Photography by Wade Blissard/ 45hillsphotography
A client’s preference for a particular finish in their home says a lot about them. An astute designer, listening to their client, can quickly discern the type of atmosphere the client wishes to create in their home.
Choosing a cabinet finish goes beyond aesthetics, it’s a reflection of the homeowner’s identity, lifestyle, and the atmosphere they want to create. These decisions collectively build the soul of the space.
“Most of our clients are looking for a timeless design with finishes that connect to the project architecture and story,” says Steve Karp of Bentwood Chicago. “Thoughtful design, finfishes and selections should always strive to improve one’s quality of life.”
Bentwood Luxury Kitchens offers many different finishes to dress their custom cabinetry. Do you know what your finish choice says about you?
Warmth and Tradition
A hand-rubbed walnut finish denotes warmth, authenticity, and craftsmanship. As Shawna Roorda of Bentwood of Houston says, “This choice tells me the client is envisioning a space that feels grounded, lived-in, and only grows more beautiful with time.”
The goal of one project Roorda worked on was for the entire space to feel connected to its mid-century history rather than competing with it. Existing wood finishes of walnut, rosewood, and oak frame the kitchen. It was important to blend these classic elements with the new design.
“To celebrate craftsmanship and natural materials, we selected a soft, subtle stain for the kitchen cabinetry that lets the grain and texture of the wood shine through,” says Roorda.
High-Gloss Equals Contemporary
Selecting a high-gloss finish—whether through lacquer or another technique—often signals an appreciation for something more modern and polished. A client who appreciates clean lines and a sleek aesthetic, often desires that the kitchen make a statement rather than be simply utilitarian.
High gloss finishes clearly define a space as bold, contemporary, and curated.
One way to make a statement is by creating showstopping custom elements such as a custom hood above the range. Meticulously matching the stone material of the ventilation system with the backsplash creates a dynamic visual element.
High contrast is another bold contemporary design choice that sets the tone of a space. Pairing Sherwin Williams “Black Magic” for the cabinetry on the large kitchen island topped with a modern white quartz material tied the composition together in dramatic style.
For a successful, quintessential modern woman, who had recently purchased a French chateau style home, Karp recognized the program called for bold colors and finishes. He selected a Red Currant paint with brass trim cabinetry, paired with stunning white and red marble for the counter and backsplash. To create contrast, Karp selected White Oak cabinetry for the island.
The results are fresh, unexpected and updated. A trifecta of successful achievements which the client adored.
Choosing Trends over Personality
A client that meets a designer with a file filled with magazine clippings, a Pinterest or Houzz board, is clearly following trends rather than defining their personality. But, as Roorda points out, inspiration boards are where recurring themes that speak to a client are clearly illustrated.
Even when a trend overlaps with their taste, it’s the difference between following the moment or creating a space that genuinely feels like home. Adding bold color can be wonderful but it is a commitment that most people do not have. It can often take people out of their comfort zones. As Karp explains, “The best way to implement a bold color choice is to let the architecture speak to the story and inspiration. One may opt for an accent or well-placed statement piece—the island, hutch or hood.”
These insights help a designer guide their client toward finishes and details that will feel personal, enduring, and unmistakably theirs, not just of the moment.
Trends and Timeless Craftsmanship
Luxury design is about finding the right balance between trends and timeless craftsmanship. A designer must pay attention to all the little clues a client sends out. This includes everything from the car they drive to the clothes they wear. Does the client project a more polished and sleeker look, or relaxed and casual? Are they attracted to clean lines and minimalism, or layered textures and cozy details?
“I ask for inspirational images and then sit with the client to have them explain what it is about each image and finish that speak to them,” says Karp. He notes that sometimes the things that are not in the picture can influence the selection of a finish and style as much as what’s in the images.
Observing these details helps a designer create spaces that can feel truly personal and intentional for the client. Whether it’s a bold, on-trend choice or a classic, the goal is always the same: designing a space the client will love for years to come.
The Pleasant Surprise
Occasionally a client will surprise a designer with the choices they make for their home.
For a recent project, one of Roorda’s clients selected the bold, texture finish of Midnight Oak paired with Walnut creating a depth and warmth to the room that felt unexpectedly perfect. A final detail of adding a subtle brass inlay along the inside edge of some doors, tied the entire space together beautifully.
“This choice revealed so much about my client,” Roorda shares. “She has an incredible presence and warmth that shines through in every interaction. The finishes reflect her personality—bold, thoughtful, and captivating—and now she has a home that’s just as beautiful and dynamic as she is.”
The Finish
In the end, the cabinet finish you choose becomes part of your home’s fingerprint—a quiet but powerful reflection of who you are. Whether you gravitate toward the rich warmth of hand-rubbed walnut, the striking confidence of high-gloss, or an unexpected combination that surprises even you, these decisions are deeply personal.
Karp had a client who loved and had to have Amethyst splash. The project was designed around this stunning material. The reason this was so important was that the client wanted to be reminded of her worldly travels and the beauty she has been able to see.
The most successful spaces are felt in your soul. This goes beyond design. A home tells a story that begins the moment you walk through the door and continues in every carefully considered detail.
At Bentwood Luxury Kitchens, we believe that understanding what your finish choice says about you is the first step in creating a kitchen that looks beautiful, and, most importantly, feels unmistakably yours.
Find Inspiration Near You
Inspired to update your own space? Click here to find your closest authorized Bentwood dealer. We’ll connect you with a designer in your area and get started with your vision right away!
Not quite ready to begin a project? Look through our gallery to find inspiration and discover the beauty of Bentwood.