The Hottest Trends in Kitchen Cabinet Colors for 2024

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and when it comes to renovating or designing this space, choosing the right cabinet colors can make a significant impact.

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In 2024, we’re witnessing a refreshing departure from traditional neutrals as homeowners and designers embrace bold and innovative choices. Let’s delve into the hottest trends in kitchen cabinet colors that are taking the design world by storm.

The year 2024 is all about embracing color and creativity in kitchen cabinet choices. From moody blues and greens to warm earthy tones and sleek matte blacks, homeowners and designers have a plethora of options to make their culinary space truly unique and inspiring. Whether you’re a fan of bold statements or subtle accents, there’s a cabinet color trend to suit every taste and style. So, why stick to the ordinary when you can embrace the extraordinary in your kitchen design?

The Evolution From Cupboard To Cabinet

Have you ever wondered why cabinets are sometimes called cupboards? Read on to learn more.

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The evolution from cupboards to cabinets is a fascinating journey that reflects changes in societal needs, technological advancements, and design preferences over time. Let’s explore the key milestones in this evolution.

Early Origins of Cupboards:

Medieval Cupboards: The concept of cupboards can be traced back to medieval times when they were primarily used for the display of cups and dishes. These early cupboards were simple wooden structures with shelves or drawers, often adorned with decorative elements like carvings or ornate hardware. Doors were added to cupboards in the 16th century.

Functionality Over Aesthetics: In medieval households, cupboards served a practical purpose, providing storage for valuable items such as dishes, linens, and foodstuffs. Functionality took precedence over aesthetics, with cupboards designed to be sturdy and utilitarian rather than decorative.

White and teal kitchen cabinets

Transition to Cabinets:

Industrial Revolution: The advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century brought significant changes to manufacturing processes and materials. Mass production techniques made it possible to produce cabinets more efficiently, leading to the emergence of new styles and designs. And, as style and ingenuity progressed, cabinets in the home became more mainstream with the use of multi-function, free standing units that not only stored items on open shelves and in covered compartments; and also included items such as integrated ironing boards, seating, and stepping platforms to access dishes on high shelves.

Rise of Built-In Cabinetry: With advancements in construction techniques, built-in cabinets became increasingly popular in homes. Instead of freestanding cupboards, homeowners began incorporating cabinets into the architecture of rooms, optimizing space and creating a seamless look.

Technological Innovations: Innovations in woodworking tools and machinery allowed for greater precision and customization in cabinet construction. Adjustable shelves, drawers, and compartments became standard features, offering enhanced storage options for a variety of items.

Modern Era:

Sleek and Streamlined Designs: As the 20th century progressed, there was a shift towards sleeker and more streamlined designs. Cabinets evolved to embody a modern aesthetic, characterized by clean lines, smooth surfaces, and minimalist hardware.

Customization and Versatility: With the rise of modular design, cabinets became increasingly customizable to accommodate individual storage needs. Homeowners could now configure cabinets with adjustable shelves, pull-out trays, and other accessories to maximize functionality.

Integration of Technology: In contemporary homes, cabinets are often equipped with integrated technology such as lighting, power outlets, and smart storage solutions. These features enhance convenience and efficiency, catering to the demands of modern living.

The evolution from cupboards to cabinets reflects broader shifts in design, technology, and lifestyle preferences throughout history. While cupboards served as practical storage solutions in medieval times, cabinets have evolved to meet the demands of modern living, offering customizable, integrated, and aesthetically pleasing storage options for today’s homes. Whether as standalone units or built-in fixtures, cabinets continue to play a vital role in organizing and optimizing space in our living environments.

Overlay vs. Inset Cabinetry: Exploring the Aesthetic Depths

When it comes to designing a dream kitchen or revamping a bathroom, cabinetry plays a pivotal role in both functionality and aesthetics. Two popular styles that often leave homeowners deliberating are overlay and inset cabinetry.

