Design Guide

CREATING

A KITCHEN
that truly inspires you

YOUR NEW

KITCHEN:
expression
and our craftsmanship

A beautiful blend of your

WHATS INSIDE
A Kitchen Inspired by You

Function & Form in the Kitchen

Country Hearth and Home

Craftsman Naturally Simple

Nantucket A Breath of Fresh Air

Getting Creative with Details

2
4

Your Custom Cabinetmaker

Traditional A Beautiful Classic

6
10
12

Contemporary Modern Sophistication

16

Western Pursuit of Freedom

20

Victorian Distinctive Elegance

24

A Glossary of Cabinetry Terms

14
18
22

A kitchen is more than a room where the work of feeding your family gets
done. If youre like most homeowners, its no less than the heart and soul of
your householda gathering point, a center of activity day or night, a creative
place, an extension of your personality and passions.

Decore-ative Specialties has created this Design Guide full of beautiful ideas to
help you define the ideal kitchen for your lifestyle. Were here to help you and
your custom cabinetmaker make the kitchen of your dreams a stunning reality.

DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES www.decore.com

I n s p i r at i o n
born of a very special lifestyleyours

Your tastes, your style,

your life

YOUR

KITCHEN

Do you come alive in the country? Feel energized by the pulse of

the city? Wherever youre most inspired, whatever world you feel
more at home inyour new kitchen can be a beautifully supportive
environment that reflects not only your personality but also your
own unique vision of the good life.

The artisans and craftspeople of Decore-ative Specialties more than

understand this principleits why weve created hundreds of styles
of meticulously handcrafted cabinet doors and accessories. After all,
there really should be no place like your home.

REVERE (800)
Red Oak Select
5-piece drawer front

DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES www.decore.com

E XCELLENCE
the skill you need to create a distinctive kitchen

Your

cabinetmaker and

DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES
a beautiful

partnership

Who wants to live with a kitchen thats out of a box when you
can have one thats out of this world? By choosing an experienced
craftsperson to create your custom cabinets, your new kitchen will
be an extension of your personality, lifestyle and individuality.

Your custom cabinetmaker cares about the way your kitchen

fits your needs and your personality. Thats why he or she teams
with Decore-ative Specialties. Were acclaimed throughout
the industry for our uncompromising quality,
unparalleled selection and unbeatable reliability.

Before you build your new kitchen, make sure you are
selecting the countrys most distinctive cabinet doors, drawers
and accessories. Choose a custom cabinetmaker who chooses
Decore-ative Specialties.

The Custom CABINETMAKER

Chooses the best quality materials for durability and style.
Accesses a greater variety of accessories to personalize your kitchen.
Builds the cabinets they install to ensure a perfect fit.
Depends more on referrals. Their reputations are their greatest asset.
Will personally come to your home to answer questions and solve any problems.
Designs kitchens that are built to your specifications not out of the box standard sizes.
Works directly for you!
DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES www.decore.com

Just because something is functional, doesnt mean it cant have

CHARACTER

Do

more than just work

in the

kitchen

WORK BEAUTIFULLY
One of the most enjoyable features of custom kitchen cabinetry is that you
and your cabinetmaker can choose the functional options and accessories
that help you work better and more efficiently. Of course, because youve
planned your kitchen to perfectly match your lifestyle, any options are sure
to help you function more beautifully as well.

DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES www.decore.com

traditional
style means classic beauty at the center of your home

Surround yourself
thats so

with

style

obviously YOU

TRADITIONAL
Comfortable. Familiar. Useful and productive.
Your new kitchen can be all of these and still be
a strikingly beautiful room to walk into. After all,
the Traditional style is all about classic, yet
functional elegance.

One of the most popular design choices year

after year, the Traditional style features classic lines
and details, and a focus on practical beauty.

MISSION (840)
Pink Birch Select Panel/
Alder Natural Frame
Solid drawer front

LEXINGTON (825)
Maple Select
Solid drawer front

HERITAGE (805)
African Mahogany
Routed drawer front

MALIBU (50)
Cherry Select
5-piece drawer front

JR7 (727)
949 White
Routed drawer front

FS704 (704)
Almond
Solid drawer front

DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES www.decore.com

COUNTRY
brings feelings of hearth and home into your kitchen

Down home

comfort,

sensibility and CHARM

RIDGEVIEW (579)
Maple Select
5-piece drawer front

AMR808 (808)
Natural Maple
Solid drawer front

CAVALLINI (363)
Honey Apple
5-piece drawer front

DELAWARE (538)
Rustic Knotty Alder
5-piece drawer front

COUNTRY
The look of a Country-inspired kitchen is popular
for many sensible reasons. Whether its familiar
flourishes of Country French, the quaint allure of
English Country, or the strength of design straight
from Americas heartlandthe Country style is all
about comfort at its charming best.

