Why You Should Invest in Custom Cabinetry, According to Experts
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We have all flipped through the pages of House Beautiful and scrolled through the many boards of Pinterest pining over those kitchens, bathrooms, and even walk-in closets that appear oh-so-perfectly laid out, well organized, and admirably functional. Well, those inspo-board-worthy spaces all have one major thing in common: custom cabinetry.
It’s the kind of cabinet design with the perfect amount of drawers and ample storage– including built-in compartments for specific items you didn’t even realize you could have. The kind that makes you yearn to replace your upper cabinets with glass fronts or open shelving. With millwork painted in a seemingly unattainable shade that isn't even on Pantone’s Color of the Year list yet. The spaces seem so well-rounded and thought out that they must be one of a kind. That’s because they are.
The reality of it is, custom cabinetry is the key to obtaining your dream, unique-to-you-and-your-needs home. We tapped the experts at O’Brien Harris to find out the benefits of opting for bespoke cabinetry. O’Brien Harris, made up of designers and craftspeople, is known for their blend of British sensibility and American craftsmanship to create tailored cabinetry. With an emphasis on precise proportions, their own work provides examples of the value of customization and why you should invest. So if you’re ready to stop pining (and pinning!) over other people’s homes and start planning your very own specialized cabinet revamp, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn the major perks of custom millwork. Best part is they're all about you!
Let Your Style Shine
Whether you’re itching for a bold monochromatic moment or want to mix and match your hues, bespoke cabinetry gives you the ability to play with color. From choice of wood, cabinet style, decorative trim, stain, to paint color you can decide on every detail of your cabinetry.
Drawn to green, this family wanted a “jolt” pass through space that would connect but stand out from the elegant kitchen and dining room. The custom made cabinet color by O’Brien Harris is "Gondola Ride” in a high gloss finish. It's paired perfectly with the Green Esmeralda counter and backsplash from Calia Stone Boutique in this space designed by Jasmin Reese.
A dark bar was designed at the north end of this kitchen mirroring a dark butler’s pantry at the south end. The contrast of the mainly bright kitchen space sandwiched between the dark end caps anchors the space.
Custom cabinetry allows you to get creative beyond just paint color. Add elegant details like this gray flannel cabinetry with polished stainless-steel inlay that O'Brien Harris did in this primary bathroom designed by Julie Novy of JWN Designs.
Find Smart Solutions to Your Home's Unique Problems
With custom cabinetry, the awkward spaces and obscure nuances of your home can be addressed. There are many architectural challenges working with older homes, but when you opt for hand-crafted instead of cookie cutter, the needs of your home can be perfectly met. O’Brien Harris makes sure to capture every inch of space by working all the angles—literally. Customizing cabinets with different depths and angles can maximize every home’s footprint.
O’Brien Harris designed a divider with storage to separate the kitchen from the family room, which becomes a level transition since the family room is sunken. The kitchen side of the divider functions as a buffet. The family room side hides the TV and AV—the drawers are deep and functional.
As avid entertainers, this family liked the idea of an open kitchen but wanted to add a sound barrier so friends can be in the kitchen talking while sports are playing in the other room. O’Brien Harris designed a large interior steel window to divide the spaces while maintaining an airy, open feel.
“We love designing kitchens for families and this kitchen needed to include a family dining space—an integrated built-in banquette was the perfect solution," says Laura O’Brien. The functional family space was designed by Brynn Olson Design Group.
Quite the opposite for a home of clients in the wine industry who entertain constantly. O’Brien Harris custom fit this bar to hold 151 bottles of wine so no one’s cup goes empty at the dining table.
An extensive shoe collection is beautifully displayed in custom gray flannel finish cabinetry by O'Brien Harris, making finishing off the perfect look a breeze.
Maximize Your Space With These Fun Features
One great benefit to choosing to customize your cabinetry is the ability to add features that put the fun in functionality. O’Brien Harris works with clients to identify their needs and create unique solutions for their space. They created everything from a fitted knife drawer to a pull-out laundry hamper with bins for darks and lights. Some of the best examples of this are the below covetable kitchen features.
Paper towels a short reach away when you need them and tucked away when you don't.
Coffee lovers can rejoice over this custom coffee pod storage by designer Julie Novy of JWN Designs.
Prep work is a breeze when the cutting board is built in.
A place for everything and everything in its place.
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