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.

Color is a powerful design tool because it can control the atmosphere of the room. From soothing grays and blues to striking blacks and reds, color can make a space calm or energizing.

As we enter a new year, homeowners’ wellness remains top of mind as they continue to look for ways to keep their families safe. This priority has prompted interior designers to explore various ways to meet this need for their clients

Kitchen style. Throughout the years, the kitchen has been the heart of the home, the place where delicious meals were cooked and served with love. It has also remained a place where memories are made, achievements are celebrated, and it invokes a warm, inviting atmosphere. One thing has changed, and that is my style.

Inset cabinets, because the doors are inside the frame, look like elegant furniture pieces, giving the space a luxurious feel. If you are looking for cabinets that will stand the test of time, inset cabinets are for you.

The kitchen island offers more than just a workspace when cooking dinner. It provides additional storage and even seating. An island is a versatile element in the kitchen that can adapt to almost any size, allowing you to maximize the use of your square footage.