BEL AIR (581)

Cherry Select
Solid drawer front

PROVIDENCE (537)
Cherry Select
5-piece drawer front

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11

c o n t e m p or a r y
design is bold beauty that demands to be noticed

Excitingly simple, and oh,

so thoroughly MODERN
contempor ary
Contemporary design is focused on simple,
yet exciting use of space, color and texture, with
an unmistakable sense of urban energy and
artistic creativity.

A bold take on simple sophistication, the

Contemporary style is highlighted by open space,
sparse geometric lines and shapes, bright, solid
tones and purposefully positioned accents.

DBQ (816)
Maple Cream (vertical grain)
Solid drawer front

ARIES (93)
European Steamed Beech
(horizontal grain)

KB732 (732)
Brushed Aluminum
Solid drawer front

BROOKHURST DELUXE (77)

Cherry Select

EL DORADO (824)
Maple Select
5-piece drawer front

PICASSO (362)
Summer Flame
5-piece drawer front

DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES www.decore.com

13

CraFtSman
quality thats a naturally beautiful extension of you

Simple and
uncomplicated
like the

life you SEEK

Craftsman
The distinctive Craftsman style is evidence of
simplicity that is practical, functional and in
harmony with your natural surroundings. Its
elegantly uncomplicated designs feature straight
lines, right angles, exposed joinery and the
occasional strategic use of stained glass.

Whether you call it Arts and Crafts, Mission, or

Craftsman, this unique look is the epitome of
uncompromising quality and attention to detail.
Just like you.
MAVERICK (895)
Rustic Knotty Alder
5-piece drawer front

REDONDO (409)
Vertical Grain Fir
5-piece drawer front

SHAKER (831)
Maple Select
5-piece drawer front

CASCADE (858)
Pink Birch Select
5-piece drawer front

NEVADA (898)
European Steamed Beech
5-piece drawer front

AUBURN (832)
Quarter Sawn Red Oak
Solid drawer front

DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES www.decore.com

15

WESTERN
Pioneering a more creative and inspiring environment from Old West to Southwest

Design and craftsmanship

with an independent

SPIRIT

Western
Theres just no mistaking the individualistic
personality of a kitchen designed with a Southwest
or Old West look. From its earthtone colors and
rustic textures, to handcrafted accents with
a definite streak of bold adventure throughout
this richly inviting style is all about the freedom
to pursue a more exciting lifestyle without
leaving home.

DEL ORO (857)

Knotty Pine
5-piece drawer front

CHEYENNE (924)
Cherry Select
Solid drawer front

NAVAJO (920)
Alder Select
5-piece drawer front

APACHE (931)
Vertical Grain Fir
Routed drawer front

VICTORIA (833)
Knotty Western Red Cedar
5-piece drawer front

SANTA FE (922)
Clear Pine
Solid drawer front

DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES www.decore.com

17

NANTUCKET
style is like a fresh Atlantic breeze

Chart a course for a more

relaxed and inviting

quality of LIFE
nantucket
More than an inviting island off the coast of
Massachusetts, Nantucket is a state of mind and
design. A classic example of American architecture
at its best, the Nantucket style creates a light and
airy haven for creative living.

Distressed finishes, pickled stains and rounded

edges are accented by colors of weathered whites,
cranberry bog reds, seagrass greens, sunny yellows
and navy blues. Nautical accessories and fresh cut
flowers are as much a part of this style as salt air
DRV819 (819)
Golden Maple
Routed drawer front

MANHATTAN (63)
Maple Select
Routed drawer front

and bright sunshine.

