5 Creative Ways To Upgrade Your Cabinets And Elevate Your Kitchen Style

[@davidhughes7045]

Brent, after spending the last 15 years restoring historic homes, you’re the mentor I wish i had

[@BrentHull]

Nice. Thanks. Keep restoring.

[@vickiehoecherl1413]

Pictures. I need to see lots more pictures of well-done cabinetry set in actual rooms, with closeups. Thanks. Very interesting.

[@BrentHull]

Will do!

[@alfredonski]

As a small independent cabinet maker, I must say the advice you give at the end of the video is the reason I have been landing the biggest and best contracts so far. This was an awesome video

[@BrentHull]

Thanks for sharing! So glad to hear it!!

[@JeremeyHowlett]

Inset cabinets are definitely the way to go. Surprisingly many cabinet shops try to talk you out of going this route.

[@BrentHull]

Very true! Thx.

[@planesandbikes7353]

not for efficient access and space in the cabinets. It's only suitable for folks into these older traditional style kitchen cabinets. Style over substance.

[@JeremeyHowlett]

@@planesandbikes7353 Inset cabinets are the best!

[@lisannedecker7038]

Thanks Brent for your awesome videos. My husband and I own a small custom cabinet shop in Mills River, NC (Oak and Otter Woodworks). I’m so glad to have found your channel. You challenge my thinking and raise the bar. Your advice and perspective are in my thoughts now every time I work on a new kitchen project.

[@BrentHull]

Nice! Thanks for sharing!.

[@texascraftsman7215]

That’s the number one reason i built on site traditional built-ins furniture grade cabinetry looks so much better built into the house not just screwed to the wall

[@BrentHull]

Amen!

[@khurddesign]

I’ve always disliked upper cabinets because of that reason-they look like boxes attached to the wall. So odd looking to me

[@gregpowell7097]

You could write an entire book on this subject alone, and I wish you would.

[@BrentHull]

Noted. Thanks.

[@gordiecumming]

The first book I read about kitchen cabinets was Nancy Hiller's "Kitchen Think." In it, she discussed many of the points Brent discusses here. And, yes, a book by Brent would be fantastic.

[@JeremeyHowlett]

Yes! We need more books. Google is filled with lies that are tailored to each person. No wonder there were so many people fired at google recently.

[@ashantipeace]

I'd buy it. I'd probably also buy a subscription to a lending library made of his books on historic architecture. He has so many great, rare documents.

[@JeremeyHowlett]

@@ashantipeace yes that’s a great idea, the google era people have removed almost all books from libraries so that the knowledge is very very limited to a select few.

[@dennisdean3925]

Brent, you are righ on the money - as always. Cabinets set the tone and are a great opportunity to elevate, not just the kitchen, but the entire house.

[@BrentHull]

Agreed!

[@SeanSchade]

That kitchen hutch is absolutely gorgeous! Brent thank you! Inset doors look much better in my opinion.

[@BrentHull]

Nice. Thanks!

[@AF-O6]

If one could combine Norm Abram, Tom Sylvia, Matt Risinger, Steve Basic, etc, it would still not equal Brent. I’ve been a builder and student for 40 years, and no one…NO ONE is better than Mr. Hull.

[@BrentHull]

Very kind. Not sure it is true but kind.

[@michaelmallie9222]

Never seen this type of educational video in the cabinet woodworking world. As a woodworker who has made a few cabinets, it’s nice to have somewhere to turn that serves as a catalyst for new ideas.

[@BrentHull]

Glad to hear it. Thx.

[@nickdeoliveira6393]

I just had this exact discussion with a client last week. Hearing Brent Hull reaffirming these same ideas made my day.

[@BrentHull]

Great to hear. Cheers.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Excellent video as always. That book should be a best seller, required reading for carpenter's and craftsman. Thank you again for sharing your expertise 😃🙏🙏

[@BrentHull]

Wow, thank you!

[@rogerhodges7656]

Thank you for yet another great installment.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks for watching.

[@Always-kSalty]

Every Brent video is a must-watch!

[@BrentHull]

Thank you!

[@ladydiana2905]

Love your stuff, Brent. Can’t wait for the book! I just bought a condo from 1922 with beautiful moldings but the previous owners installed an IKEA kitchen (poorly, I might add). Until I can afford the renovation I’ll keep watching your videos to get my game plan in place.

[@BrentHull]

Sounds good. Thanks.

