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.

As urban living continues to gain popularity, one undeniable fact stands out: space is in short supply. With the demand for housing increasing and land becoming scarce, many city dwellers face the challenge of adapting to smaller homes. However, small spaces offer an exciting opportunity for creative design.

Designing a custom layout means understanding your home’s specific needs, which an experienced designer can do. Do you have a wall that cannot be moved and needs cabinets built around it? We can and have done this on many projects

The laundry room is essential to the smooth operation of the household because it keeps garments tidy and ready for use. Given that the washing cycle never ends, it is evident that long periods will be spent in this area.

Cramped, tiny, small, and tight. These words describe a kitchen that is smaller than average. While many will say that their kitchen is not as functional as they would like it to be, regardless of size, it is always more apparent when in a small kitchen.

Organization is an essential part of maintaining a home’s optimal functioning and minimizing stress for everyone. Small piles of clutter can grow quickly, and as their size increases, so does the pressure to eliminate them.