From Concept to Creation: Custom Cabinetry
Intentional Home Design with Sean’s Cabinetry
One of the most common questions I receive as a home influencer is, “Where is your cabinetry from?” I know it can be frustrating when I respond with the vague, “It’s custom.” Today, I want to change that by diving into the world of custom cabinetry, sharing my personal experiences, and highlighting my local friends at Sean’s Cabinetry in Cokato, Minnesota. This process isn’t just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s about intentional, organic modern design that reflects both my style and values. I’ll walk you through the journey of bringing a vision to life while celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship that only a local cabinet maker can provide.
Initial Idea: Where to Start
Inspiration
Before stepping into a cabinet shop, it’s essential to do your homework. I recommend coming prepared with a clear vision of what you’re looking for—think potential colors, styles, and hardware that resonate with you. Create a Pinterest board filled with ideas that truly make your heart sing. This groundwork is crucial because, once you enter the shop, the multitude of choices can be overwhelming.
While I suggest working with a designer for expert guidance, I also want to emphasize that most cabinet makers have a wealth of experience and can often intuitively grasp the look you want to achieve. For instance, Sean’s Cabinetry did this seamlessly for both my lower-level cabinets and my mom's full kitchen remodel. Their team offered creative ideas and suggestions that I hadn’t even considered. To kick off my project, I started with my own drawing, which served as a springboard for our collaborative journey.
Organic Modern Shapes + The Richness of Walnut
This initial drawing and the accompanying samples reflect my desire for a unique Walnut piece that complements our home’s mix of White Oak, and Maple elements. Mixing woods is possible, but they must harmonize together. The bottom was too dark, but I loved the lighter elements of the top sample.
Drawing, Planning, and Collaboration
The journey of creating custom cabinetry begins with initial sketches that capture your vision. For me, Nora and Sean’s visit to my home was a game changer. They took precise measurements and discussed the plan in person, a refreshing contrast to my previous experiences where I always had to go to the cabinet maker. This personal approach made a significant difference.
With my initial drawing and their measurements, we collaboratively developed a rough draft, determining the number of shelves, doors, and other elements needed to make the piece both functional and beautiful. Our collaboration continued seamlessly through email, calls, and video chats. I appreciated how we could achieve so much more together—often, when I was ready to email, they preferred a call, allowing us to dive into details more quickly and accurately.
When I designed my mom's kitchen with them, the experience was entirely different, as she was new to custom cabinetry. If that’s you, fear not! Sean’s came to her home equipped with a binder full of detailed explanations for every choice she would face that day. From shaker vs. flat panel and rift sawn vs. quarter sawn to hardware options, soft-close drawers, and glass inserts—the choices felt endless, but they were there to guide her through each decision with clarity and support.
At Sean’s in Cokato, I’m observing (and photographing) the sanding process for the walnut doors. Afterward, we headed to the staining area, where I chose a clear coat to enhance the wood's natural beauty. It was amazing to see the dedication and talent of all the hardworking hands involved in bringing this project to life.
Bringing It All Together
The installation process of custom cabinetry is something I truly underestimated. It’s an art in itself to make everything fit perfectly, especially on walls that aren’t always quite level. This tedious and critical process is best left to professionals who can ensure that each piece is installed with precision.
Once the cabinetry was in place, it enhanced the area in a way that no store-bought furniture could. Not only is it stunning, but it also serves a practical purpose in the kids' living room by discreetly hiding the gaming system, controllers, extra blankets, and games. Storage is key for achieving a sleek, minimal look, and this cabinetry delivers on that front.
The warm wood, although darker than my Scandinavian-rooted design, adds a more masculine touch that suits the three young men who spend the most time down here. Overall, the cabinetry has transformed the space, combining beauty with functionality in perfect harmony.
Stunning. A kid friendly, masculine yet bright, lovely room for a lovely piece of art. 🤎
Embracing Local Craftsmanship
Reflecting on the journey from idea to installation, it’s clear that custom cabinetry is more than just furniture; it embodies intentional, simplistic, organic modern design that enhances our living spaces. The collaboration with a talented local cabinet maker not only resulted in this stunning piece but also fostered a connection to the craftsmanship that defines our homes. Local is always best - and so are custom cabinets, nothing compares! (No link any influencer sends you will match them).
I encourage you to consider local craftsmanship for your own projects. Exploring custom cabinetry options can transform your space and provide a unique touch that mass-produced items simply can’t match. If you’re inspired to start your own journey, and your also local to Minnesota, I invite you to visit Sean’s Cabinetry in Cokato to discover how they can help bring your vision, uniqueness and custom home to life.