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Each possesses its unique charm and functionality, catering to distinct tastes and design preferences. In this blog, we will explore the differences between overlay and inset cabinetry, shedding light on their characteristics, advantages, and considerations.

Overlay Cabinetry:

Overlay cabinetry refers to doors and drawers that are mounted over the cabinet face frame, covering a portion of it. This style is further divided into two subtypes: partial overlay and full overlay. Read our blog that goes into more detail about overlay cabinets and how they compare to inset.

Pros:

  • Modern Aesthetic: Full overlay cabinets, in particular, offer a sleek and contemporary look, with minimal visible framework, which can complement modern interior designs.
  • Cost-Effective: Overlay cabinets generally require less precision in installation compared to inset cabinets, resulting in lower labor costs. Additionally, the materials used for overlay cabinets are often less expensive.
  • Easy Installation: Installation of overlay cabinets is generally simpler and quicker since they don’t require the precise measurements and alignment needed for inset cabinets.
  • Maximized Storage: Full overlay cabinets maximize storage space within the cabinet, as there are no visible gaps between doors and drawers.

Cons:

  • Less Traditional Appearance: While full overlay cabinets provide a modern aesthetic, some homeowners may find that they lack the traditional charm and character of inset cabinets.
  • Potential For Damage: Because doors and drawer fronts lay on top of the cabinet frame, they protrude out from the cabinet and may be more susceptible to dents, scratches, nicks, or water damage.
Painted kitchen with island

Inset Cabinetry:

Inset cabinetry takes a different approach by placing doors and drawers set inside the frame openings, flush with the cabinet face frame, providing a more customized and traditional look.

Pros:

  • Timeless Elegance: Inset cabinets exude a classic and timeless appeal, adding a sense of craftsmanship and sophistication to the space.
  • High-End Appearance: The precision craftsmanship required for inset cabinets results in a high-end appearance, often associated with luxury and bespoke cabinetry.
  • Flush Fit: Inset cabinets provide a flush fit with the cabinet frame, creating a seamless and cohesive look that can elevate the overall design of the kitchen or bathroom.

Cons:

  • Higher Cost: Inset cabinets typically come with a higher price tag due to the precise measurements, customizations, and craftsmanship required during production and installation.
  • Complex Installation: Installation of inset cabinets is more labor-intensive and time-consuming compared to overlay cabinets, as each door and drawer must be precisely fitted within the cabinet frame.
  • Potential for Wear and Tear: Inset cabinets may be more susceptible to wear and tear over time, as the doors and drawers are mounted flush with the frame, making them more prone to rubbing and friction.
white wood kitchen with gold accents, dark wooden fridge, stainless steel appliances and stone backsplash

Distinguishing Factors:

  1. Aesthetic Preference:
    • The choice between overlay and inset cabinetry often boils down to personal aesthetic preferences. If you lean towards a modern, streamlined look, full overlay or partial overlay may be the ideal choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a classic and timeless appeal, inset cabinetry might be the perfect fit.
  2. Budget Considerations:
    • Overlay cabinetry is generally more budget-friendly than inset cabinetry. The precision and craftsmanship required for inset doors and drawers often result in a higher price point.

Choosing between Showplace overlay and inset cabinetry is a decision that involves a careful balance between aesthetics and budget. Whether you opt for the sleek and modern appeal of overlay or the timeless elegance of inset, both styles can contribute to creating a stunning and functional space that suits your unique taste and lifestyle.

Unlocking Kitchen Design: A Deep Dive into Showplace Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets

When it comes to crafting your dream kitchen, one of the key decisions revolves around cabinet design. Showplace Cabinetry offers two distinct cabinet construction options: Framed and Frameless.

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Each style brings its own set of advantages, influencing not only aesthetics but also functionality. Let’s explore the nuances of Showplace Framed and Frameless cabinets to help you make an informed choice for your kitchen transformation.

