The Comeback Of Oak

Design Notes

When you think of oak cabinetry, what do you envision? Probably a kitchen in an older home with lighter-toned cabinets and all of the “typical oak” graining showing on every door and drawer. We have indeed torn out many of these older-style oak kitchens to complete updated remodels in our clients’ homes. However, due to recent techniques we’ve developed for treating this durable wood, oak is making a comeback. We will be featuring it in a variety of styles in our new showroom in uptown Shelby. Oak has long been a widely used resource for cabinet building due to its hardness and strength. It contains a high level of the chemical tannin, which makes it invulnerable to insect or fungal attack. The grain of the wood makes it widely recognizable and desirable, especially when quartersawn. As you’ll see here, the species can encompass many different styles.

Victorian

Organic shapes and spiral flowing details are hallmarks of the Victorian furniture style. While most of the cabinetry we build and the accents we use are rectangular, we can incorporate carvings, corbels, onlays, and decorative posts to achieve the Victorian look. Glass and mirrored doors are often used in this style. We can now design and cut any door shape on our CNC machine, creating endless design combinations. We used to be limited to rectangular shapes, but using the latest technology, we can now develop softer curves and gliding lines that fit into the Victorian designs.

Traditional

This has been the most popular style in the Walker Woodworking customer service area for many years. Neutral stain colors are most commonly used in this style, but neutral paints have become more popular in recent years. Thicker moldings, a few touches of ornamental details, and raised paneled doors and drawers are staples of this design style. Although we don’t do very many projects like this these days, it is still a timeless classic style.

Industrial

As the name implies, this style is characterized by its practical look and use. These cabinets are designed with ultimate functionality in mind, not necessarily decorative appeal. For our cerused oak industrial cabinets, we let the grain and finish speak for itself, not using elaborate moldings and ornamentation. Oftentimes, slab doors and drawer fronts will be utilized, not unlike what you often see on utilitarian lockers or workbenches.

Cerused-oak-custom-cabinets-LED-lighiting - Young

Transitional

This is a recently evolving style that has developed through the years as a blending of traditional elements and cleaner, more modern designs. Cerused oak fits well into this style since many consumers already associate oak cabinetry with being a traditional design element. We’ll use simple door and drawer styles mostly when building this style, but can dress it up with ornate hardware, or dress it down with sleek handles. See more of this project here.

grey beverage center with hardwood floors

Contemporary

Everything about this design style says simple, straightforward, simple. Slab doors and drawers are a hallmark of this look, but not required. When using cerused oak in this way, the grain and coloring used speak for themselves. White is a popular color choice, as well as the other end of the spectrum, with extremely dark color selections. There are no curves to be seen in this style; hard edges reign supreme, letting the colors and textures speak for themselves. When we use cerused oak in this style, the grain adds an extra level of detail and makes this widely seen style feel fresh again.

Why Have A Walk-In Pantry?

Kitchens remain the central hub of the home, the place where we gather to eat, grab a quick snack, make a cup of coffee, or complete homework. This has seen a shift in the way it is designed, including an area that is often forgotten, the pantry.

September 21, 2024/0 Comments/by Sierra

Walker Woodworking

Consumer Information

Creative Ways to Achieve a High-End Bathroom Look Without Breaking the Bank

Achieving a high-end bathroom look without breaking the bank may seem like a tall order, but it’s entirely possible with creativity and strategic planning. Your bathroom can be a sanctuary where style meets functionality, all while maintaining a reasonable budget.

September 14, 2024/0 Comments/by Sierra

White kitchen cabinets with a large blue hood

Walker Woodworking

Consumer Information

Designing A Galley Kitchen

A narrow kitchen, more commonly referred to as a galley kitchen, can be challenging to create adequate space due to space limitations. Still, with good design and planning, it can become a functional area that meets all the homeowners’ needs.

September 7, 2024/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

How To Design A Range Hood

When planning a kitchen renovation, several major elements are considered, such as cabinet design and layout, but something that gets neglected or is treated as an afterthought is the range hood.

August 21, 2024/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Cabinets For Every Area Of Your Home

Cabinets are a key component of interior design, but that does not mean they are exclusive to certain areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Custom cabinets, built-ins, and additional features offer a wide range of functions to multiple areas throughout the home.

July 21, 2024/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker