green bathroom with tile floors

DESIGN NOTES

MORE THAN JUST A FINISH

The first thing that is noticed in a kitchen is its cabinet finish. Whether it is paint, stain, or glaze, it can set the overall feel of the space. Each one has its benefits and particular strengths.

Paints

Painted cabinets are a popular choice in the design world because they open various color options. The tighter the wood grain, the smoother the paint finish. Coarse-grained types of wood, such as oak, will give a textured look to the finished product because the grain will be partly visible. Painted cabinets are a great way to add a contemporary touch to the kitchen, creating a sleek finish to the design. Remember that this can also be used as an accent feature for the kitchen.

Some of our clients have chosen to stain most of their cabinets and add a splash of color to the space by painting their kitchen island a complementary color. This option is a great way to combine traditional with a hint of contemporary. It is important to note that wood naturally expands with seasonal temperature changes, which can cause micro-movements in the door joints. Over time, it may seem like a minor fracture or seam at the joint, but this is a natural characteristic of painted finishes on wood. Read more about painted versus stained cabinets here.

green bathroom with tile floors

Stains

Staining is a great way to enhance the natural beauty of the wood while adding a touch of color to the design. Fans of wood grain often find staining is a great way to preserve and highlight the natural beauty of the species since it allows the grain to shine through, perfectly balancing color and texture. The finished product is cabinets that showcase the simple elegance of the grain and will retain a timeless look, making it easy to resell if desired.

It is essential to keep in mind that the lighter the stain, the more natural character of the wood will come through, so it is vital to like the wood as it is before proceeding to stain it. On the same note, a darker stain lends to a feeling of elegance and sophistication to the overall style of the design. No matter which shade of stain is chosen, it will leave you admiring the wood’s unique features.

white and brown kitchen with lights

Glazes

Depth, dimension, and texture are a few words that describe the effects of adding a glaze finish to cabinets. This type of finish is applied to cabinets once they have been stained or painted. It can add that extra pop or touch to the finished pieces and give depth to the kitchen’s overall look.

Glazing can be used to accent or highlight certain features on the cabinets, such as molding and special details. It is a great way to create a unique style that blends elegance with timelessness. Glazing never compromises the quality of the cabinets but seeks to enhance what is already present.

View our gallery to see more examples of cabinet finishes; maybe it will give you the inspiration you need for your own project.

Interior designers use it as inspiration as they attempt to build a place that satisfies their client’s demand for a look that emphasizes functionality, stark, clean forms, and abstract thinking—layout with a basic and practical design. Modern design style is rooted in German and Scandinavian design, which sought to pair art with functionality.

What is it about reclaimed wood that makes it so popular? Is it the fact that it possesses a character all its own, or maybe it’s because of the history it holds inside? Whatever the reason, reclaimed wood is trending as a material choice across multiple areas of the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices.

It has won over numerous homeowners and designers, who use it in many kitchen spaces, including on TV. As popular as it is, it is no surprise that designers created a new twist by blending rustic elements with industrial accents to make an industrial farmhouse style.

Our houses are often shared by multiple people, and with multigenerational homes becoming more common, there is a need for designers to create spaces that maximize storage, emphasize individuality, and blend them into a unifying whole. Whether it is the bathroom, kitchen, or family room, with a little well-planned strategy, you can implement creative solutions for the multiple users in your home.

Although there is less space to work with than a traditional kitchen layout, it doesn’t mean there needs to be a loss in function or style. It is essential to know all the options and elements available to make your kitchen feel more significant than it seems and operate for your lifestyle needs. Let’s talk about what it takes to design a condo kitchen.