Having this same problem as want to paint the trim around kitchen window to match cabinets (Medallion) took piece to BM (my favorite and they were unable to get it in their camera system) so I went to SW and they matched. I didn't buy yet as am waiting to hear back from Elkay/Medallion.

Mrsjoe, Yes, Conestoga's are far better than Kraftsmaid in quality (although Kraftsmaid is nice). I'm not sure about Shenandoah as I have never seen them. I think quality wise (not price) they fall somewhere between Medallion/Schuler's plywood/wood option and maybe Shiloh or a bit further down the list. My estimate for Medallion in non wood "mdf" boxes came in at $14,000 or just under (forget) and my Conestoga's "all wood" rta's were around $8,000 with shipping. My bill was actually $8,320 I think but I ordered some back-up stain, glaze, paint, varnish and top coat just in case we screwed anything up. The finishes are real nice and I do love the catalyzed varnished interiors and the thick solid wood varnished shelves. I paid and extra $10 for 3/4 inch thick bottoms in my larger drawer bank. It was probably over kill but these babies are solid.

We will be remodeling our kitchen soon and this forum has been a wealth of information. We will be going with painted cabinets. We are located in California. We will be talking with a custom cabinet shop as well as looking into semi custom. Medallion / Schuler seem to have a good reputation for their painted finishes. Any others that you would recommend? When I discuss painting with the custom shop I am not sure what to ask. Are there methods that can be used in a large factory that a smaller custom shop can't match? Limitations for a California shop due to environmental regulations? Thanks for your insights.

not to throw you a total curve, but the reason the Hawaiians and missionaries used koa, mango, and other exotic woods is because they stand up to the humidity (I'm on Oahu). You see a lot of teak around the island - also used on boats as it does not swell - but its color is lighter - and often more Scandinavian in design. Rattan used a lot and I love the look, but impossible in my mind to keep really clean looking over time as dust and crumbs fall in. Pacific Craftworks on Oahu sells custom cabinets made from mostly darker colored woods in Viet Nam - another tropical place - that should hold up to Hawaii weather (no affiliation) - some looks like mahogany but different wood. We used them in our master bath and the prices weren't bad. The dark woods are traditional but too much can make the room feel heavy. Hawaiian homes were influenced by missionaries from New England, cowboys, Balinese, Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, Europeans, and plantation owners. So we don't have a purely beach feel - the white rattan look is more East Coast. Tropical is the darker, wider strip, rattan. Here it is all about moss rock, exotic woods, flowers, surfboards, waves, turtles, pineapple, dark sea blues and green foliage mixed with white, cream, and woven mats. If you stick to the white (which will look clean, fresh, and airy) make sure they are quality boxes to hold up to the humidity. For the Hawaii vibe decorate with a few koa or monkeypod (less expensive) chairs, coffee table, or a bowl on your counter, bring in the light and the air and avoid kitsch. Your koa fan will tie into those accents. The one you have chosen is very modern looking and I understand that fewer blades (3 to 4) move more air than 5. Traditionally locals used lots of fans to move the trade winds and homes were designed to pull in the trades. Don't fall for a kitschy fan if it doesn't function well. Suggest any fabrics have local tropical flowers (ginger, heliconia) in large, lush prints. Your inspiration Kauai cottage has beautiful accent pillows that illustrate this - the upholstery is beige but the pillows have heliconia and tropical leaves to bring in color.