Showplace Framed Cabinets: Traditional Elegance Meets Versatility

Framed cabinetry includes design styles with overlay doors and inset doors. Some of the benefits include:

Stained kitchen with painted island

Embracing Timeless Design

Framed cabinets, with their classic construction, showcase a traditional aesthetic that never goes out of style. The frame structure imparts a sense of elegance, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who appreciate enduring beauty.

Stained and painted kitchen

Versatility in Design

Showplace Framed cabinets provide endless design possibilities. From inset to full overlay doors, the framed style accommodates various configurations, allowing you to tailor the look to match your vision seamlessly.

PRO: Beyond the ease of design, framed cabinets boast easy installation.

CON: When you add internal storage components like drawers and roll trays, the frame causes the frame opening to be smaller, decreasing storage capacity in the drawer or roll tray.

White pantry cabinets

Structured Strength

The frame enhances the structural integrity of the cabinets, ensuring durability that withstands the test of time.

PRO: With framed construction, the chances for the cabinet box to rack or twist is minimal.

Showplace framed cabinets are certified with the KCMA.

Showplace Frameless Cabinets: Modern Simplicity Redefined

In addition to their modern appeal, Showplace Frameless cabinets offer a cost-effective solution without compromising quality or durability. The absence of a face frame streamlines the manufacturing process, resulting in lower production costs. This affordability makes frameless cabinetry an attractive option for those seeking a sleek, contemporary look without breaking the budget. Rest assured, with Showplace, you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams—both stylish and budget-friendly.

Contemporary vanity

Contemporary Appeal

Frameless cabinets, also known as full access or European style, embody a sleek and modern design. The absence of a face frame contributes to a clean, minimalist appearance, perfect for those who crave a contemporary vibe.

Contemporary kitchen

Maximized Storage

With no face frame to contend with, Showplace Frameless cabinets offer more storage space.

PRO: The full access design provides easy reach and allows for larger drawers and pull-outs, optimizing functionality in the kitchen.

Blue kitchen

Sophisticated Simplicity

Frameless cabinets exude simplicity and sophistication, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who prefer a streamlined and uncluttered aesthetic. The absence of a face frame allows the focus to shift entirely to the beauty of the cabinet doors and finishes, while structural integrity remains even without a frame.

PRO: Modern and sophisticated look, perfect for fashion-forward designs.

CON: This design simplicity means that sizing and construction customization is limited. The use of more fillers may be necessary.

Storage Comparison

Framed base cabinet with roll trays

Framed

Framed cabinet roll trays are mounted to vertical pilasters to allow the tray to clear doors when pulled out.

Frameless base cabinet with roll trays

Frameless

Frameless single-door cabinets have more storage because the roll tray is mounted to the cabinet side, using spacers on the hinge side to clear the door.

Choosing Your Ideal Cabinets: A Personal Journey

Ultimately, the decision between Showplace Framed and Frameless cabinets hinges on your personal style preferences, lifestyle, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your kitchen. Whether you lean towards the timeless elegance of framed cabinets or the modern simplicity of frameless, Showplace Cabinetry ensures that your choice aligns seamlessly with your vision.

Captivating Beauty Unveiled: Showplace Cabinetry Adds Rift White Oak

(HARRISBURG, SD) – Showplace Cabinetry is delighted to announce the addition of Rift White Oak to its exquisite product offering.

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Adding Rift White Oak brings Showplace’s total wood species to ten, giving designers and homeowners plenty of choices when paired with their growing selection of stains.

White oak is a beautiful hardwood with unique graining. The “rift” in Rift White Oak represents the special milling technique when cutting the log. This method showcases a less prominent ray fleck than featured in Quartersawn White Oak. Rift White Oak still has ray flecking, but it stays more in line with the natural grain adding a touch of sophistication and consistency to the wood’s overall aesthetic.

