We used a fantastic independent cabinet maker, Richard Sanca, to do a very large built-in bookcase in our brownstone. He is detail-oriented, a real artist, well priced and his work is impeccable. He does kitchens too. His website is linked below. Tell him Allison recommended him, if you call. Here is a link that might be useful: GREAT cabinet guy in NYC/Long Island

Hyjenist, you're cabinets are awesome!! nyrgirl, Based on the quote I got from dutchwood, they're out of your price range. For what it's worth, I may be in the minority, but I wasn't impressed with them. I loved my cabinet makers and I'd think they'd go to Staten island. They don't subcontract, make all of the cabinets in their shop (it's in the back of their showroom and you can take a tour), get the doors from the Amish in PA and seem to meet all of the requirements you listed, plus they have fantastic weights requirements for the drawer hardware. Below is a link to my kitchen: http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2591335/kitchen-reveal-completed-staged-kitchen And a link to the cabinetmaker: http://www.houzz.com/pro/designlinekitchens1/design-line-kitchens

I can't speak for inset as we did full overlay and they aren't in the Chicago area but did deliver our cabinets right into our house and were here for measuring and 100% available by phone and email. We're in the Northwest suburbs and I know they are currently working on a house in Lincolnshire. I would HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend Ayr Cabinetry out of Nappannee Indiana. They are a small Amish cabinet shop doing outstanding work. I"m happy to give them the most glowing referral. Ken Miller worked with us with the UTMOST patience and believe me if you knew me you'd understand LOL. There was nothing he could not do, we brainstormed a ton and my kitchen is perfect in every way. Their # is (574) 773-7973.

Hi Marbles, I used Niviya (in Cupertino) in our last home (around 2006)& at that time it was 16k for Alder wood with a stain. Our kitchen was over 100 sq ft but they put in a lot of cabinets. We were all set to use them again but our quote this time around was a lot higher. After shopping around at Lowes, HD and tons of independent mid-range cabinet shops, we found a place that sells Medallion cabinets. After reading on here it seems like most are very happy with the cabinets and the price was right! I haven't had any luck finding a resonable priced "custom" shop in bay area. I qot quotes from Rawson cabinets (in Campbell) but they were pricey, and a few others that were 25k-30k range. (and my kitchen is small!). Anyway, our cabinets will be installed in a few weeks. You can look at them once they are in--fingers crossed everything will go ok, I'm nervous lol! Send me an email & I'll get the info to you. Have you checked yelp too?