[@angellas.1314]

@@BrentHullI know nothing replaces quality cabinets, but I thought this was about upgrading less expensive cabinets for those who can’t afford such high end kitchens but would still like a nice looking environment. Any chance you would consider doing this video?

[@lukeanthony6800]

Great video! I’d love to see a video on more of the detailing and material choices, hardware, glass, bench tops. 👍

[@BrentHull]

You got it! I'll work on it.

[@RonRobertson-lafrance]

I just came across you this week, and I am so impressed with your explanations and historical fidelity (based on useful proportions). It's sad we've gone nearly 100 years without really respecting and understanding that knowledge. I hope things are on their way back to better proportionality and quality.

[@BrentHull]

Welcome aboard! Yes, we're on our way back.

[@johnalvitre3154]

Love it, glad you have a book coming soon too, we all need your help. I learned a lot about Craftsman built homes. I tore out the 1980 cabinets from a poorly done remodel and returned many of my 1910 Craftsman home’s details to original. There was one motivating piece left in the house, the butler’s pantry had one shaker bottom door and a few uppers plus drawer fronts and that created my hole plan. Bottom rail was 3 1/2 “ with 2” top rail and stiles. All upper doors had a 2” rail and stile all around. I designed and picked cherry wood for my custom cabinets in natural. I did, of course, have the doors inset. This revealed so much beauty to this home. It was also great to have furniture sized cabinets that could be a single base cabinet housing a 28” drawer base with a 26” base with drawer all in one. No filler panels as this was custom to the minute measurements. It made all the difference. I even added a lower height base cabinet near the ovens for rolling out dough. I still have pics if there is any interest. All my design, but happy to share or inspire others. I kept the base rail and stile concept throughout the house no matter the cabinet height. It just makes sense doing it with inset and true to form. Thanks again.

[@BrentHull]

I love it. Great work.

[@plumbthumbs9584]

Lovely presentation, thanks Brent!

[@BrentHull]

Thanks!

[@carminesilverado]

this video is over the top out of the park grand slam clear the basses good thank you

[@BrentHull]

Wow, thanks!

[@ryansoo4000]

One way to get the inset panel look while using a cheaper overlay box and door design is to use 3/4" spacers that are finished to look like end panels on the top and bottom of the cabinet boxes, and also between them. Bring the spacer forward so it is flush with the surface of the door and the overlay panel now looks inset. I've seen this done with Ikea cabinets and it makes them look like custom units.

[@BrentHull]

That is one method, although hardware is not exposed. Thx.

[@rosielele]

That’s a great idea!

[@millcity9711]

Thanks for another great tutorial. Appropriate case goods for a given situation seem to be the most glaring aspect of design fails. I see this far too often in high-end projects and just wonder what they were thinking. Answer is, they simply don't know better...

[@BrentHull]

Sadly!

[@merrim7765]

The details are your punctuation! This is GREAT info!! You know when you start drawing? That's fun to see, but if you show some photos or drawings instead (up close details), I think the viewer will have a very clear idea of what you're describing and be able to describe that to their trim or cabinet designer. Can't wait to see your announcement your book is ready for pre-order.

[@BrentHull]

Ok, good feedback. Cheers.

[@petemclinc]

I wish I knew about Brent 25 years ago. My kitchen overlay cabinets would have been inset.

[@BrentHull]

Yep, thx.

[@cborecky]

There's a part of me that says just get some used stainless steel restaurant equipment, tile the walls, and make the kitchen an industrial space. This would force the socializing into the living room, which is the more traditional way to socialize. The fancier we make the kitchen the more we live in a modern way rather than a traditional way.

[@BrentHull]

Good point. Thanks.

[@angellas.1314]

Nahhh. It’s the fooood. And closeness and less formality of the kitchen space.

[@buggaboo333]

I love watching true craftsmen and professionals. Great work!

[@BrentHull]

Thank you very much!

[@masonmansitomargiela1399]

Wow so much knowledge packed into this video, thank you for sharing this with us. Ive only been working on cabinets for 2 years and my passion for designing and giving my clients something unique is constantly growing. With all the videos on youtube about “cabinets” I have never seen a video like this, your knowledge about the history of these common designs we see everywhere now and your experience shines very clearly in the video. New subscriber here. Definitely need that book sir.

[@BrentHull]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tc9148]

So many great ideas about cabinets.

[@BrentHull]

Great!

[@danielstover3029]

Thanks Brent! Great video! Cabinets are a huge investment and really display the quality of a home. It would be wonderful to see a more detailed video of good, better, best choices and how to get there. Great information and thanks for sharing. 😁👍

[@BrentHull]

Good to hear. Thanks.