Additionally, when treated with light stains, Rift White Oak reveals its natural, understated beauty. The wood exhibits subtle variations in color, ranging from creamy tans to medium brown, with occasional hints of light brown to nearly white sapwood. This diversity adds depth and dimension, elevating the wood’s visual appeal.

Rift White Oak stains

“As the design landscape shifts from stark white to a more welcoming ambiance, Rift White Oak emerges as our top choice at Showplace.”

“As the design landscape shifts from stark white to a more welcoming ambiance, Rift White Oak emerges as our top choice at Showplace. Its sustainable nature, excellent finish adaptability, and refined grain patterns make it the ideal selection for evolving kitchen design,” states Lisa Myers, Showplace Product Development Manager.

“Recently, the popularity of Quartersawn White Oak has increased substantially, and we felt that adding Rift White Oak would provide another beautiful option.”

“At Showplace, we believe in crafting cabinets that not only meet but exceed the expectations of today’s consumer. Recently, the popularity of Quartersawn White Oak has increased substantially, and we felt that adding Rift White Oak would provide another beautiful option. We are excited to offer Rift White Oak with its unique grain pattern and timeless aesthetic,” notes Hannah Gebauer, Director of Marketing at Showplace.

Showplace Cabinetry is proud to offer Rift White Oak cabinets as part of its commitment to providing high-quality and trending options for home design.

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Quartersawn White Oak vs. Rift White Oak: Unveiling the Distinctions

White oak, a versatile and highly sought-after hardwood, has long been celebrated for its durability, appealing grain patterns, and versatility in various woodworking applications.

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Its popularity in crafting furniture, flooring, and cabinetry stems from its ability to exude both modern elegance and timeless charm.

Recognizing the distinct characteristics within white oak, Showplace offers this hardwood in two beautiful options:

  • Quartersawn White Oak
  • Rift White Oak

The differentiation lies in how the logs are cut, presenting customers with the choice between Quartersawn White Oak and Rift White Oak, each offering its own set of captivating features and visual appeal.

When you are selecting cabinetry for your living space, the wood you choose can significantly impact the final design’s look and feel. Quartersawn White Oak and Rift White Oak are two popular wood options, each offering unique qualities, including stunning ray fleck patterns and variances in color. These distinctive features are particularly pronounced when using our lighter stains like Natural, Buff, Sable, Sparrow, and others. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between quarter and rift sawn white oak.

But first, what is ray flecking?

The term is used to describe the appearance of medullary ray cells in wood. The medullary rays are lines of cells that radiate outward.

Because ray fleck is a common and visible component of white oak, it will be visible in both Quartersawn and Rift White Oak.  In Quartersawn White Oak, you can expect to see the ray fleck run both parallel to the grain and perpendicular to the grain.  In Rift White Oak, the ray fleck will run primarily with the grain, and up to 30 degrees off the direction of the grain.

So, what are the differences between Quartersawn and Rift White Oak?

Quartersawn White Oak, which refers to the type of cut used, offers its own captivating ray fleck patterns and color variations when adorned with lighter stains, delivering a distinct appearance compared to Rift White Oak. The wood’s unique grain pattern and other features come to life when lighter stains are applied:

    1. Emphasis on Ray Fleck: Light stains, such as sable or sparrow, on Quartersawn White Oak accentuate the remarkable ray fleck, creating a striking and captivating visual display.
    2. Rich Color Palette: When lighter stains are applied, Quartersawn White Oak exhibits an appealing range of colors, from creamy tans to medium brown, with some light brown to nearly white sapwood possible. These color variations add richness and depth to the wood’s overall appearance.

Classic Timelessness: Quartersawn White Oak, with its ray fleck and varied colors, imparts a timeless and traditional feel. This makes it an excellent choice for projects where a classic, enduring aesthetic is desired.

