team Behind the Work
Every Rust Belt project is supported by people who understand the care, coordination, and craftsmanship required to bring a design to life. Meet the team working behind the scenes, in the cabinet shop, and inside our clients’ homes throughout Buffalo and Western New York.
Garrett Schultz | Lead Carpenter
Jeremy Vriesen | Cabinetry
Libby Wideman | Carpenter
Our Expertise, Under One Roof
Rust Belt brings interior design, custom cabinetry, renovation, and craftsmanship together through one connected in-house team. Explore the services and specialties that allow us to create thoughtful, cohesive homes throughout Buffalo and Western New York.
Interior Design Services
Full-service interior design rooted in thoughtful space planning, layered materials, custom details, and the way each client lives within the home.
Custom Renovations
Design-led kitchens, bathrooms, additions, historic homes, and whole-home renovations managed through one thoughtful and connected process.
Custom Cabinetry
Custom kitchens, built-ins, vanities, mudrooms, and storage solutions designed, fabricated, finished, and installed through our in-house cabinet shop.
Historic Home Renovation
Thoughtful renovations that preserve the proportions, craftsmanship, and original character of Buffalo’s older homes while introducing modern function, storage, and comfort.
Millwork & Craftsmanship
Finish carpentry, architectural millwork, built-ins, trim, and handcrafted details created with careful attention to proportion, material, and the character of the home.
Start Planning Your Next Project
Whether you are planning a custom kitchen, restoring a historic Buffalo home, adding handcrafted cabinetry, or transforming your entire interior, our team is here to guide the project from the first design conversation through final construction details.