A great countertop can still look unfinished if the edge is rough, chipped, or just a little too plain. I’ve trimmed a lot of countertop edges in my workshop, and the right detail can make even a budget surface feel custom. Mitered Thick-Slab Illusion Make a thin top look luxe with a crisp mitered edge that creates a thick-slab illusion. When a countertop is thin but you want it to look expensive, I build a…
Old farmhouse kitchens have this cozy, been-around-forever feeling that makes you want to linger with a cup of coffee and a cutting board full of snacks. Salvaged Door Turned Island Top A salvaged wood door becomes a one-of-a-kind island top—full of character and charm. This one always gets a double take: I’ve used a salvaged wood door as an island top, keeping the panels and old nail holes visible. With a protective finish, it becomes…
A rustic range hood can turn your cooktop wall into the coziest focal point in the whole kitchen. I’ve built a bunch of them in my shop, and the magic is always the same: warm wood textures paired with a little metal patina. Chimney-Style Hood to the Ceiling Chimney-style rustic hood to the ceiling—stacked wood panels that elevate the whole kitchen. Running a rustic range hood “chimney” all the way up makes the kitchen feel…
Cabinet fronts do so much of the heavy lifting in a room, because they’re basically the “face” you see all day long. I’ve rebuilt and refinished a lot of doors in my workshop, and the right cabinet front design can make even a basic cabinet box feel totally custom. Raised Panel Cabinet Fronts Raised panel cabinet fronts add timeless depth—crafted in light oak with soft Scandinavian calm. When I want a more traditional, furniture-like feel,…
If there’s one place I love to “steal” storage space, it’s the inside of a cabinet door. With a few smart holders, you can turn that blank vertical surface into the tidy little command center your kitchen or bathroom’s been begging for. Shallow Spice Rack Rails Shallow rail spice racks keep jars secure—an elegant pantry door upgrade in light oak. A slim, tiered spice rack on a pantry cabinet door is my favorite “why didn’t…
A contrasting kitchen island is my favorite way to make a kitchen feel layered and intentional without changing every cabinet. If your space is looking a little one-note, a smart hit of color contrast or wood tone contrast on the island instantly gives your room a focal point. Mixed Hardware to Spotlight the Island Mixed island hardware adds bold contrast—matte black pulls make the oak island the star. Keeping perimeter hardware simple and giving the…
If you love a kitchen that feels airy, lived-in, and easy to work in, open cabinets can be such a game-changer. Build In Between Studs for a Flush Look Flush built-in open niche—between studs—for a custom, architectural look with zero bulk. A recessed open cabinet (like a little built-in niche) feels custom and doesn’t stick out into your space. I’ve framed these between studs for spice jars and mugs, and I love how “architectural” it…
A good built-in pantry cabinet can turn everyday kitchen chaos into that calm, “everything has a place” feeling. I’ve built a lot of pantries over the years, and the best ones always blend right into the cabinetry while making storage crazy-easy to reach. Butler-Style Counter Nook Inside the Pantry Butler-style pantry counter nook: a mini prep zone with warm wood, bold accents, and calm order. A little pantry countertop inside your built-in is a game-changer…
Kitchen cabinet pulls are the quickest way I know to change the whole vibe of a kitchen without touching a saw. Think of them like jewelry for your cabinets—small detail, big payoff when you match them to your door style, paint color, and countertops. Unlacquered Brass for a Living Finish Unlacquered brass pulls on navy cabinetry—patina that turns everyday use into heritage. If you like a kitchen that feels collected over time, unlacquered brass pulls…
A double door pantry is one of those upgrades that makes your kitchen feel instantly bigger, cleaner, and more intentional the second you swing it open. Built-In Countertop Inside the Pantry A hidden butcher-block counter inside double pantry doors—clean, cozy, and kitchen-saving. If you have the depth, I love adding a small pantry countertop behind double doors for a toaster, mixer, or coffee setup. I’ve done this with butcher-block scraps, and it keeps the kitchen…