Rift White Oak is renowned for its captivating linear appearance and color variations when stained with the lighter shades in the Showplace finish lineup. The term “rift” refers to the way the wood is cut from the log, resulting in the following remarkable characteristics:

    1. Ray Fleck: Unlike the Quartersawn cut, the ray fleck will be less prominent in Rift and will not run perpendicular to the grain. (Consistent with other cabinetry manufacturers, Showplace Cabinetry does allow for 20% non-riftsawn (flatsawn or quartersawn) White Oak to be present on Rift White Oak orders.)
    2. Subtle Color Variation: Light stains on Rift White Oak bring out the wood’s natural, understated beauty. The subtle variation in color, often ranging from creamy tans to medium brown, with some light brown to nearly white sapwood possible, adds depth and dimension to the wood’s appearance.

Modern Aesthetics: Rift White Oak’s straight and consistent grain, combined with some ray fleck and light stain options, makes it an ideal choice for modern and minimalist designs, where clean lines and a touch of visual intrigue are highly prized.

Rift White Oak

Rift White Oak Natural Swatch View View
Natural
Rift White Oak Buff Swatch View View
Buff
Rift White Oak Truffle Swatch View View
Truffle
Rift White Oak Autumn Swatch View View
Autumn
Rift White Oak Cashew Swatch View View
Cashew
Rift White Oak Tawny Swatch View View
Tawny
Rift White Oak Montana Swatch View View
Montana
Rift White Oak Pampas Swatch View View
Pampas
Rift White Oak Sable Swatch View View
Sable
Rift White Oak Sparrow Swatch View View
Sparrow
Rift White Oak Midnight Swatch View View
Midnight
Rift White Oak Flagstone Swatch View View
Flagstone

Quartersawn White Oak

Quartersawn White Oak Natural Swatch View View
Natural
Quartersawn White Oak Buff Swatch View View
Buff
Quartersawn White Oak Truffle Swatch View View
Truffle
Quartersawn White Oak Autumn Swatch View View
Autumn
Quartersawn White Oak Cashew View View
Cashew
Quartersawn White Oak Tawny Swatch View View
Tawny
Quartersawn White Oak Montanan Swatch View View
Montana
Quartersawn White Oak Pampas Swatch View View
Pampas
Quartersawn White Oak Sable Swatch View View
Sable
Quartersawn White Oak Sparrow Swatch View View
Sparrow
Quartersawn White Oak Midnight Swatch View View
Midnight
Quartersawn White Oak Flagstone Swatch View View
Flagstone

Key Takeaways:

  • Ray Fleck Patterns: Both Rift White Oak and Quartersawn White Oak offer mesmerizing ray fleck patterns, but the impact and prominence of these patterns vary with the type of wood and the choice of stain.
  • Varied Colors: Lighter stains, like natural, buff, sable, sparrow, and others, bring out unique color variations in both woods, enhancing the visual appeal of your woodworking projects.
  • Design Aesthetics: Consider the style and atmosphere you want to create in your projects. Rift White Oak tends to favor modern, minimalist designs, while Quartersawn White Oak exudes a classic, timeless charm.

Showplace Decorative Glass Options

When it comes to kitchen design, the cabinets play a vital role in setting the overall aesthetic tone. The choice of cabinet doors can significantly impact the ambiance, functionality, and perceived value of your kitchen. Among the many options available, decorative glass cabinet doors have emerged as a popular choice for homeowners seeking to elevate their kitchen’s style.

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Below, we explore how incorporating decorative glass in kitchen cabinet doors can add value and enhance the visual appeal of your culinary space.

