All- <br> <br>We in the early stages of a major remodel (hired the architect, but no bids yet). Over the past couple of weeks we've developed a list of things we would like for the kitchen cabinets (inset doors, no kick thingies, etc). I've gone into a couple of the home center type places and they all give me a blank stare and then tell me that these features will cost me a lot of money. I was looking in the back of "Bungalow Kitchens" and found a link to Crown Point Cabinets. They aren't cheap, but they seem to be speaking the right language. I live near San Francisco so the price of everything is out of sight. I'm wondering if going out the area - even if I have to pay shipping - will save me some money. Has anyone every worked with this company? If not, can anyone recommend a cabinet maker near San Francisco that speaks fluent 'old kitchen'? <br> <br>Thanks for your time. <br> <br>

Something you might consider is cabinets with legs - something that looks free-standing. It has a period look with the foot space of a kick thingy. Check out Bungalow Kitchens by Jane Powell and Linda Svendson. There are some great examples in there of free standing period cabinets. They also do a great job making suggestions for people who want to do a "pure" or what they call "obsessive" [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] restoration vs going for the look and incorporating convenience. <br>

Paul, have you looked at Plato cabinets or The Kennebec Company? I recently came across an ad for Kennebec, and was so impressed with their work. I would seriously consider the Kennebec Company if we were to do another kitchen remodel. Gorgeous stuff! <br> <br>We had our cabinets custom made in quarter-sawn oak, recessed panel, full inset doors, and with a modified toe kick. The cabinets kind of look like individual pieces of furniture with legs. They go to the 9' ceiling, with glass in the upper 15", and look just great! I was fortunate enough to have a cabinet maker (Albert) that is an avid A/C fan, and he helped so much. We ordered the hardware from Van Dykes -- I was so happy with the way it all came out! We have a large kitchen and the price (if my memory serves me correctly) was just under $20,000 for cabinets, hardware, and installation. I did talk to Crown Point, and I was almost ready to order from them when I found "Albert". Even if you order from outside your area, you're going to need a good carpenter for installation. Good Luck -- share some pictures when you're done! <br> <br>The Kennebec Company <br>http://www.kennebeccompany.com/index.shtml <br>

Just a comment here, but the kick space of modern cabinets makes the kitchen alot more ergonomic and biomechanically correct. My upper back and shoulders ache at the thought of working in a kitchen with no kick space at the base of the counters. If you are tall it might not matter, but standard cabinet height is already suboptimally high for the woman of average or shorter height, and if you add to that having to stand several inches further out it makes it even worse. <br> <br>The kick space may not be period, but it is definitely in keeping with the craftsman philosophy of functional beauty. If someone had thought of it back then I feel sure they would have used it. <br> <br>

If you are having a custom kitchen, why don't you have the counters built to the height you like? <br>Also, the kick space issue was taken care of by counter tops that overhung more, and by frequent use of tables, sinks etc. that had legs (unlimited toe space). Most kitchen sinks in the bungalow period had no baseboards under them at all, and prep work was done at tables quite often. I also believe that more kitchen work was done sitting down than we realize. <br> <br>

I think that's true: I think women (because it WAS women) used to sit and pull the strings out of the green beans on a bowl on their lap, peel the potatoes the same way. If they had to be put down, it was on the kitchen table, or more likely the back porch in good weather. When we moved to California and a new tract home in 1960, it was the first time that I heard the word "counter", I think my mother thought it strange as well. I never saw her standing unless she was actually at the stove. <br> <br>

Sedonia - excellent topic (sorry to hijack the <br>thread.) My kitchen and bathroom cabinets <br>have latches with spring-loaded knobs that <br>turn to release the latch. Well, I just don't like <br>'em. It is hard for my big beefy fingers to <br>grasp and turn the tiny, uncomfortable knobs. <br>So, I'm replacing them with a knob that just <br>pulls open (and hidden ball bearing-type <br>catches.) Once again, we see that style <br>evolves based on practicality (while, of course, <br>trying to keep aesthetics in mind.) <br> <br>

We ended up doing the exact opposite! We had 50's pulls/handles and went back to the spring loaded latches you described. We're in Hollywood and earthquakes where keeping your dishes inside the cabinets and intact is a real issue. I did opt for a bit larger size of those latches so my husband doesn't have to struggle too much. <br> <br>It just goes to show that practical can be relative! <br> <br>

I'd be interested in the source for your over- <br>sized latches.

I don't have the company name (I think it's Van Dyke's but not positive) with me here at work. I cover reception a couple of times a week for lunches and breaks and it's only the internet keeps me from dying of boredom. You'd never know that I'm supposedly upper management! <br> <br>I'll get you the information, website, phone, etc.. on Monday. <br>

I have their catalog, thanks.

They are super cabinets and very expensive. You probably won't save anything with them, even in San Francisco. Maybe try their quote service and find out. Another possibility is to try a local cabinet or furniture maker. The price may be similar or less than Crownpoint, you can get what you want, and they will be local to you. <br> <br>Depending on your budget, there are other ways to get the "furniture grade cabinet look" without spending bundle. Your architect will have ideas. <br> <br>