Design Notes

Custom Cabinet Finishes

Color gets the attention. Preparation creates the finish.

Whether cabinetry is painted or stained, the final appearance depends on numerous steps that happen before you ever see the finished door.

Painted vs. Stained Cabinetry

Paint creates a more uniform color.

Stain celebrates wood’s natural character.

Neither is universally better.

They’re simply different design languages.

Wood Species Matters

Different species have different grain patterns and characteristics.

Walker offers standard species, including maple, quarter-sawn white oak, walnut, cherry, alder, and hickory, with additional species available for custom applications.

Painted Cabinet Materials

Material selection matters here too.

Walker uses MDF panels in painted doors because they’re less susceptible to the expansion and contraction patterns visible in hardwood panels.

green bathroom cabinets

Preparation Is Everything

Sanding and surface preparation create the foundation.

A premium finish can’t compensate for poor preparation.

Stain Celebrates Natural Variation

Wood is natural.

Variation isn’t necessarily a defect—it’s part of the material.

Two boards from the same species can absorb stain differently or display different grain.

That’s part of what makes wood cabinetry beautiful.

Think About the Whole Room

Cabinet finish should coordinate with:

  • Countertops
  • Flooring
  • Tile
  • Hardware
  • Lighting
  • Wall colors

The goal isn’t choosing the prettiest sample.

It’s choosing the finish that belongs in the overall design.

Not all storage works the same. Some items are more difficult to store than others, even when space isn’t the issue. Doors and drawers each serve a purpose for stashing different types of items, especially in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms.

Color styles, material choices, and fixtures often fluctuate within the world of design, but few kitchen styles have remained as popular as the transitional kitchen style. Named the most popular kitchen design by the National Kitchen and Bath Association for 2019, the transitional kitchen perfectly blends traditional and contemporary elements.

Color plays a crucial role in cabinet design, as it is often the first thing you notice, especially in a kitchen. For over twenty years, we have made it our mission to provide the perfect color for each project.

Wood is more than just a durable material used in constructing a house; it possesses a character all its own with unique grain lines and rich color. Its aesthetic appeal and rustic charm make it the perfect choice for various areas in the home, including the kitchen and living room.

Since many families are looking for ways to stay connected yet enjoy individual spaces, an open-concept layout means added value if you choose to sell. Kids can always be in sight of their parents as they get dinner ready, and the kitchen can be the gathering place once everyone gets home.