Cabinet Doors + Art=Maple Craft Doors

One of the benefits of working for a custom cabinet shop like Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co. is OPTIONS!  Many of the projects I work on are combinations of both manufactured and custom cabinets.  We can order it.  We can make it all (including doors) or we can make the cabinet boxes and order the doors.  Speaking of doors, how about these doors?!If you know me you know I’m drawn to anything different, quirky, off the beaten path.  I think these cabinet fronts by  Maple Craft  Doors fit the bill.  They’re definitely at the higher end of the price spectrum but consider this:  you don’t have to use them for the whole kitchen.  In fact because they’re so striking less is actually more.Frank Dyck, Administrator/Sales at Maple Craft had this to say about these uber cool doors (MY COMMENTS INSERTED IN CAPS):

"We have the ability of creating a custom wood pattern that runs from door to door through the entire kitchen. (OK SO I LIED,  IT CAN ALSO BE COOL TO GO ALL THE WAY) There are some limitations to how detailed we can go as far as sharp corners and such but the possibilities are endless.

All the customer has to do is send a front view of the cabinet with door/drawer sizes and a rough sketch of their artwork. (JUST THINK, YOUR ART ON YOUR CABINETS!!)

We do the final drawing,  send back for confirmation and as soon as we have confirmation, production is about 14 working days.

This is also something that the general public has for the most part not seen." (YOU'VE GOT THAT RIGHT.  I WAS HARD PRESSED TO FIND OTHER EXAMPLES)

I did find this leaf-pattern rosewood inlay side board from One King's Lane.  I love it and it's perfect if you're going for a Mid-Century vibe.  (In fact, I also discovered this treasure trove of cabinet curiosity on Pinterest.)

Another original fun door I spied at Maple Craft Door is the Hilton.  Each door and drawer panel is custom programmed. By doing this, they create a random pattern over the whole kitchen.

So what do you think?  How crazy are you willing to go in the kitchen?  It's beautiful and unique but will you love it in 20 years? I believe this creativity could be timeless.

Poggenpohl, Ultimate Form and Function

Whether your in the market for a new kitchen or you're in the business of selling kitchens one of the first questions that comes up is, “what’s your style?” Are you traditional, transitional or contemporary?  If the answer is contemporary, the elements to look for include seamless integration, totally efficient function and clean sleek lines.  These happen to be the standards at Poggenpohl, founded over 120 years ago as the first German kitchen brand and now  the best known kitchen brand in the world – present in more than 70 countries around the globe.  Poggenpohl can show you what true European contemporary design is all about.Today they continue to think outside the box (pun intended) to offer some of the   most cutting edge cabinetry in the industry.          

Behind the scenes storage is also a Poggenpohl hallmark.  A wide range of  available drawer inserts can be customized to your needs.  These kitchens are not designed, they’re engineered!  This includes not only cabinets but thin counter tops, offered in glass or stone, and even integrated glass front cooking appliances!  One can be sure that their kitchens are as pleasurable to look at as they are to work in.  I also love that although the elements are integrated they seem to also stand alone as individual sculptural statements.  (Spoken like a true kitchen designer channeling her inner artist.)A modern European kitchen utilizes the easy to reach back splash area under the upper cabinets.  Other elements to notice include horizontal graining, mid-height cabinetry and a mix of texture and materials. I enjoyed learning about Poggenpohl and their design philosophy as a part of the Modenus Blog Tour New Orleans.Next up:  We’re gonna get steamy at KFL!  Adding luxury and health benefits to your bathing experience with Mr. Steam

BEAUTY IS SKIN DEEP ON NEW VENEER DOORS

Brendan has done it again!  One of our favorite clients has been exploring exotic wood veneers as a way to add unique beauty to their new dream kitchen. (See previous post about wood veneers here).  They chose Olive Ash  Burl veneer and here are the doors we've come up with.  The first is a dark stained cherry frame around a natural Olive Ash Burl veneer center panel.

The swirls of the burl are stunning.  They stimulate the imagination.  With every glance a new shape emerges.  Maybe this would be a good tool for psychlogists! Keep in mind that a little goes a long way here.   I probably wouldn't use these for every single door in your kitchen.  Use them as a focal point.  Not only will it have just the right amount of impact but you'll save money by mixing it up with a basic.The second door is slab-styled with a dark stained Olive Ash Burl veneer face.  The edge banding is a smooth dark stained cherry to match.  They are going to become part of our standard offering here at Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co. and shall be named!  Any good ideas?  I'm open to suggestions.  Oh and by the way, this veneer comes from various parts of Europe, in case that influences your decision.Don't forget to check out the Tip of the Day at Blanco by Design as we count down to Earth Day.  You can find mine featured today!