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You know when I did my kitchen a few years back, and no – I really don’t have a great photo of it (*ahem* still have some punch out), I used a local custom cabinet maker. I used him a couple of times thereafter on a couple of the projects that I worked on professionally.

What happened to him? Well, he eventually totally flaked out. As he grew, the quality of his work, as well as the level of his professionalism, well … plummeted.

It’s this kinda stuff that makes me marvel when I look instead at a company like Wood-Mode.

Image by Chasen West for Modenus

Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry can trace its roots to the 1940s, a small PA mill, named originally – “Wood Metal Industries.” In the ’50s, they replaced “Metal” with “Mode” and rolled into the ’60s, where they gained recognition for custom designed kitchens. The 1980s saw the release of sister brand – Brookhaven.  A proud 60-year history formed right here in the USA.

Sold through a robust dealer network, we had the opportunity on #BlogTourVegas to join many of these dealers for Wood-Mode’s 2014 Hospitality Event. It was here that Wood-Mode unleashed many of their statements for the new year.

They ask …

Have you Seen Wood-Mode Lately?

Often associated with the American Classic Kitchen – both traditional and transitional, many vignettes highlighted the company’s movement towards European & Contemporary expressions.

This was definitely seen in what the company calls its “Luxury in Color” introduction. The company says, “Neutrals with hints of color allow customers to express color through contemporary opaques.” The #BlogTourVegas fawned over 17 new opaques and 14 “Vintage Companion Colors.”

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Additionally, Wood-Mode released four new door styles this year:

* Toulon

Raised and recessed panel versions move between transitional and traditional environments. Available in cherry, maple, oak, quarter sawn red oak or walnut.

* Whitney

1” thick recessed door offering basic geometric shapes. Mitered frame construction yields a timeless quality in sophisticated traditional or a contemporary statement.

* Linear (one of my favorite from the show)

Similar profile to the Whitney (above), another 1” thick recessed door, but asymmetrical in design. Linear‘s vertical elements utilizes mortise and tenoned design for straight lines, but a dramatic bevel provides a compelling transition to the flat center panel.

* Alexandria

Traditional inset style with a 1” frame, which adds a sense of elegant richness and dimensional depth.

 

Wonder where new door styles come from? Well, the attendees of the Hospitality Event, along with myself, were asked to vote on prototype door styles for possible inclusion in next year’s lines.

Neat, huh?

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From a recent Houzz survey, 59% of respondents cite “improved function” as a primary reason for remodeling; 48% say improved storage is key.

Wood-Mode responds this year with ratcheted up storage options, while still offering some fun little surprises – lift doors and split drawers plus walnut construction inside.

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 @WoodMode was a sponsor of BlogTour Vegas, of which I was a part.

Design and remodeling enthusiasts can follow BlogTour Vegas on Twitter using hashtag #BlogTourVegas and view all the latest posts on Modenus.com. Information about the entire group of bloggers can be found here.

BlogTour Las Vegas was sponsored by: KBIS, Blanco, Poggenpohl, Sub-Zero, Cosentino, Mr Steam, Top Knobs, Wood-Mode, Formica Group, Walker Zanger and TOTO USA. Cheers. ~jb