One of the first steps for homeowners in transforming their home with custom cabinetry is to realize prefabricated cabinets from big-box chains aren’t likely to give them what they want. Specifically, that’s high-quality construction and custom designs that reflect personal styles and desired functionality.
Homeowners also need to acknowledge, when it comes to custom cabinetry, that they don’t know what they don’t know—and they shouldn’t have to. Part of our job here at Holland’s Custom Cabinets is to know all the aspects of custom cabinetry. From design and manufacture, to sourcing materials and installation knowhow, for almost 50 years, we’ve been keeping out in front of industry trends and best practices. We consider keeping clients and prospective clients educated so they can make informed choices about their custom cabinetry needs a vital part of what we do.
To that end, here are six hot topics we’re being asked about right now:
Rift White Oak—Rift White Oak is known for its timeless elegance and durability. Year in and year out, it stands out as a favored choice in the custom cabinetry industry for its unique grain pattern. The straight lines and consistent appearance add a touch of sophistication to any space. The term “rift” refers to the way the wood is cut, resulting in a smoother grain pattern compared to other cuts. With its light to medium brown tones, rift white oak offers versatility and complements various design styles. Moreover, its durability, strength, and resistance to warping make it an ideal option for custom cabinetry, particularly for those seeking a modern and refined look. Whether used in kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas of the home, rift white oak cabinetry enhances the overall aesthetic and adds long-lasting value.
Flush Inset Construction—If you desire a clean and seamless appearance to your cabinetry, Flush Inset Construction is an excellent choice for seamless beauty and precision. This technique involves installing cabinet doors and drawers within the face frame, creating a flush surface. Flush inset cabinetry is often associated with traditional or transitional styles, but can also work well in contemporary designs. The key lies in precise measurements and skilled craftsmanship, ensuring a perfect fit and a sophisticated finish. The seamless integration of doors and drawers provides a visually appealing look, allowing the cabinetry to blend flawlessly with surrounding space.
White Cabinets—White cabinets have long been a classic choice that transcends time and continues to captivate homeowners. The clean and bright aesthetic of white cabinetry adds a sense of freshness and openness to any room. One of the greatest advantages of white cabinets is their versatility. They can complement various countertop materials, backsplash options, and hardware finishes, enabling homeowners to explore a wide range of design possibilities. Whether you prefer a traditional, modern, or transitional style, white cabinets can act as a blank canvas, allowing you to experiment with different color schemes and design elements. They bring a ageless charm to kitchens, bathrooms, or any other space where custom cabinetry is desired, creating a visually pleasing and inviting space.
Nothing Ornate—In recent years, a growing trend towards simplicity and minimalism has emerged in the custom cabinetry industry. The concept of “Nothing Ornate” embraces clean, unadorned designs that emphasize sleek lines, smooth surfaces, and understated elegance. By avoiding excessive decorative elements, minimalist cabinetry designs offer a more streamlined and modern aesthetic. Clean profiles, straight edges, and a less-is-more approach to hardware and embellishments contribute to a visually appealing and clutter-free space. This allows the natural beauty of the materials and craftsmanship to shine through.
Statement Hardware—In contrast to a minimalist style, statement hardware refers to distinctive and eye-catching knobs, pulls, handles, or other decorative elements used with cabinetry. Statement hardware serves as a focal point and adds a touch of personality and style. Statement hardware is typically larger, more intricate, or uniquely designed compared to standard hardware options. It hardware can be found in a wide range of materials, finishes, shapes, and designs, providing endless options to suit various design styles. Of course, the hardware should complement the cabinetry, enhancing its visual appeal without overpowering it. So, just as is the case with a minimalist approach, less-can-be-more even with statement hardware. Additionally, it’s crucial that any statement hardware be durable and functional, not only decorative.
Smart Storage Solutions—Smart storage has long been synonymous with custom cabinetry. In the past, the term has typically referred to features like pull-out shelves, small appliance storage, drawer inserts, adjustable shelving, etc. Nowadays the term has expanded to include intelligent features and automation using hands-free technology and wireless connectivity. Examples include:
- Hands-free operation to open and close cabinet doors, drawers, or adjust shelves with a simple touch or voice command.
- Intelligent lighting that can be activated by motion sensors, voice commands, or apps.
- Control and monitoring of cabinets, pantries, refrigerators to access inventory information, receive notifications, or even set reminders for organizing or restocking.
- Remote monitoring of ovens and other appliances, including control adjustments and video.
Holland’s Can Help
Whether you’re looking for a timeless design, a look that emphasizes the latest trends, a style that’s uniquely you, or all of the above, the experts at Holland’s Custom Cabinets can help.
We invite you to contact us to find out what the residents of San Diego have known since 1977 — that Holland’s builds great cabinets and that we stand behind our work 100%. We’re now selling and installing our fine, custom cabinets to clients up and down the west coast. We’d love to have you join our client family.
