WHEN IT COMES TO KITCHEN AND BATHROOM REMODELS—the two rooms that continue to be the most popular choices for renovations and updates —there is no question that selecting the right cabinetry is a crucial step in the process. In the kitchen, cabinetry will usually take up a significant amount of space and set the tone for the look and feel of the entire room. Bathroom cabinetry entails a smaller footprint but is just as important in storing everyday items while providing aesthetic value. With many styles, colors and functional elements to choose from, cabinetry decisions can be a fun but overwhelming aspect of a project. We spoke to local professionals for tips that can help homeowners looking to make the leap to a brand-new kitchen or bath.

Q: Clean lines and a minimalist style seem to be trending in cabinetry at the moment. Do you see that happening with your clientele?
“Kitchen design obviously changes year after year and it’s definitely moved from where it was eight years ago, when there were a lot of traditional browns and creams. Now there are a lot of grays and whites and straight lines. It’s more of a clean look and we call it a Euro look. I don’t think in the United States we’re at that full Euro look; it’s probably more in California than on the East Coast. A lot of style influence comes from West to East, so if something is coming out in California it generally hits us a year to a year and a half later. It’s starting to  come over our way now and a lot of people are looking for clean, minimalist lines.”
Damien Massa
Co-owner
Floors Just For You
Turnersville, N.J.
(856) 432-6269
FloorsJustForYou.com

Q: What are the benefits to going with custom cabinetry over a stock product?
“No. 1 is the service that most times comes with custom cabinetry. If you buy a stock cabinet, the service is obviously very poor because the cabinet is made who knows where and there’s nobody standing behind the integrity and quality of the cabinet. If you buy it from the local, custom cabinet shop, typically that’s much better because you get better quality and better service. There’s no fillers and they’re all custom sized to fit your space, which is a much cleaner look in the end. Basically, the sky is the limit [with decorative elements]. There’s an endless amount of custom, specialty details that can be added. We can design or craft something from a picture   someone has seen in a magazine. It’s not just a cabinet out of a box; anything you think of that can be made out of wood can be custom made.”
Jonas Stoltzfus
Co-founder
Sweet Water Woodworks
Narvon, Pa.
(610) 273-1270
SWWoodworksLLC.com

Q: Does custom cabinetry add significantly to the timeline of the project?
“The timeline varies from one company to another. If cabinets are only being supplied, not installed, then usually the delivery can be made more quickly. However, when dealing with a local cabinet shop it is best to have them do the complete install so if there is a quality control issue or fitment problem it can get remedied right away. You may have longer lead times to accommodate the install schedule, but it is worth the wait if you want more of a concierge service.”
Dan Dilworth
Owner
Dilworth’s Custom Design
Phoenixville, Pa.
(610) 917-9119
DilworthsCustomDesign.com

Q: What styles are trending in the industry right now?
“Farmhouse is a term used as much as any term I have encountered in my 25 years in the business. [We’re seeing] painted cabinets mixed with warmer wood tones to give the rooms a pop of color and warmth, almost leading into an industrial look with dark metals in shelving and framing in pictures or mirrors. The white kitchen with a wood-toned island or hood over the stove can bring in other parts of the home. If the dining room has a darker wood and the thought would be to remove it for something lighter, we can coordinate the wood tones to meld the spaces. If we are in need of a backsplash to pull the design together, we are using tiles   with designs on them for added interest in the room. Our sales staff will show you many options to create the look you love.”
Steve Matteo
Co-owner
Matteo Family Kitchens & Flooring Inc.
Woodstown, N.J.
(856) 769-2490
MatteoKitchens.com

Q: Why is glide-out shelving so popular and what kind of problems can it solve in cabinetry?
“Our ShelfGenie glide-out shelving helps with accessibility and organization in any cabinet or pantry. The glide-outs utilize full extension rails so you can easily access your kitchen or bathroom’s essentials in your cabinets. There is no more bending over and reaching the back of a dark cabinet to try to find something. Our experienced designers work with the homeowner to collaboratively design how the glideouts will best meet their needs. We will ask how they use their kitchen, what problems there are and then review our solutions. We will then design a plan together that will exceed all expectations for better accessibility and organization.”
Vaughn Hunsicker
ShelfGenie of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pa.
(215) 850-4463
ShelfGenie.com/Philadelphia

Q: Do you think it’s important for customers to visit a showroom so they can see different types of cabinetry rather than make choices based on a picture?
“I feel that a hands-on approach that includes touching and seeing the product is far paramount to just seeing it on the internet. Getting a good idea of what you’re paying for helps anyone at any price point purchase with confidence. You want to be comfortable with what you’re purchasing and what you’re investing into your home. Having a real-time feel and real-time interaction not only with the designer but with the product is an important part of the process. [Some prefer] white cabinetry, whether it be a raised panel or more predominantly a shaker style, and it is becoming a timeless look f or people in their kitchens. Bold colors have also been on the rise. It all depends on who walks through the door. We see a lot of different flavors, a lot of different ideas and a lot of different interests.”
Buddy Ralston
General Manager
Bucks County Wholesale Kitchens, Baths, Cabinets & Flooring
Langhorne, Pa.
(267) 358-5247
BucksCountyWholesale.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 21, Issue 6 (January/February 2021). 
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