Custom Kitchen Blog
Custom Kitchen in Durham Connecticut
Our latest custom kitchen project in Durham, Connecticut, is the perfect example of modern rustic elegance. For this build, we had the pleasure of working with one of our favorite hardwoods: Wormy Maple. Known for its unique character, Wormy Maple features natural mineral streaks and small "wormholes" caused by the ambrosia beetle, creating a visual texture that no factory-made material can replicate. While Wormy Maple is naturally beautiful, the finish is what truly brought this Durham kitchen to life. We chose Rubio Monocoat in "Super White." Unlike traditional stains that sit on top of the wood and can mask its detail, Rubio Monocoat is a hardwax oil that bonds molecularly with the wood fibers. The "Super White" pigment provides a subtle, milky wash that softens the natural amber tones of the maple. The result? A bright, airy aesthetic that highlights the wood’s organic grain and mineral streaks without making the kitchen feel dark or heavy. It is the perfect balance of "clean" and "character." Custom Features Designed for Living This Durham kitchen isn’t just a showpiece; it’s a high-functioning workspace. By opting for custom cabinetry, the homeowners were able to maximize every inch of their layout. Highlights of the project include: Seamless Integration: The cabinetry was designed to fit the specific architectural nuances of the home, providing a sleek, built-in look. Natural Contrast: The Super White finish on the Wormy Maple creates a stunning contrast against darker hardware and modern appliances, allowing the wood to stand out as a piece of art. Durability: Because we used Rubio Monocoat, the finish is incredibly durable, easy to maintain, and eco-friendly (0% VOCs), making it safe for a busy family environment. Bring the Rustic Barn Look to Your Home At The Rustic Barn, we believe your home should be a reflection of your personality. Whether it’s a full custom kitchen in Durham or a single piece of handmade furniture, we are dedicated to using high-quality, sustainable materials that tell a story. Love the look of these Wormy Maple cabinets? If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or building a new home in Connecticut, we’d love to help you design a space that is uniquely yours. Contact us today to start your custom cabinetry journey. Project Location: Durham, CT Materials: Wormy Maple Finish: Rubio Monocoat Super White Builder: The Rustic Barn
Learn more
Custom Kitchen in Old Lyme Connecticut
Behind the Build: A Custom Kitchen in Old Lyme, CT By Steve Martins There’s nothing better than seeing a project come together from blueprint to final install—and this custom kitchen in Old Lyme was no exception. My team and I were brought in after a full demo had been done, and we got to start fresh with a clean slate. The clients worked closely with Reba Tehan (@rebadesign) to bring their vision to life. Reba put together a solid blueprint layout for the space, and once those plans were finalized, we jumped right in. The cabinetry throughout the kitchen—including the island—was built entirely from maple, one of my favorite hardwoods to work with. In total, we built about 24 custom cabinets for this space. Each one was made by hand in the shop, then delivered piece by piece to SPM Painting for finishing. The clients chose Sherwin Williams Sage Green for the island, and Restful White for the perimeter cabinetry—a classic combination that feels fresh but still timeless. We’ve used the X-pattern end panels on kitchen islands before, and this client asked for that specific detail. It adds just the right amount of character without being too busy. One of my favorite things about this project was the thoughtfulness that went into functionality. We built a utensil pull-out, a pull-out for trash and recycling, and a spice roll-out, all integrated seamlessly into the cabinetry. Every cabinet door and drawer is soft-close—no slamming, just a smooth, quiet close every time. One set of upper cabinets featured seeded glass panel doors, which add a nice texture and break up the solid cabinetry with a lighter, more open feel. The mix of painted finishes, classic lines, and simple but functional upgrades made this one of those kitchens that feels both hardworking and high-end. While we didn’t handle the countertops, we were proud to deliver everything else on our end from fabrication to installation. The entire project took around 3 to 4 weeks to complete, start to finish. Custom kitchens like this are what we love doing most—taking a vision on paper and building it into something that a family will live in and enjoy every single day. Special thanks to Nicole Bedard Photography for capturing the details and craftsmanship of this project so beautifully. Ready to start your own custom kitchen project in Connecticut?From handcrafted cabinetry to thoughtful storage solutions, I take pride in building kitchens that are both functional and beautiful. If you're dreaming up your own renovation or have questions about what's possible, I’m here to help. Reach out and I’ll get back to you quickly: https://therusticbarnct.com/pages/handcrafted-kitchen-cabinetry – Steve Martins
Learn more