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Choosing a custom cabinet to create the cabinet of your dreams

You are building a new space or rehabilitating an existing space. It can be anything from a kitchen to a law office. You want to make this space dramatic and memorable. What is the best way to do this? Cabinetmakers can answer this question for you. Custom cabinets may be just what you are looking for. A custom cabinet can be not only a place to store your tools of the trade, but also a durable piece of art. Cabinets made of hand-finished and polished wood have a luster that brings the room to life. You will proudly bring friends or clients. They will know immediately that you are a person with style and taste.

When choosing a custom cabinet maker, start by defining your personal style and envisioning the type of cabinets you envision living with. What’s your overall style preference: dated, modern, intricate, or stark? What are your wood preferences? Do you like light woods that brighten the room or do you prefer the dignity of darker colors? Let your mind wander. Consult your spouse, partner or confidante.

When you have the beginnings of some ideas in your head, you can begin the selection process to choose the cabinetmaker. This step requires research. Since the development of the Internet, the first part of this process has become much easier. Any cabinetmaker who wants to do business will have an Internet presence. Each site will be different from the others as each artisan expresses their individuality. A good site will have a statement of purpose or philosophy. The craftsman will tell you how he works and how he feels about the creative process. You can also view a portfolio of previous work. When you compare the photographs of different people, you can get a good idea of ​​how the style of each craftsman fits in with your style.

But studying candidates on the Internet is not enough. Sure, you can limit your choice to a small number of candidates, but then the next step is to visit each craftsman to discuss their needs and vision and see actual work samples. Be critical. Check the samples. How are the drawers constructed? Are the joints comfortable and orderly? Will they last through the centuries? Are the finishes impeccable? While a visit to the studio is enlightening, the craftsman will want to see your space as well. A more in-depth discussion can cover your vision of what can be done in your space.

Lastly, you should talk about money. How do different people compare when it comes to price? At this point, they will only be rough estimates. The actual estimate can be made only by the final choice. When you have made your final selection, you can come up with the final design and construction plan. When all these steps have been completed, you can start working. As you watch your new cabinets take shape, you will have a growing sense of pride in what you and the cabinetmaker are accomplishing.