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.

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.

Our team at Walker Woodworking knows firsthand that organization and storage in your kitchen cabinets are essential. Our experienced wood cabinet makers, who create some of the finest custom cabinets in the foothills of North Carolina, can tell you that cabinets come in a variety of styles, including traditional, shaker, rustic, contemporary, country, and many others.

Glass front cabinets are a beautiful addition to the kitchen, but how many are just right? While you can choose to do all of your upper cabinets in glass, it’s important to remember that everything will be visible, so if you have certain dishes or food items that you would prefer to keep out of sight.