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.

Every year, new hardware trends make their debut in the design industry as companies showcase new styles and selections. This allows the homeowner more opportunities to find a unique piece that reflects their personality.

A popular combination is natural wood because it adds a touch of warmth and beautiful contrast, like brass hardware, just as it did for this client’s kitchen.

Over the last few years, wine cellars have grown in popularity as more homeowners want to enjoy their glass of wine in the comfort of their home without running to the store to pick up their favorite vintage.

Self-care has become a popular term lately as we realize its importance. Often, we drive ourselves to do more and feel guilty if we take a break, but the truth is, we all need one.

Designing a bathroom layout might seem straightforward, but it’s more complex than it appears. Bathrooms are functional spaces that require careful planning to optimize usability, comfort, and aesthetics.