Artful Wood Statements for the Modern Kitchen

In our April 2024 “Woods That Work” print story, we asked industry experts about impactful and sustainable wood options for homeowners to consider. Custom cabinet makers Jayme Thompson and Cris Johnson of Hawaii Kitchen & Bath highlighted the exceptional woodwork in this modern Kailua beach house. Here, Johnson offers additional insights on the thoughtful design choices that brought this kitchen renovation to life.

Before selecting materials, the homeowners worked with the design team to refine their vision and clearly establish the overall aesthetic of their dream kitchen. “The owners wanted to create a space that was inviting, timeless and organically pleasing — without competing with the home’s beautiful, beachfront views,” Johnson explains.

Since the kitchen aesthetic was already anchored by warm wood paneling on its ceiling and floors, white cabinetry was a timeless and versatile choice. Hawaii Kitchen & Bath designed custom flat-panel cabinets in UltraMatte White to enhance the space and welcome in light from the adjacent glass doors overlooking the ocean. The same UltraMatte White was also chosen for the homeowner’s custom coffee and beverage hub for brightness and consistency.

Johnson acknowledges the skillful work of Mokulua High Performance Builders on the kitchen renovation. The contractor’s commitment to excellence is evident in the detailed installation of the cabinets. “Cabinetry built with the highest quality and workmanship needs the same attention at the job site,” she explains.

Streamlined cabinetry creates a neutral canvas for an expansive kitchen island to shine. Rich walnut wood adds warmth and contrast to the bright whites of the cabinets. Johnson notes that the horizontal-grain orientation of the island is an example of how working with wood can be complex and require extra planning. “Certain species have unique grain patterns which can be both a pro and a con,” she says. “For example, if the homeowner specifies a horizontal-grain orientation for the cabinet doors, we need to take extra steps to plan the layout for proper flow from cabinet to cabinet.”

The horizontal wood grain wraps seamlessly around the kitchen island for a flawless finish. Both stylish and functional, the island provides a sprawling kitchen workspace and barstool seating for eight, with cabinet storage to house miscellaneous dishes and kitchen tools.

“The walnut island shines as the focal point of the kitchen with its clean lines and white matte cabinets. It complements the rest of the wood in the open kitchen, from flooring and ceiling to trim,” says Johnson. Those thoughtful, minimalist design choices resulted in a refined and harmonious space to gather.

For cabinet fabrication and inspiration, contact Hawaii Kitchen & Bath at (808) 261-0357 or visit hawaiikitchenandbath.com.