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.

What Are Built-Ins?

Built-ins are a reflection of their name since they are built directly into the interior of the home. Of course, the most common are bookshelves, open shelving in living rooms and kitchens, as well as pantries.

September 21, 2019/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker

Design Notes

Custom Design For Wellness – The Benefits Of An Organized Home

We believe it is our job to help our clients have a space that is entirely functional and perfectly matches their lifestyle. Here are three areas in the home where custom storage can help you feel better, and your life run smoother.

September 7, 2019/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

4 Reasons To Go Custom With Your Bathroom Cabinets

Bathroom Cabinets can add value to the home. At Walker Woodworking, we know the value that custom cabinetry adds to any kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. Based in Shelby, North Carolina, our local custom cabinet company has been producing fine furnishings for homes in the foothills of North Carolina for 20 years.

August 28, 2019/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Cabinet Hardware: The Finishing Touch

You have selected your door style and color, but the hardware is missing. Cabinet hardware always adds the finishing touch to your design, and the options are endless.

August 21, 2019/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker

A custom wine room with oak cabinetry and with a built in wine cooler

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Wine Room Design Essentials

Wine rooms are becoming a popular feature in many homes, which means they can add value to your home if you choose to sell. When designing a wine room, there are a few things to keep in mind that will ensure your beverage is kept at the perfect temperature and will impress your family and friends.

July 21, 2019/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker