Cabinetry: Storage, Style, and Smart Design (Snack Sized Episode)

In this snack-size episode of Home: The Second Story, we dig into cabinetry—one of the most pivotal yet complex parts of home renovation. As architects, cabinetry is something we talk about with nearly every client, whether they’re updating a kitchen, building a bathroom, or reimagining a mudroom. We break down the different cabinet categories—off-the-shelf, semi-custom, and full custom—highlighting their distinctions in design flexibility, cost, and construction. Marilyn shares that her firm almost exclusively uses full custom cabinetry for the precision and tailored aesthetics it offers. Sheri describes a 50/50 split in her projects between semi-custom and full custom, pointing out that the price gap between the two is shrinking. Taylor adds that in renovations, full custom is usually the go-to, especially when navigating existing spaces.

We explore the nuances of cabinet construction: from frameless, full-overlay European styles to inset cabinetry with historical detailing. Regional preferences and storage benefits also come into play. Taylor emphasizes the practical and design-driven reasons for going full custom, including the local craftsmanship and built-in efficiencies.

Cabinet interiors get their moment too. We talk about the importance of inserts and organization, from Rev-A-Shelf solutions to custom stations for kids’ lunches and hidden appliances. We agree that well-designed drawers often outperform traditional doors, especially with custom touches like nested drawers or pullouts. We even geek out a bit over specialty cabinetry elements like hidden TV lifts, hydraulic mixer lifts, and dedicated storage in mudrooms, pantries, and laundry rooms.

Toward the end, we discuss how each of us approaches cabinet design. Marilyn and Taylor draw everything themselves, treating cabinetry as both a functional element and a design focal point. Sheri collaborates more directly with cabinetmakers, bringing client needs into the process without drafting every detail in-house. We also touch on the emotional and practical prep that should happen before cabinets are built—thinking through what to keep, what to discard, and how to ensure every piece has a purpose.

We wrap up by briefly touching on hardware—a massive topic we plan to revisit in another episode. From hinges to knobs, there’s a world of choices that impact budget and aesthetics alike. Cabinetry, as we see it, is where design and function converge—and when done right, it can truly make a space come alive.

Rev-A-Shelf Website: https://rev-a-shelf.com/

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Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com