Want Cabinetry with Style? - Page 2

hand-sanded hardwood cabinet doors.

If price is an objective, then stock may be the way to go, but that doesn't mean at the expense of modernist style. Ikea's Akurum style offers clean lines, ready accessibility for installation and reasonable prices.

"They have a great design. For the price point, it's terrific," says Glessner of Akurum. "They really have cabinetry that works in Eichlers."

"They have a linear-grain wood that looks really good. I'm considering using it now," she says of a kitchen she is designing for a San Mateo home," while adding of Ikea, "They're pretty much the only one you can get right away."

Some cabinet lines are notable in part because of unusual approaches to the materials used. Seattle-based Kerf Design sticks to stylish cabinets and drawers made, apart from the hardware, of simple plywood and plastic laminate. Alternatively, Henrybuilt cabinets offer options like high-pressure laminates and a range of wood including American black walnut, reclaimed Douglas fir, white oak, teak, or bamboo.

If you admire German engineering and design sense, then Alno or Leicht may fit your gestalt. Leicht has been building custom cabinetry for 80 years and offers nine product lines, ranging from luxury to affordable. Alno is another manufacturer that offers unusual material combinations, such as ceramic or brushed stainless steel door fronts.

Many people, including Glessner, find Italian-designed cabinets to be almost irresistible. 'Kitchen Cabinetry Showcase' highlights four different lines emanating from that Mediterranean source: Aran Cucine, Effeti, Pedini, and Scavolini. Of these, European-born Glessner has used Aran Cucine the most.

"I think they have the perfect lines for mid-century modern homes, and they have tons of options," she says of Aran Cucine, a cabinetmaker that the story notes is a favorite among celebrity decorators. "I like it because of all the possibilities. You can really be creative…They provide a really great overall solution."

Among the other Italian companies featured, Effeti is a luxury line, while Pedini and Scavolini are more affordable.

You can read more about our dozen cabinet-line selections with accompanying photos—while getting a sneak preview of the new winter '15 CA-Modern—by clicking here right now for 'Kitchen Cabinetry Showcase.'