SHEFFIELD (69)
Cherry Select
Routed drawer front

SISLEY (365)
Satin Antique White
5-piece drawer front

DAVENPORT (852)
Pink Birch Select
5-piece drawer front

CAMDEN (836)
Clear Pine
5-piece drawer front

DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES www.decore.com

19

victor ian
elegance with a rich heritage of style

Fit for a queen, designed to make

everyday a royal

BELLINGHAM (588)
Cherry Select
Routed drawer front

MENDOCINO (587)
Walnut Select
Routed drawer front

PLEASURE

WASHINGTON (553)
Cherry Select
Solid drawer front

BARCELONA (94)
White Birch Select
Solid drawer front

PONDEROSA (839)
Maple Select
5-piece drawer front

LAGUNA (853)
Walnut Select
5-piece drawer front

VICTORIAN
A contemporary take on a classic turn-of-thecentury look, todays Victorian style is enjoying
increasing popularity in refined kitchens
everywhere. Highlights of this regal style include
dark-grained woods polished to a high luster,
elaborately carved designs combined with strong
color schemes and distinctive trimmings. The
Victorian look is anything but no-frills.

DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES www.decore.com 21

The recipe for an attractive kitchen

INGREDIENTS
The richly-unique natural beauty of fine woods. The meticulous
designs of skilled craftspeople. The seemingly endless variations of
styles, colors and sizes. These are only some of the ingredients that
will make up the total environment of your new kitchen. Its all about
having the right choices to create the functional beauty you desire.

Our doors are all

about

the

DETAILS

BEL AIR (581) This great

RIDGEVIEW (579) This beauti-

COLONIAL (815) This traditional

DAVENPORT (852) The well-

CHEYENNE (924) To spice

MANHATTAN (63) The detailed

up your home with a Southwestern

look, the Cheyennes recessed panel
and applied detailing goes in stride
with your bold spirit.

design of the raised panel, miter

corner Manhattan is a wonderful
choice for adding an elegantly rich
look to your home.

FRONTIER (823) The hand-

SHAKER (831) Simple, classic

some design of this recessed panel,

applied molding and miter corner
door adds attractive details with
just the right amount of style.

lines of this recessed panel and

Cope N Stick construction will
complement many different
styles of homes from Craftsman
to Contemporarykeeping the
look you portray very clean and
uncomplicated.

AMV807 (807) This Deco-formTM

door adds the look you want to
achieve with a beaded panel, applied
molding and all the benefits of easy
to clean, durable Deco-formTM
products.

raised panel and applied molding

door style adds detail to many different styles of kitchens, including
Country and Victorian.

crafted details of a recessed beaded

panel and applied molding Cope
N Stick construction add the
necessary style to achieve the look
you want in your Nantucket or
Country style home.

fully designed raised panel door

with applied rope molding and
miter corners is well accentuated
with different glazing finishes.

arched, raised panel Cope N Stick

construction door is often used on
upper cabinets, and paired with a
traditional matching square raised
panel door on lower cabinets,
adding classic style to any home.

DECORE-ATIVE SPECIALTIES www.decore.com

23

Glossary of Custom Cabinetry Terms:

5-PIECE DOOR Popular, sturdy door construction
with 5 pieces assembled together: 2 stiles, 2 rails, and
a panel. Doors can have either a raised or recessed panel
and mitered or Cope N Stick corners.
STILES Portion of 5-piece construction that runs
along the sides of the door.

FRENCH LITE DOOR Door construction with

multiple openings in the panel area used for glass. Each
opening is referred to as a lite and are separated by
mullions (small strips of wood usually shaped with
the same detail as the door).
RADIUS High-end specialty doors that have a
curved construction. Convex doors bend with the face

RAILS Portion of 5-piece construction that runs

pushed outward; concave doors curve with the face

along the top and bottom of the door.

bent inwards.

PANEL Center portion of 5-piece construction.

VENEER Thin sheets of wood that offer consistent

A raised panel is made of solid material that brings

the panel height level to the frame. A recessed panel
sits lower than the frame height and is often made
of plywood.

grain pattern and color, usually applied to a sturdy

MDF or plywood core. Veneer is used in many
Contemporary style homes.

MITER 5-piece construction assembled with stiles

and rails joining in the corners at a 45 degree angle.

DECO-FORM Door construction consisting of

a wood product called Medium Density Fiberboard
(MDF), which is wrapped in a material called Rigid
Thermo Foil (RTF) to create a seamless, durable

COPE N STICK / BUTT JOINT 5-piece

construction with stiles and rails joining at a 90 degree
angle in the corners.

product. Beneficial because it will not twist, crack, or

peel. Deco-form is dent resistant, easy to clean, and
comes in a variety of door styles, available in a range
of solid and woodgrain colors.

APPLIED MOLDING 5-piece construction with

additional molding applied to face frame of door to give
a more elaborate look. This construction is popular in
many Country and Victorian style homes.

- Expressions doors feature RTF 5-Piece door

construction with glazed inside applied molding for the
look of wood with the benefits of RTF. (see Deco-form
definition for details on benefits of RTF).

