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.

You have selected your door style and color, but the hardware is missing. Cabinet hardware always adds the finishing touch to your design, and the options are endless.

Wine rooms are becoming a popular feature in many homes, which means they can add value to your home if you choose to sell. When designing a wine room, there are a few things to keep in mind that will ensure your beverage is kept at the perfect temperature and will impress your family and friends.

An outdoor kitchen gives you the benefits of home cooking without being stuck inside, while the rest of the family has all the fun outside. With summer upon us, many are looking forward to getting some extra vitamin D plus spending some much-needed time with family and friends

Home is about comfort, about reflecting yourself through the design choices you make, and while we don’t recommend changing it up every other month, here’s some new items in kitchen and bath design, that will make your everyday, better.

By definition, a kitchen pantry is a place of storage. Food, beverages, extra dishes, and even household cleaning supplies are kept there. Storage is an essential part of the kitchen, and insufficient storage can cause the space to look cluttered and cramped.