I remodeled with custom cabinets. I wanted something that was a bit Craftsman/Prairie. I showed the cabinet maker the finish and I wanted. He provided me with a miniature sample door which I initialed to show approval. I would recommend that you have samples made for you as I went through quite a few sample finishes until we got it right. He didn't do miniature doors with full finishes for each "test" but would do a small portion - when I was almost sure on the right finish, he did a larger portion of sample.

I don't think my cabinets look plasticky

My cabinets are quarter sawn white oak - light reflecting makes them look "shinier" than they are in person

If it helps, w.b. builders used Benjamin Moore HC-24 Pittsfield Buff.

Wow, Helen. These are gorgeous. Love the color and the prairie details. You really nailed the look! Do you know what kind of finish they used? Stain and poly? Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, beesneeds. Pittsfield Buff is a pretty paint color (maybe I'll use it!) but I'm looking for more information on how to direct the cabinet finisher to get the cabinets to blend with the house.

Well, w.b. builders used existing cabinets and reworked it. That might not be so helpful for you.

What does the rest of the house look like that you want to blend the kitchen into?

Sorry I have no idea how he achieved the look I wanted. After several attempts I didn't like in terms of color, I looked at a chair I had and realized that it was the exact stain color I wanted. He actually took the chair with him to his shop and replicated it. The chair isn't oak and some variety in terms of coloration so I showed him the exact color I liked in the chair's finish.

He did cabinets for my bathrooms as well as a wall unit and room divider. They all seem to have the same type of finish.

Here is what I call my stripper pole television room divider. The television is mounted on a pole that rotates so that it can be viewed from either the living room or my office - I have an open floor plan and my "office" is off the living room. I chose not to install a wall and make it an "official" room since I wanted to preserve the sense of space.

The chairs I used for inspiration for the stain are in the picture

Mine are birch, semi-custom, now 5+ yo. Plasticky? Not to my eye, but perhaps to yours...? 🤷🏻‍♀️

JuneKnow, that's not true in my area. My house has several existing built-in cabinets that are birch. Most of the original Craftsman homes in my area have either birch or maple cabinetry. Some have oak, but most are birch. The wood types vary regionally so maybe oak is more common in your area.

"I'm looking for more information on how to direct the cabinet finisher to get the cabinets to blend with the house."

You are living in a dream world Jay. You can't seriously believe one of us can tell you how to get the look you want then you tell the contractor how to do what he doesn't know how without third hand information. Read then r-read what Helen said as many times as it take's you to understand what she is telling you.

@Jay... My house has several existing built-in cabinets that are birch. Most of the original Craftsman homes in my area have either birch or maple cabinetry.

Thats great! Then you already have a feel and kinds of cabinetry to sample and work with. Work with that like how Helen did with a couple local cabinet folks to see who works best for your wants. If you are going to go custom, do it. Use woods usual for your area- it's just a matter of getting the staining and finish look you want from there.

I'll also kick in don't be afraid to check out local resale/demo and remodeling lists around you. Someone might be pulling it out of their house and you find something that you love and can work great in your kitchen.

Rude and unhelpful, Klem1. You could've just skipped this post instead of choosing to be condescending.

JuneKnow, while I wish it was, my house wasn't designed by Gustav Stickley or any of his pals. It is very much a vernacular home and I'm far more interested in staying true to its style than what one might consider pure Craftsman. Maybe my home (1915) isn't an original Craftsman home by your books, but it is certainly what most people call Craftsman style.

Let me add context to my original post: I am doing birch cabinets - not considering other woods anymore. I am already working with a fully custom cabinet maker. I have already chosen the style and layout. I have received two samples already that didn't quite hit the mark (even after providing physical samples from my original cabinets) so I came to this forum to ask for advice on how to get the message across or provide more specific guidance to the finisher.

Thanks to those who have been kind and helpful! I appreciate it! Your homes are lovely!

Jay...when ordering my cabs, I asked for a satin finish, not glossy. Perhaps that’s how I avoided the “plasticky” look you’re talking about. My white oak floors also have a satin, matte finish.

@User, my house is furnished almost entirely with authentic Stickley furniture, purchased at a Stickley store here on Long Island. A few pieces were not available at that store, or any of the others within a 50 mile radius. We waited for them to be made at the factory, and shipped months later. Some of it is oak, and some is cherry. So, to say Stickley worked exclusively with oak, is incorrect.

To tell the OP that he’s not being authentic by using birch for his cabinets, serves no purpose. He already has birch details in his home, so birch kitchen cabinets will be in keeping with the rest of the house.

He didn’t say he was attempting to be authentic, rather, he wants to stay true to the style. There’s a difference.