White Oak Plywood Cabinetry for a Family That Really Cooks

When a family of chefs—yes, even the kids—outgrows their kitchen, the design brief writes itself. Maximum counter space. Intuitive workflow. Materials that can handle serious cooking.

This Portland, Maine project delivered all three, wrapped in the warm minimalism of white oak plywood cabinets that complement the home’s existing natural wood floors.

A Kitchen Built for Light and Craft

The clients wanted a kitchen that felt light and bright. However, they also valued craftsmanship and material honesty. As a result, we designed a modern kitchen using white oak plywood throughout, celebrating rather than concealing the exposed plywood edges that have become a Boxco signature. The result is a mid century modern kitchen aesthetic that feels both timeless and distinctly contemporary.

Custom plywood cabinets like these require precision. Therefore, each drawer front, door, and panel is oriented to show the oak grain to its best advantage. Meanwhile, the cut-out finger pulls punctuate the clean lines without competing with the wood’s natural character. Working with builder Monsell + Co, we ensured every detail was executed to spec. Their careful installation brought the design to life.

Layout for a Working Kitchen

For a family that actually cooks—extensively—the layout needed to accommodate multiple people working simultaneously. Consequently, the L-shaped perimeter maximizes counter space while keeping the cook zone compact. Additionally, a dedicated coffee nook with open shelving sits adjacent to the main work area. This keeps morning routines separate from meal prep. Furthermore, those plywood box-style open shelves hold cookbooks, ceramics, and the daily coffee ritual essentials.

Color and Storage Solutions

The two-tone backsplash from Fireclay Tile adds color without overwhelming the space. Specifically, cream upper tiles transition to deep green at counter height. Indeed, it’s a nod to mid century modern kitchen cabinet colors, specifically those saturated accent tones that gave 1960s wood kitchen cabinets their personality. Storage was critical. Therefore, floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinets flank the refrigerator. Similarly, deep drawers near the cooktop provide easy access to pots and pans.

Beyond the Kitchen

The design extends into the adjacent dining area with a custom record player cabinet. Notably, it mirrors the kitchen’s white oak construction and exposed-edge detailing. In fact, it’s a small move that makes the whole main floor feel intentional and connected.

Builder: Monsell + Co

Photographer: Apparition