  1. Expanding the Visual Space: One of the most significant advantages of decorative glass cabinet doors is their ability to create an illusion of a more spacious kitchen. By allowing light to pass through, the glass doors break up the solid visual barriers presented by traditional cabinet doors. This added transparency can make your kitchen feel brighter, more open, and inviting. It’s an excellent solution for smaller kitchens or those lacking in natural light.
  2. Showcasing Display-worthy Items: Decorative glass cabinet doors provide a perfect opportunity to showcase your prized kitchenware and collectibles. You can display your beautiful dinnerware, elegant glassware, or cherished family heirlooms behind the glass panels. This not only adds a touch of personal style but also creates an eye-catching focal point within the kitchen. The elegant display can make your kitchen feel more unique and sophisticated, leaving a lasting impression on guests.
  3. Versatility in Design: Decorative glass cabinet doors come in a wide variety of styles, patterns, and textures. Whether you prefer a contemporary, traditional, or eclectic aesthetic, there is a glass design to complement your kitchen’s overall theme. Frosted, etched, stained, or textured glass options allow you to achieve the desired level of privacy while still maintaining an element of visual interest. Additionally, glass doors can be combined with solid doors or open shelving to create a custom look that reflects your personal taste.
  4. Amplifying Natural and Artificial Lighting: Natural light is highly sought after in kitchen design as it imparts a fresh and vibrant ambiance. Decorative glass cabinet doors can maximize the utilization of natural and artificial light by allowing it to reflect off glass for enhanced natural light in the space. This not only brightens the kitchen but also reduces the need for excessive artificial lighting during the day, resulting in energy savings. Furthermore, including in-cabinet lighting in areas with glass doors adds a unique look, making the kitchen appear brighter and more welcoming in the evenings.
  5. Easy Maintenance and Durability: Contrary to popular belief, decorative glass cabinet doors can be quite durable and easy to maintain. Most glass options used in cabinet doors are tempered, ensuring strength and resistance to shattering. Cleaning the glass is as simple as wiping it down with a glass cleaner, making it convenient for day-to-day upkeep. Additionally, glass is resistant to staining, warping, or discoloration, ensuring the longevity of your cabinet doors.

Clear glass (shown above) is the standard glass option. It offers a touch of class in traditional and transitional designs. A more contemporary glass is our Frosted Glass.

Frosted Glass

Frosted decorative glass adds privacy, elegance, and a touch of modern sophistication to your space. It diffuses light, creates visual interest, and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your doors and windows.

Now that you are probably convinced to add decorative glass to your new Showplace cabinets, here are the available glass options in addition to traditional clear and frosted glass options shown above.

Water Glass

Water Glass

Water glass imbues a touch of elegance with its fluid-like texture, striking a balance between partial privacy and accentuating the visual allure of your cherished items showcased within the cabinet.

Reeded Glass

Reeded decorative glass offers a unique texture and visual charm to your home. Its vertical lines create a sense of movement, while diffusing light and providing a level of privacy.

Clear Seedy Glass

Clear Seedy Glass

Clear seedy decorative glass brings a touch of vintage charm and character to your space. Its textured surface mimics the look of hand-blown glass, creating a delightful interplay of light and shadows.

Glue Chip Glass

Glue Chip Glass

Glue Chip Glass decorative glass showcases an intricate, frost-like pattern that adds a touch of elegance and privacy. Its textured surface resembles delicate frostwork, creating a captivating visual effect in any setting.

Showplace Enhances Finish Lineup with Three New Earthy Stains

(HARRISBURG, SD) – Showplace Cabinetry announces the introduction of three new stains, inspired by the natural beauty of wood. Sable and Sparrow offer a rich and earthy feel, providing a unique and organic light brown tone. Buff is also a light brown stain emulating a neutral tone on quartersawn white oak.

New Products

“Lighter brown stains have been consistently trending in home design over the last couple of years and we wanted to add more options to our stain family to fit that need,” said Lisa Myers, at Showplace Cabinetry.

Warm and natural with organic elements, Sable features a red ever-so-slight undertone. As every wood species uniquely interprets Sable, wide variation in color exists between the species.

Warm, yet slightly cooler than Sable, Sparrow has a tan/taupe undertone. Sparrow is available on all Showplace wood species and celebrates variability between species as well.