[@ivonekowalczyk5823]

Yay! Looking forward to your book on cabinets and built-ins. Definitely will get that!

[@BrentHull]

Thank you!!

[@soniatriana9091]

Hello Brent, That a great video! I then went onto your Instagram account & I really like your Window/Door Restoration recommendations!! Luckily, I did restore the original windows in my small Spanish Style childhood home 6 years ago. They look amazing, especially with all new brass hardware!!

[@BrentHull]

Wonderful to hear! THx.

[@MNnytrorider]

I am extremely interested in the book you are writing. I would love to know more about French style cabinets so I can reproduce them myself.

[@BrentHull]

Wonderful! Buy French country furniture books to start. Good luck.

[@ShireTown1824]

Can't wait for that book!

[@BrentHull]

Me too. Thx.

[@dianabeeler4135]

This is so fascinating!

[@BrentHull]

Thanks!!

[@lisalaufenberg6002]

Thanks Brent, 22 years ago I heard same excuses when I asked about inset doors. I am looking forward to your book!

[@Art-is-craft]

I am wondering is there a way of designing the units so that inlays can be easily done and repeated in a workshop. So that cheap kitchens would look better. The current MDF carcass with fancy doors looks cheap and the MDF even on expensive kitchens gets damaged.

[@BrentHull]

Thank you!

[@TJ-tb3xm]

That was very educational! Thank you!

[@BrentHull]

Glad you liked it.

[@kelleysimonds5945]

I have to remodel my farmhouse kitchen and will be making good use of these suggestions, than you.

[@BrentHull]

Wonderful! Thx

[@WesleyMukubesa]

I like the subject or topic keep on inspiring us God bless u

[@BrentHull]

Nice. Thx.

[@spilleradam]

I love your videos Brent, there very good, the jobs I work on people don’t want to spend the time and money, on really classy kitchen cabinets, or they can’t afford it , in America your spoiled for materials the kitchen cabinets in America are better than in England, their are people who make good quality kitchen cabinets in England, but it’s expensive you don’t see them very often.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks for sharing.

[@artemioquintero7866]

Thank you for the video. Love the content.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks for watching.

[@АндрюхаК-о9в]

thank you!

[@BrentHull]

You're welcome!

[@Art-is-craft]

Great video.

[@BrentHull]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SethOrsborn]

Thanks for pointing out the inset. It’s why modern cabinets always look weird to me.

[@BrentHull]

Word!

[@CoreyJordan-l3j]

Great video! What wood do you prefer for paint grade cabinets? All makers I've contacted are suggesting MDF for the door panel. Should I request wood? Thanks!

[@BrentHull]

I would. I hate MDF

[@pinderweatherly]

I enjoyed this video…. I originally watched it hoping to learn something which you didn’t address. Can you tell me what the trim under kitchen upper cabinet would be called and how it is done? I would like to do something to stock cabinets to make them look better and more timeless (plus being a short person I can see the ugly unfinished underside of the upper cabinets … and it is ugly> Perhaps there is a video (?)

[@BrentHull]

Thx, I don't know if there is an historic name for it, and I don't think it is common enough to have a specific name. Instead, I would find something I like and copy it. There is typically a 2" bottom rail on historic cabinets, somethimes with trim. Good luck.

[@laurensouthgate2458]

I feel like I learned something new.

[@BrentHull]

Glad to hear it.

[@Art-is-craft]

It would be interesting if we could figure out how to make cheaper kitchens look better than the current methods. Would an inlay approach do it. Such as a face frame that is pre engineered or cabinets prebuilt with the face and a door that then fits into that as an inlay. The most expensive part of cheap kitchens is the fitting.

[@BrentHull]

Interesting idea. I think that is a start, but is just a start. There is so much more we can do.

[@ejh7765]

I like inset doors yet it takes inches away from any pull out shelf. Would you show us what you done as I assume it’s many inches you lose

[@BrentHull]

Ok, thx.

[@Haakonson55]

Brent, without knowing everyone’s market, do you feel there’s opportunity for small cabinet shops to be the ones that don’t give the pushback you talk about and be successful? Is there a void in the market where the furniture quality cabinets are the standard? Also, thanks for putting out these videos. They really helped with my recent kitchen remodel and with my home design in general.

[@BrentHull]

Glad to hear it. Yes and 100%. It takes a little time, but if you offer it as an opportunity for clients, you'll be surprised how many want better, or different. Good luck.

