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.

nterior designers are creating new living spaces for their clients.  Knowing if the mid century modern vibe is the right one for you is helpful. Let’s explore what it is and how its style can be best incorporated into your home.

One trend that’s become popular is known as the hidden kitchen, also sometimes called an invisible kitchen. If you haven’t heard about it yet, you may wonder, What is a hidden kitchen?

The wear and tear on your kitchen cabinetry can become apparent with time. If you have been wondering whether it is time to give your kitchen a makeover, this blog will explore the signs that indicate your kitchen is in need of new cabinetry.

Holly Sams, our Operations Manager, has been recognized by Woodworking Network as part of the 2025 Wood Industry 40 Under 40, an annual award honoring the next generation of professionals shaping the future of woodworking across North America.

A good kitchen functions in harmony with the homeowner’s needs, which is where those fantastic features, such as pull-outs and under-cabinet lighting, come into play. Certain design features transform an ordinary kitchen into the heart of the home, such as the use of specific woods for the cabinets or a distinctive countertop material.