Sable and Sparrow are both considered character stains which are meant to enhance the graining of the wood. Buff is an equalizer formula specifically crafted for quartersawn white oak which helps neutralize the natural yellow undertones. Each stain has been carefully crafted to ensure that it not only looks beautiful, but also complements a wide range of styles and tastes.

“Lighter brown stains have been consistently trending in home design over the last couple of years.”

-Lisa Myers, New Products

“We are thrilled to offer these beautiful new stains,” said Hannah Gebauer, Director of Marketing at Showplace Cabinetry. “Sable and Sparrow are similar depths but with warm and cool undertones, so designers and homeowners can choose which one fits their overall color palette better. Buff is a beautiful take on quartersawn white oak that our dealers have been asking for a stain with a little less yellow.”

display of two cabinetry styles, showcasing white oak with milan inset, and white oak without the inset.

With their natural beauty, these new character stains are sure to be a hit with homeowners and interior designers alike. Learn more about these beautiful new stains.

Check out this video introducing our Sable stain.
Check out this video introducing our Sparrow stain.

Showplace Announces Winners in 2022 National Design Contest

(HARRISBURG, SD) – Over 144 kitchen, bath, and other room design projects from across the country were submitted in 6 categories for the fourth annual national Showplace Cabinetry Design Contest.

Showplace Cabinetry sponsored the design contest for all sales and design professionals employed by authorized Showplace kitchen and bath dealerships, with all entries judged by a panel of industry professionals.

The contest was open to all projects installed between January 1, 2020 and August 1, 2022. Categories featured a wide variety of kitchen, bath, and other room designs, along with a designation for judges’ choice award for best overall design, which was presented to Brittany Higgins of Salem Point Design in Parker, CO for her rich and beautiful black and walnut kitchen design.

“The originality of design and the quality of these projects were exceptional,” said Bill Allen, CEO of Showplace Cabinetry. “It’s important to remember that all the design entries were from actual projects, placed in homes across the nation. The pride of the designers in creating functional and beautiful rooms for their clients shows through in each entry.”

“The originality of design and the quality of these projects were exceptional,”

-Bill Allen, Showplace CEO

The designers were asked to submit a variety of materials for judging, including professional imagery. The panel of design professionals judged each entry on visual appeal, creativity, workflow and design elements. Categories for the 144 projects entered in the fourth annual Showplace Cabinetry Design Contest were chosen to represent designs for small and large kitchens, bathroom vanities and storage, other rooms, non-painted cabinets, and to feature new Showplace products.

“Showplace Cabinetry congratulates every one of the designers who participated in the contest,” Allen said. “Each is a winner for using Showplace Cabinetry in so many creative and beautiful designs!”

Who is the KCMA and Why is Showplace a Member?

Showplace is proud to be a member of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA). You may wonder what this organization is and why it’s important to be a member. Let’s talk about it.

A strong American cabinet industry is very important to Showplace Cabinetry and our employee owners. One of the most important ways we support the industry is through our active involvement in the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA).

So what is the KCMA? According to the KCMA.org website, “The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1955 to represent companies who manufacture cabinets, bath cabinets, or other residential cabinets and key kitchen and bath industry suppliers. With a membership now more than 300 strong throughout North America, KCMA works to advance the cabinet industry through advocacy, setting cabinet quality standards, sponsoring kitchen and bath cabinet-related research and providing the cabinet industry with management tools and educational programs.”

The KCMA provides resources to help companies succeed, but they also provide legal support and advocacy for its members and the industry.

“There is no other organization that is more devoted to promoting American cabinet manufacturers than the KCMA.” – Bill Allen, Showplace CEO

The KCMA has played a vital role as a champion of fair trade for the domestic cabinet industry while fighting against unfairly traded imported cabinets from China. The KCMA also administers trusted certification programs promoting ANSI construction standards, severe use and environmental stewardship that have been recognized as industry standards for decades.

