Custom cabinetry is more than just building boxes that fill a space. It’s about creating something that enhances your home. At Southern Stars Custom Woodwork, we see cabinetry as an opportunity to turn everyday storage into statement-making design. And one of our favourite ways to do that is playing with planes and texture.
It’s all about going beyond the standard flat face and creating depth, contrast, and visual interest through thoughtful design elements. Whether you’re working with a long wall of built-ins, dreaming up your perfect kitchen, or refreshing a mudroom, there are plenty of ways to elevate your cabinetry with both subtle and not-so-subtle details. Let’s dive into some of the most creative ways we can make your custom cabinetry stand out.
Use Special Cabinet Backs to Add Texture and Accent
Let’s start with something you probably wouldn’t expect: the backs of cabinets.
In open shelving, glass-front cabinets, or exposed units, the back panel is often overlooked. But for us, it’s a hidden gem. This surface offers a great opportunity to layer in materials that add depth and personality to the space.
- Textured TFL (thermally fused laminate) panels can bring a woodgrain or a concrete look to the inside of your cabinetry.
- Decorative mouldings installed in panel-like layouts add architectural charm, perfect for traditional or transitional designs.
- For a more luxurious, custom feel, we’ve even incorporated upholstered panels with durable fabrics into bar units or reading nooks. It’s a soft touch that immediately makes the cabinetry feel more like furniture.
These backing treatments provide variety and visual contrast without overwhelming the space. It’s just enough to make people take a second look!
Create Visual Flow by Playing with Depth
One of our favourite ways to break up a long run of cabinetry is by simply changing the depths of the units along the wall.
Imagine a full-length built-in media wall. Instead of a flat plane of doors from one end to the other, we might recess a few central cabinets to create a focal point or pull forward a section to visually anchor a fireplace or TV. This play with planes adds movement and hierarchy to the cabinetry, your eye knows where to land!
We also love using stepped depths in kitchens:
- Upper cabinets that bump out above a stove area give a more custom, furniture-like feel.
- Open shelving niches set back into a pantry wall create a cozy contrast.
- Islands with tiered sides can double as hidden storage or display.
It’s a simple design technique that brings out the custom craftsmanship and breaks up the “big block of cabinets” look. The result? A more considered, curated space that feels anything but builder-grade.
Sculptural Gables and Columns That Add Craftsmanship
Flat panel sides are standard, but when we get the chance to add custom gables or column-style details, that’s when things really start to shine.
Cabinet gables (the side panels) can be shaped to echo architectural elements elsewhere in the home. Arches are incredibly popular right now, but we’ve also done angled modern edges, soft curves, and even scalloped detailing for a touch of whimsy.
Integrated columns or posts are another way to bring structure and formality to a space. Picture a kitchen island flanked by tapered legs or built-in bookshelves divided by fluted columns; it’s a throwback to traditional millwork, but with modern sensibilities!
These sculptural elements not only add dimension but also tie cabinetry into the greater design language of your home. It’s one more opportunity to turn functional pieces into focal points.
Top It Off with Custom Crown Moulding
Often, the top of cabinetry is treated as an afterthought, but it’s actually one of the best spots to introduce a finishing detail that pulls everything together.
A custom-designed crown moulding can turn your cabinets into a fully integrated architectural feature. Whether it’s a simple stepped profile for a contemporary look or a more ornate stacked crown for something traditional, we build these to match your home’s vibe and your vision.
Crown also helps draw the eye up, making the room feel taller and more expansive. When done right, it gives your cabinetry that furniture-like, built-in elegance that instantly elevates the entire room.
Use Colour to Add Contrast and Complement the Space
Colour is the unsung hero of custom cabinetry. Sure, classic white is always in style, but if you really want your cabinetry to stand out, strategic use of colour is the way to go.
We often recommend:
- A bold navy or charcoal island against light-toned perimeter cabinets.
- Natural woodgrain lowers paired with painted uppers for a grounded, organic look.
- A single statement wall of cabinetry in a rich tone like forest green, burgundy, or black that draws you in without overpowering the room.
The trick is to use colour to contrast and complement, not to compete. We always consider the tones of your flooring, walls, lighting, and furniture to create a colour story that feels cohesive but still packs a punch.
And if you’re feeling unsure? That’s where our team comes in. We’ll help guide you toward a palette that’s timeless, modern, and perfectly suited to your space.
Crafting Cabinets That Tell a Story
At Southern Stars, we believe that cabinetry should do more than just fill a space; it should enhance it. Every choice you make, from materials to moulding, becomes part of the story your home tells. And by playing with planes, textures, colours, and finishes, you can create something that’s truly yours.
Whether you’re dreaming of a built-in wall unit, custom kitchen, statement bar, or cozy reading nook, our team is here to bring your ideas to life with craftsmanship, care, and just the right amount of creative flair.
Ready to elevate your cabinetry game?
Let’s chat about your space, your style, and how we can build something one-of-a-kind, right down to the last detail.
Reach out to book a consultation today.
DREAM. DESIGN. BUILD. LOVE.