Custom Cabinetry in Ithaca, NY: Investing in Quality Woodwork

Investing in custom cabinetry and woodwork is one of the most impactful ways to enhance a new home or commercial space. When done well, shelves, cupboards, cases, and other storage solutions help anchor a space’s overall aesthetic.

“The goal is to marry function with intentional design,” reveals Dave Messmer, Shop Manager at Trade Design Build. “Well-made cabinetry caters to people’s living habits and needs while appealing to their design sense.”

Dave reflects on the benefits of working with a custom woodshop in Ithaca, NY, exploring Trade’s human-centered design approach and new shop capabilities.

A Design-Led Custom Cabinetry Process Ensures a Cohesive Aesthetic

Besides exceptional craftsmanship, Trade stands out in the industry for its integrated design process. Rather than segregated design and build phases, Trade encourages open communication between designers and woodworkers from the start to ensure the final product is feasible.

“Open dialogue early in the design phase is crucial in keeping the suggested floorplan grounded in reality,” Dave comments.

Designers lead the initial consultations to translate a client’s needs into a detailed floor plan, considering the client’s lifestyle and selecting an aesthetic that aligns with the client’s wants. The woodshop team supports these conversations by offering insights into buildability, materiality, and alternative solutions the designer might not have considered.

Full Customization Allows for Tailor-Made Cabinetry Solutions for Any Space

The other benefit of an integrated design process for custom cabinetry is a more cohesive aesthetic. Details in one set of cabinets may echo other elements in the home, be it the furniture, light fixtures, or home quirk. Together, they breathe a rhythm into the space without reverting to the “retail show-room” effect common in matching pre-fab pieces.

Dave emphasizes, “With custom cabinetry, we build everything from scratch. That gives us the opportunity to explore more variability in wood species, materials, color options, and size.”

In other words, full design control means the freedom to build solutions that cookie-cutter options can’t accommodate. Dave and his team bring a level of finesse to custom cabinetry that allows Trade to think outside the box and optimize floor plans.

Take this kitchen remodel in a Tudor-style home in the Finger Lakes, for example.

At first glance, the visual warmth and caliber of woodwork are enough to draw envy. The custom tambour sliding cabinets atop the kitchen counter act as appliance garages, grain-matched to the home’s existing solid wood features and cleverly designed to minimize visual clutter.

Navigating through the kitchen reveals a playful back-and-forth between the cabinets and other custom woodwork throughout the space.

A set of integrated bookcases helps the kitchen transition seamlessly into other spaces. Nearby, a built-in bench nestles into the back of a booth and table, each complementing the cabinets’ style. Even the custom chandelier hanging in the dining room shares key details, reinforcing the design language throughout the house.

“This home has a history,” Dave recalls. “So, we drew from the local architecture and environment for inspiration. We sourced oak throughout the Finger Lakes and fumed it with ammonia to create an aged, timeless look inspired by the area but with a contemporary sensibility.”

Enhanced Woodshop Capabilities to Realize Any Vision

The Tudor home’s signature oak look would have been nearly impossible to achieve through conventional means due to the high level of customization involved. However, Trade has steadily scaled its woodworking facility to expand its capabilities in ways other shops may not have. 

The woodshop team uses CNC technology and high-end tools to process solid wood and sheet materials, allowing them to build anything a client may need, from casework and custom cabinetry to wood furniture. Materiality and technique will depend on the unique project requirements.

Recently, Trade purchased the Renovus Solar Building and is now increasing its woodshop capacity to serve more clients. Between the property’s two buildings, the 10,000 square-foot upper facility will house Trade’s Construction Services and Woodshop equipment.

Design Custom Cabinets & Other Woodwork With Trade

Partnering with a custom woodshop gives you the most control over your vision and ensures a true alignment between people, home, and environment. Tell us about your project to discover tailor-made cabinetry solutions for your needs.