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 Mudroom?

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.

June 7, 2018/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

An Efficient Laundry Room

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.

June 7, 2018/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton

entertainment center with a fireplace and living room

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Transforming your Basement

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.

May 21, 2018/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker

Consumer Information

3 Reasons To Drive To Shelby

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.

May 7, 2018/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Why have a Gray Kitchen?

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.

April 21, 2018/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker