Projects

CLASSIC WALNUT

GRAND RAPIDS | MI

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Room: Whole Home
Material: Walnut & Painted HDF
Door Style: Boardwalk
Budget: $70,000

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The Story

01
The Opportunity
This project was part of a whole-home remodel for a house that had started to feel dated. The homeowners wanted it to feel new again while holding onto its traditional roots. Cabinetry played a central role in that shift. As one of the largest visual elements in any kitchen or bath, it set the tone for how the rest of the home would feel.
02
What We Discovered
The existing cabinetry was a big part of what made the home feel stuck in another era. But replacing it with something trendy would have felt just as out of place in a house with this much traditional character. The real opportunity was to design cabinetry that felt timeless: rooted in classic styles and craftsmanship, but with cleaner lines, better function, and a more thoughtful mix of materials.
03
Finding Alignment
In the kitchen, we paired two cabinetry styles to bring the home forward without losing its warmth. White shaker cabinetry along the perimeter keeps the working areas bright and clean, while a dark painted island grounds the center of the room. Walnut furniture-style pieces frame the space and give it a sense of history, as if they'd been part of the home for generations. In both bathrooms, white cabinetry keeps the look fresh and consistent with the kitchen while suiting the more personal scale of those rooms.
04
Bringing It to Life
The walnut cabinetry is the heart of the update. A glass-front china cabinet with brass latches and cup pulls showcases treasured pieces, while a matching hutch conceals a full coffee station, with a pull-out shelf for the espresso machine and a row of small drawers below for everyday essentials. Crown molding and framed panels give both pieces the presence of fine furniture. On the white cabinetry, matte black hardware adds a crisp, current edge that balances the warmth of the wood. In the primary bath, a double vanity with inset-style detailing, a furniture-like base, and leather strap pulls feels tailored and relaxed. The second bath's white vanity offers generous drawer storage in a clean, classic form. Across every room, the cabinetry carries the same idea: traditional in spirit, refreshed in the details.
05
Living With It
The new cabinetry makes daily life easier as much as it updates the look. The coffee station keeps the morning routine organized and out of sight when not in use, the china cabinet puts special pieces on display right where they're used for entertaining, and the island and perimeter give the kitchen clear, efficient work zones. In the bathrooms, ample drawers keep counters clear and routines simple.
06
Takeaways
Cabinetry can do more to transform a home than almost any other single element. Updating a traditional home doesn't require abandoning its style; it's about choosing cabinetry that honors that style while improving function and feel. Mixing painted and stained finishes, adding furniture-inspired pieces, and sweating the details like hardware and storage can make a classic home feel new without losing its soul.