Showplace employees
Showplace employees

In 2022, Showplace employees (pictured above) were honored to host a plant tour as part of the fall conference for the members of the KCMA, including executives from many manufacturers from around the country.

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The Beauty of Hickory: The Most Variably Grained and Colored Wood

If you’re looking for a wood species that offers a wide range of graining and color consistency, hickory should be at the top of your list.

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This versatile and beautiful wood has become a popular choice for any room in your home, and for good reason. With its unique graining, natural variation, and warm, inviting color, hickory is a wood species that truly stands out.

One of the defining features of hickory is its variability. Below are two areas in which hickory’s characteristics can vary, providing an unexpected beauty with each cabinet.

Hickory is a strong and durable wood, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like flooring or furniture. It’s also a popular choice for cabinetry and millwork, as its natural variation and character make it a great addition to any kitchen or bathroom.

Also, whether you prefer a natural finish that highlights the wood’s natural graining and character, or a stained finish that adds a pop of color to your space, hickory is a versatile wood that can be customized to fit your style.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and character-rich addition to your cabinetry or millwork, hickory is a great choice.

Rustic Woods: Add Warmth and Charm to Your Home

Rustic woods have become a popular trend in home design for their natural beauty and ability to add warmth and charm to any space. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy cabin feel in your living room or bring a touch of nature into your modern kitchen, rustic woods are the perfect solution.

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Rustic wood cabinets add warmth and texture to a space, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This style is particularly well-suited for kitchens that are open and spacious and is becoming increasingly popular in both contemporary and traditional kitchens.

From rich alder to light-toned hickory, there is a type of rustic wood to fit every design aesthetic. Rustic woods also have a unique character that comes from their natural imperfections, knots, and graining, making each cabinet or flooring truly one-of-a-kind.

Another great thing about rustic woods is their versatility. They work well in both modern and traditional settings, and can be paired with a variety of other design elements, from sleek stainless steel to cozy textiles. No matter the look you prefer, rustic woods can fit right in.

Bathroom vanity in rustic hickory

Characteristics

Rustic wood is known for its natural imperfections, knots, and graining. These unique features add depth and character to the wood, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Rustic wood also tends to have a more muted color palette, with a mix of light and dark tones that add depth to the space.

Keep in mind that we are unable to control knot amount or placement or grain or color consistency, and any occurrence of these natural imperfections are not considered warrantable.

Bathroom vanity in rustic alder

Versatility

Rustic wood can be paired with a variety of other materials, making it a versatile choice for kitchen or bath cabinetry. For example, you can pair rustic wood cabinets with a sleek, modern countertop for a chic, contemporary look. Or you can pair them with a natural stone backsplash for a more traditional, warm feel.

Durability

Rustic wood is also known for its durability and strength. Whether you choose alder or hickory, rustic wood cabinets can stand up to the wear and tear of a busy home.

Rustic Wood

Rustic Alder cabinet

Color Variations

This cabinet is finished in our Autumn stain on rustic alder. Notice the light and dark areas? The inconsistencies are acceptable and would not be replaced as per the terms of our warranty.

Rustic Alder cabinet

Knots and Color

This cabinet is finished in our Driftwood stain on rustic alder. Some would prefer to have more knots or to have knots in other locations than near a door profile or a possible hardware location. Remember that we are unable to control knot placement or amount.

Rustic hickory cabinet

Color and Knots

This beautiful cabinet is finished in Tawny stain on rustic hickory. You may notice inconsistency in the color and number of knots per door. Random knots and color variations add character and are acceptable.

Rustic hickory cabinet

Variety

This cabinet showcases the beauty of rustic hickory with our Natural finish. The variety of wood tones and the random placement provide a gorgeous, rustic look.

Rustic wood cabinets are a popular choice for kitchens due to their warmth, versatility, durability, and unique character. Whether you’re looking for a traditional or contemporary look, rustic wood cabinets can add natural beauty to your kitchen, making it feel cozy and inviting.