[@Haakonson55]

@@BrentHull Also, I’ve been listening to a lot of passion for craft. At first I was wondering where the heck you found the apprentice until I realized he was your son lol. His construction lingo seems to be progressing well, and I look forward to watching his videos from North Bennet Street if he chooses to go forward with the channel. It’ll be a great opportunity for him and the viewers.

[@emileypowers1730]

I ordered custom cabinetry and the factory messed up. They sent soft-close hinges instead of antique barrel. I opted to keep them at a steep discount. Do you think I could visually fake a barrel hinge without affecting how the cabinets close?

[@BrentHull]

Yes, it will look fine when the door is closed but your fakery will be easily seen when the door is open. You can attach the butt hinge to the edge of the door.

[@hannahrebek]

Where do you recommend getting exposed butt hinges for inset doors? I am trying to buy some (DIYer here) and I can't find any. Its also difficult understanding lingo when shopping.

[@BrentHull]

Deltana has butt hinges.

[@mschannigan8831]

I really enjoyed this episode... the problem is that you have to have so much money to do cabinets in this way. If you want to build historical cabinets this way yourself, would you build out of solid wood or out of plywood? I will look for your book on the subject for sure.

[@BrentHull]

Thx, we build out of solid wood for doors and most wood. We would build the boxes in plywood. We also use solid wood for exposed backs.

[@DrMJJr]

Brent, is there a cabinet maker or brand where a customer could specify these elements in their custom kitchen cabinetry? For example, I prefer the French formal style of raised inset panels (and moldings) but don't know where I could go to make those choices...

[@BrentHull]

Not that I know of, sounds like a job for a small custom shop. Maybe a 1 or 2 man shop. I don't know of any large makers.

[@psin0373]

What can be done if you don't have inset cabinets? Ours are overlay...

[@TheSeriesofTubes]

Replace them if you want to, you aren’t changing just the doors and making it work if that’s your question.

[@BrentHull]

Sadly, not much.

[@psin0373]

@@BrentHull ok, thank you! love your channel! really beautiful!

[@hughmac13]

6. Include an incised, or inset, bead on the cabinet face frames. And any cabinetmaker worth his salt-including those trained at NBSS-can account for the effect of seasonal wood movement on door fit. It's the very reason doors are built the way they are in the first place, with wider panels surrounded by narrower frames, to contain and accommodate expansion and contraction. Those other guys just don't like having to fit each door individually, instead of slapping on an overlay, with fit as no consideration.

[@BrentHull]

100% Thx for sharing.

[@haziqinayat]

Any Kitchen Cabinet shops you'd recommend round the dfw area?

[@BrentHull]

Nope. We have to be very specific and they are tough to find. I would suggest finding one who is open to new ideas, not just wanting to build what their CNC can cut.

[@haziqinayat]

@@BrentHull Appreciate that

[@KMx108]

I showed my cabinet maker a picture of what I wanted for my kitchen. They were inset doors. He said okay, we signed a contract and then built overlay doors. I didn't even know the difference until I saw all the cabinets built and questioned the difference. He said, well...that would have cost more. I was so upset. He should have talked to me about the difference before finalizing the contract. He tried to tell me that type of door will stick and always cause problems. I've got old furniture with that type of door and haven't had any sticking. He is highly respected in our area but he lost some of those respect points for me after this project.

[@BrentHull]

Ugh, so sorry. I hate that.

[@patrickhoeflinger893]

Mr. Hull, how do you accomplish soft close with the visible butt hinges? I love the look but also love a nice soft close.

[@BrentHull]

We use a magnet and a suppressed closer button.

[@stamp400]

Did you mention working on a book?

[@BrentHull]

Yes, coming soon.

[@donlourie769]

It would help to do close up, slow video of the cabinet you are addressing. We already know what you look like.

[@BrentHull]

noted.

[@MNnytrorider]

What’s a good source hinges for French cabinets?

[@BrentHull]

Whitechapel hardware.

[@thomas536]

Where can we preorder the book? Thanks!

[@BrentHull]

I'll let you know when I do. Thx.

[@stephen7938]

With the advent of much more capability in technology from when these styles were created why the style couldn't come back and be competitive as modern trash cabinets.

[@BrentHull]

Good question. I think we should try. Thx

[@iandanforth]

How did "use wood" not make it onto this list? Sawdust and plastic are everywhere. Maybe this is item 0? Use real wood!

[@BrentHull]

Shoot, good point. Hopefully it is implied.