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.

From hanging wet coats to hiding dirty boots, a mudroom was built to keep your entrance clean and organized. Since it has made a tremendous comeback over the years, let’s discuss why a mudroom should be considered an essential design element in the home.

While the laundry room is not the most visited room in the house, it certainly plays a vital role in keeping the home clean and neat for everyone who lives there. Though no one enjoys the task of sorting, washing, and drying laundry, it is a necessary chore, and with the average family of four doing up to ten loads of laundry a week, it is safe to say that this space should be well-designed.

Finishing a basement or renovating it completely can also increase the value of your home. There is also the possibility of gaining additional income by renting out the basement.

Many of our clients live an hour or more away in the Charlotte metro area. This usually leads people to ask, “Why should I drive to Shelby when I can go somewhere closer?” We understand the reason for the inquiry and want to share why we believe you will find value in taking the time to make the drive.

laces like Pinterest and Houzz are a fantastic way to explore a variety of gray kitchens and the possibilities that await you in your new space, so be sure to spend some time there before meeting with your designer.