custom cabinetry
Custom cabinetry can be built locally to fit your space and needs, but many kitchen designers utilize factory built cabinets designed for a custom look.
“The obvious advantage of custom cabinetry is that you can get exactly what you want,” says Shannon of Hantel Kitchen & Baths.
“I prefer a manufactured custom cabinet over a job-built custom cabinet because of the quality of the finish.”
Billy Williams of B. Williams Design says, “Ninety percent of what I do is custom cabinetry. Not only do I use local custom cabinet makers, but I actually design the style, function, and finish of each cabinet.”
Linda Gunter of Gunter Woodworking, a custom cabinet building operation, says that when people hear the word custom they immediately think “expensive and unaffordable.” “To our company custom means client-driven specifications made to fit the client’s individual space and budget,” she says.
Custom cabinetry can be finished to each homeowner’s style and taste, according to Jackie Cox of Chris’ Custom Cabinets. “The homeowner and designer are unlimited in terms of what they can create. Most homeowners don’t realize there is little price difference for this furniture-built value,” she says.
Melinda Dupree of Boyce Cabinet Solutions says while homeowners are opting for extensive new construction on bath and kitchen remodeling projects, they are also working creatively with their designers to stay within their budget. “Homeowners are moving to our area from everywhere in the United States, and this helps explain the wide range of personal styles—traditional, transitional, contemporary, American country, French country, Rustic Lodge, Mediterranean, and eclectic.”
Cabinets are more diverse today “than at any time during my 19 years in the business,” says Tanna Miller of Trends & Traditions. “In the high end market, an Old World European ambience is the most desired look which can range from French cottage to formal to Tudor.
Custom cabinets are the best way to achieve this look because cabinets that are built for the space as they would have been in the past, with careful attention given to focal points and detailing.
“Staggered heights and depths, as well as quaint features such as wine and plate racks further personalize the work. Glazed finishes, particularly Van Dyke Brown over a brown stain or vanilla cream paint are in high demand. Other strong looks are a clean-lined mission style and traditional looks with an artistic flair,” says Miller.
“We are seeing a trend toward simple look (flat panel, often shaker style) that is requested by those looking for a more contemporary feel, but we’re also seeing a traditional style, thought still less ornate than in the past,” says Erwin.
She adds that she is still seeing a high demand for cherry with its warmth, but alder is a well-priced alternative. Noting less demand for oak and hickory, she attributes the decline to a preference for smoother grains.
Gunter reports that natural alder and rustic knotty alder tie in popularity among the company’s customers. “Customers who want a rustic feel often choose rustic knotty alder, stained and glazed, for that perfect rustic elegance. Coming in second is a natural maple, clear-coated with a chocolate glaze finish for a lighter look,” she says.
Williams says, “I’m currently enjoying using mahogany. It stains beautifully or, if allowed to patina naturally, it is absolutely stunning. I’ve also recently used mesquite. And oak has made a bit of a comeback, but not the golden oak of the ‘80s. Today it is stained a deep solid ebony color and has a very Scandinavian look to it.
Reporting that maple, cherry, alder, hickory, bamboo, and quarter-sawn red oak are popular with her customers says Dupree. “Painted maple in off white with a glaze or pure white is popular,” she says. Espresso and onyx on maple, oak and cherry, as well as medium tones on maple, cherry, and alder are also in favor, she adds, and mentions that aluminum frames are being mixed with wood finishes for a contemporary look.
There are a number of sources for custom cabinetry in the Greater Nashville area including:
B. Williams Design
Nashville
615/ 300-8688
Boyce Cabinet Solutions
Brentwood
615/ 376-9727
Chris’ Custom Cabinets
Nashville
615/ 385-4044
Gunter Woodworking
Nashville
615/ 849-5722
French’s Cabinet Gallery
Franklin
615/ 371-8385
Hantel Kitchens & Baths
Nashville
615/ 292-3070
Hermitage Kitchen Design Gallery
Nashville
615/ 843-3300
Mark Casserly
Franklin
615/ 794-8045
Shelf Genie
Nashville
888/267-1830
Thomas Kitchen & Bath
Lebanon
615/ 449-6554
Trends & Traditions
Nashville
615/ 399-0661