White Oak is a beautiful and durable hardwood that makes for a great choice when it comes to bathroom cabinetry. The natural color variations and unique grain patterns of white oak give it a rustic and elegant look that can add character to any bathroom, but mostly it is white oak’s interaction with sunlight that draws us to it as a desirable material for cabinetry. Give white oak some natural sunlight and let its warm organic tones draw you in.
When it comes to designing a space in a home, whether it is a bathroom, dining room, or kitchen, the construction method of the cabinets is a crucial element. They hold our food, our dishes, and often, our memories. There are two main types of cabinetry to choose from: inset face frame and frameless. Both have their own unique features and benefits, and understanding the differences between them is essential when selecting the right option for your home.
Inset face frame cabinetry is a traditional style that has been around for centuries. It is characterized by a wooden frame, the "face frame," that sits on the front edge of the cabinet box. The doors and drawers are then inset within this frame, creating a seamless or “flush” look. This style of cabinetry is often used in classic and traditional designs, and it provides a sense of warmth and stability to the space. The face frame also adds extra support to the cabinet, making it less likely to warp or become damaged over time.
On the other hand, frameless cabinetry, also known as European cabinetry, is a more modern style that requires specialized CNC equipment to produce properly. Frameless cabinetry is characterized by the lack of a face frame, which allows for more interior storage space and a sleek, minimalist look. The doors and drawers are attached directly to the cabinet box, creating a clean, uncluttered appearance. This style of cabinetry is often used in contemporary and modern kitchen designs, and it provides a sense of lightness and spaciousness to the space.
For this bathroom in the hills above Ventura, CA, the customer chose plain sliced white oak inset cabinetry with integrated hardwood legs. The warm tones of white oak with its color that ranges from a pale white to a light brown, like so much butter and brown sugar melted into a bowl of oatmeal, is enhanced in this instance by the plain sliced milling. By slicing the wood in a plain, flat way, it keeps the natural essence of the tree while harnessing the strong beauty of the the medullary rays of the tree.
Scroll down for all the photos by Raya Carlisle from this wonderful project.