5-PIECE DRAWER FRONT Just like a 5-piece door,

the 5-piece drawer front is comprised of 2 stiles, 2 rails,

DOVETAIL DRAWER BOXES Durable, drawer box

and a center panel. Horizontal grain direction is

standard on the panel of the drawer front. Rails on the

construction consisting of solid wood sides with

decorative, interlocking joints.

5-piece drawer front are typically made narrower than

the rails on the matching door style.

DOWELED DRAWER BOXES Drawer box

construction which joins sides of drawers together with

SOLID / SLAB DRAWER FRONT Solid piece that

usually has the same outside edge as the matching door.

small dowels.

ROUTED DRAWER FRONT Solid DF with detail

carved into it to match the detail of the door.

TRADITIONAL / FACE FRAME CABINETRY

CONSTRUCTION The face of the cabinet box is
seen in between the doors and drawer fronts.

WAINSCOT Non-functional door sections that serve

to cover large exposed areas along back side of cabinets,
often used on island and bar sections.

EUROPEAN / FRAMELESS CABINETRY

CONSTRUCTION The doors and drawer fronts
cover the face of the cabinet box.

GLASS DOOR Stiles and rails are assembled without

a panel to allow for glass to be inserted.

Kitchen Photo Details:

Cover

Saratoga (594) w/Catalina (51) panel in Cherry Select.

IFC

Delaware (538) in Maple Select.

P. 3

Manhattan (63) w/Rosewood Bead in Maple Natural. Door shown: Revere (800) in Red Oak Select
(also referred to as Square Raised Panel (151) with P3, IE3, OE4).

P. 4

Diplomat (598) w/P8 panel in Birch Natural and Cherry Select.

P. 6

Convex Sheffield (69) in Cherry Select. Photography by Cathy Kelly.

P. 7

Clockwise from Top Left Corner:

Convex Saratoga (594) w/Catalina (51) panel in Cherry Select.
San Marino (580) w/beaded panel in MDF Panel Paintable Hardwood Frame.
Sheldon (838) in MDF Panel Paintable Hardwood Frame and Maple Paint Grade.
Bel Air (581) in Knotty Pine.
San Marino (580) w/beaded panel in MDF Panel Paintable Hardwood Frame.
Bel Air (581) w/OE2 in MDF Panel Paintable Hardwood Frame.

P. 8

Heritage (805) in Maple Paint Grade. Heritage (805) is also referred to as Square Raise Panel (151)
with P5, IE3, OE4.
Heritage (805) in Alder Select. Heritage (805) is also referred to as Square Raise Panel (151)
with P5, IE3, OE4.

P. 9

Doors:
Heritage (805) shown in African Mahogany is also referred to as Square Raised Panel (151)
with P5, IE3, OE4.
Lexington (825) in Maple Select is also referred to as Soft Arch Raised Panel (153) with P5, IE3, OE4.
Mission (840) in Pink Birch Select Panel / Alder Natural Frame is also referred to as Cathedral Arch
Recessed Panel (156) with IE3, OE4.

P. 10

Ridgeview (579) in Paint Grade Maple and Alder Select.

Bel Air (581) in Knotty Pine.

P. 12

Shaker (831) in Cherry Natural.

P. 14

Flagstaff (835) in Quarter Sawn Red Oak. The Flagstaff is the same door style as the Auburn
(832) but has a solid panel opposed to a plywood panel.
Durango (834) in Quarter Sawn Red Oak w/Walnut door pegs. The Durango is the same door style
as the Shaker (831) but has a solid panel opposed to a plywood panel.

P. 16

Colorado (894) in Rustic Knotty Alder and San Marino (580) in Alder Select.
Pueblo (928) in Knotty Alder w/P1 Solid Panel, French Lite Special Lite Placement.

P. 18

Sheldon (838) in Maple Paint Grade and MDF Panel Paintable Hardwood Frame.
Manhattan (63) w/Rosewood Bead in Maple Natural.

P. 20

Delaware (538) in Alder Natural.

Delaware (538) and Wilmington (541) 5-piece drawer front in Paint Grade Hardwood.

P. 22

Bel Air (581) w/OE2 in MDF Panel Paintable Hardwood Frame.

** All kitchen photography by Izzy Schwartz Photography unless otherwise specified.

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(877) 4-DECORE (433-2673)

www.decore.com

2006 Decore-ative Specialties and Decore-ative Specialties NC, LLC

CN153