Makers at Work: Real voices. Real craft. Real insight.

Inside the Craft: Cabinetry Trends

A Conversation with AM Cabinet Designs

We’re excited to introduce a new quarterly series here on the blog highlighting the voices of makers, craftsmen, and tradespeople shaping the world of construction and interior design. Each installment will feature a candid conversation with a skilled professional, uncovering not only their craft but also practical insights you can apply to your own projects—whether you’re a client planning a home or an industry peer seeking a fresh perspective. Our goal is to bridge the gap between expertise and everyday application, bringing you stories and strategies that inspire smarter, more creative, and more confident decisions.

To kick things off, I interviewed father-son duo Anthony & Derrick of AM Cabinet Designs, whose work can be seen from homes to courthouses in the Sacramento & Bay Area. As cabinetry is one of the highest line items in a build, it feels fitting to start here. Their perspective reminded me that cabinetry is far more than storage—it’s an intersection of design, precision, and craftsmanship that influences how a home truly functions.

Key takeaways from our conversation:

• Material choice matters. For families with kids, high-quality laminate with an MDF core is the top pick for durability and versatility. Don’t assume “laminate” means cheap—it’s leading the market right now.

• Prioritize long-lasting finishes. If you want cabinets that hold up, choose a conversion varnish finish (painted or stained) over standard lacquer. It costs more but pays off in resilience.

• Watch your door style. The style you choose (slim shaker, recessed panels, layered finishes) is one of the biggest cost drivers—more detail means a higher price.

• Plan your budget by hierarchy. Cabinet box construction (inset vs. framed vs. frameless) has the biggest impact, followed by door style, then finish treatments, and lastly accessories.

• Be strategic with add-ons. Docking drawers and roll-outs are fantastic for function, but they add up quickly. If you’re picking just one, consider a blind-corner roll-out—the duo’s top recommendation for unlocking hard-to-reach space.

• Don’t underestimate design time. The cabinetry design phase often takes longer than construction itself. Custom work demands precision down to 1/32 of an inch and coordination with multiple trades. A single plan change can ripple across plumbing, electrical, and wall layouts—so build in more time for this stage than you think. They said this is often one of the misunderstood processes for the clients.

• Think beyond standard kitchens. Cabinets can be a canvas for creativity. AM Cabinet Designs has hidden safe-room doors, courthouse installations, and even fit a Sub-Zero refrigerator into an 18th-century armoire.

The big reminder? Cabinetry isn’t just functional—it sets the tone for how you’ll live in and move through your home. Investing time and care in this phase can transform the outcome of the entire build.

If you want to learn more about AM Cabinet Designs check out their website or better yet- their Instagram for their latest projects. Derrick does a great job posting what they are up to.

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This series is about celebrating the craft and the people behind it. Help shape the lineup: tell us which makers, artisans, or industry pros you’d love to hear from in future editions.

Lisa