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Posts tagged kitchen design
Beautiful Custom Cabinetry: A Beginner’s Guide to Stylish Storage

Cabinets are essential because they dominate visual space and significantly influence a room’s style and flow, making their design, color, and placement critical to the overall aesthetic. Homeowners should prioritize durable materials, intuitive storage solutions, and accessibility for daily tasks—custom cabinetry is often worth the investment when unique layouts or specific needs demand tailored functionality.

 

The Basics of Building the Box

The cabinet box is the structural foundation of a cabinet, essentially the hidden framework that supports the doors, shelves, and hardware. Custom design options include full-overlay or inset styles, adjustable shelving, and tailored dimensions, with construction choices like plywood (durable and moisture-resistant) or MDF (smooth but best for low-wear areas). While not usually visible once installed, the cabinet box’s material and build quality should align with its intended use—heavier daily wear (like in kitchens) calls for sturdier materials and reinforced joints to ensure longevity.

 

The Fundamentals of Fashioning the Frame

The cabinet frame, often called the face frame, is the front-facing structure that the doors and drawers attach to, providing stability and defining the cabinet’s style. Custom options range from sleek frameless designs for a clean, modern look to classic Shaker or detailed beveled frames for more traditional or transitional styles, typically crafted from hardwoods like maple, oak, or cherry for durability and a refined finish. Frameless cabinets suit contemporary and minimalist homes, while framed styles—especially Shaker—work beautifully in traditional, farmhouse, and transitional interiors.

 

The Details of Designing the Door

Cabinet doors are the most visible element and come in endless custom design options—from flat-panel and Shaker to raised-panel or slab styles—with choices in paint, stain, wood species, and even glass inlays for a lighter, more open feel. Hardware acts like jewelry, so I guide clients in selecting finishes and shapes that complement the cabinet style and the overall home aesthetic, whether that’s modern matte black pulls or classic brass knobs. I help clients narrow their choices by balancing their personal taste with functional needs, architectural style, and the mood they want the space to evoke.

 

Investing in high-quality custom cabinetry is worthwhile for both kitchens and bathrooms, as it ensures durability, maximizes storage, and elevates the overall design of your home. Partnering with a professional helps tailor every detail—from layout and materials to style and function—so your cabinets not only fit your space perfectly but also meet your daily needs with ease and longevity.

 

If you're ready to create a functional and fashionable home, reach out to me. I can't wait to hear about your custom cabinetry project.

 

Warmly,

Michelle

Before + After // Farewell 90's

Hey hey hey! It's BEFORE + AFTER time! This house has been my EVERYTHING for the past year and I'm so thrilled for it's debut. I can't say enough great things about this family. Besides being super cool and cute as ever, they were very direct and clear in their vision for their home. Make it feel calm, cozy, functional, and family friendly...and help us with this awful 90's kitchen! So before I get all crazy with excitement... are you ready for my BEST BEFORE + AFTER?! 

KITCHEN + FAMILY ROOM // BEFORE + AFTER

 

5 KITCHEN DESIGN TRENDS YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY EMBRACE

THE KITCHEN IS THE HEART OF THE HOME AND A SPACE WHERE WE COOK AND ENJOY SNACKING WHILE CHATTING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

The Kitchen is the most valuable room in the home. It is the space I spend the most of my time with clients discussing and designing. Ideally, your Kitchen renovation should earn a 70% return on investment when you sell your home. But, this depends on the features you choose.

HERE'S HOW I CAN HELP. LET'S CHAT ABOUT THE TOP 5 KITCHEN TRENDS FOR 2017 THAT YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY EMBRACE. 

1. MORE TECHNOLOGY

Technology is rapidly developing in the modern home and is taking center stage in your kitchen. 2017 will focus on appliances with integrated speakers with bluetooth functionality, color changing lights and pop up sockets for phone charging giving kitchens a modern twist. 

2. MONOCHROME TONES

I'm anticipating a rise in popularity of grey, black and white tones in the kitchen. Last year brought us a huge uptick in the use of grey. But, these three colors can work in varying degrees; whether its entire cabinets, surfaces, appliances or kitchen accessories - hello onyx black Kitchen Aid blender for a mere $699. 

3. QUALITY STORAGE SOLUTIONS

This is an ongoing struggle for my clients across the board. I prefer to hide all small appliances (toaster oven, coffee pots) in tall pantry cabinets with roll-out drawers. My favorite additional is deep drawers with smart dividers to keep everything organized and create that wow factor.

4. CLUTTER FREE COUNTERTOPS

My go to design trick to open up a small Kitchen and allow the cook to calmly prepare their food is adding a large, clear open surface.

5. MODERN PAINTED CABINETS

When it comes to a painted kitchen, the trend is moving away from chunky crown profiles and heavy door moldings. I'm designing a slimmer, thinner look with Shaker style doors and slab drawers. This helps the kitchen maintain classic proportions with a modern look & feel. 

Keep up to date with my inspiring ideas, latest looks and expert advice by signing up for your free workbook here.

Cheers!

Michelle