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.

If upgrading your kitchen or renovating is one of your home goals for this year, you need to know about current cabinet color trends for 2022.

Personalizing your new home is crucial for creating a space that reflects your unique style and meets your specific needs. One effective way to achieve this is through unique cabinet finishes, which can dramatically alter the appearance of kitchens and bathrooms.

Taking the time to select a layout and design style that suits you is important. Here, we answer some of the more common aspects to consider when designing the ideal master bathroom.

Kitchen islands are a great place to add extra seating, but built-in seating, often called banquettes, is a wonderful way to add seating with style. Let’s discuss the benefits of including built-in seating in your kitchen and explore ways to incorporate it into your design.

Choosing the right countertops is crucial to enhance the overall look and feel of your kitchen, bathroom, office, pantry, or laundry room. Countertops are like the “icing on the cake” for cabinetry, and they can make or break the design of your space.