Design Blog
Design Tips for Cabinetry: Before And After Projects
More than any other piece of furniture, cabinetry provides your home with both beauty and practicality.
This Design Connection Inc. project tour shows you the impact of the right cabinets, from the hearth room to the master bath! Check out our before and after photos, and read our design tips for cabinetry makeovers.
Kitchen and Hearth Room Cabinet Update
For this client’s kitchen remodel, the Design Connection, Inc. team was able to work with the existing cabinets and layout. The cabinets and island were in good condition, but needed a refresh.

As part of this redesign, we gave the kitchen cabinets new life with stain and paint. The perimeter kitchen cabinets were stained in a dark java, and the island was painted in a classic, Galveston gray – a Design Connection, Inc. favorite!

The tall cabinetry in the hearth room, like the cabinetry in the kitchen, was well-constructed. It was in good condition, but it was short on style.

Design Tip: We carried the paint and finish upgrades from the kitchen to the hearth room. We painted the fireplace cabinetry in Galveston gray to coordinate with the kitchen island. New hardware and fireplace tile complete this polished new look!

Kitchen Update: Warmth and Harmony
This client’s kitchen had high-quality cabinetry and a functional layout. However, the tones in the kitchen lacked harmony. The dark finish on the cabinets created a stark contrast with the light wood floors and white back splash. Our client wanted the space to feel more cozy and warm, without losing its sense of elegance.

Design Tip: The Design Connection Inc. team evened out the contrasting tones. We warmed up the flooring and painted the cabinetry in a rich mocha with matte gold hardware. The pendant lighting in a matte gold finish make this space feel inviting. Bar stools in a taupe herringbone fabric add both coziness and style.

Glass Inset Cabinet Doors: Display Space and Drama
Custom cabinets are an excellent choice for long-term use and enjoyment. These glass inset cabinet doors look stunning on either side of the sink. We lowered the cabinets, and added moldings to the doors to give them more depth. We custom-painted the cabinets and finished the elegant look with antique gold hardware and plumbing.

Design Tip: In an open concept floor plan, design works best when it flows from space to space. This beautiful buffet with glass insert cabinet doors takes its cue from the kitchen cabinets. The buffet was stained in a rich brown with a quartzite counter top and back splash. LED-lit class panels and glass shelving highlight the display areas.

The Magic Silver Leaf Lining
In this pre-renovation dining room, the cabinets flanking the French doors were a pretty detail. Yet their impact was lost in this dimly-lit and chair-dominated room.

Design Tip: Heighten the impact of glass inset cabinets with silver leaf.
The design concept for this now-gorgeous dining room took these cabinets to the next level. We lined the cabinet interiors with silver leaf to reflect light through the glass inserts. The silver leaf transformed the upper cabinets from average to elegant! New counter tops and hardware add to the glamour.

Custom Cabinetry in the Master Bathroom
Balancing space, style and function in the bathroom sometimes calls for custom cabinetry solutions. To meet the requirements of our client’s wish list, the Design Connection Inc team created this beautiful and practical master bathroom. The custom cabinets have a furniture base and raised-panel doors and drawers. Built-ins include a makeup vanity and a full-size linen wardrobe.
Wish list accomplished!

The beautiful result features clear-coated alder wood in the cabinet interior and the wardrobe shelves.

To see more projects, view the Design Connection, Inc. portfolio HERE – and on HOUZZ
The Design Connection Inc. team hope that all of our clients, suppliers, partners and readers are staying well.
Our best to you all,
Arlene Ladegaard and the Design Connection, Inc. Team
Arlene@DesignConnectionInc.com.
We don’t design for what’s next. We design for what lasts.
Photography by Aaron Leimkuehler