Ooooh I love the way those cabinet doors recess too. Segbrown's kitchen is so beautiful isn't it? Anyway in our case, first Cabico, said they sould recess our doors and then the guys making the cabinets at Cabico said they couldn't. I'm not positive, but I think it was because we had beaded inset? I'm not sure how hard it would be to buy the hardware and have your guy do it. Maybe you should ask your carpenter if he's interested in taking that on first. If I were him, I might be reluctant to retrofit someone's expensive cabinet. What if he messes up?

Yes, you can absolutely DIY. You'll have to order the hardware unless you have a truly outstanding hardware store nearby.

look at what lacusine did. It looks like her appliance garage opens and then slides in on one side. Would that work for you? Here's a link to the thread Here is a link that might be useful: link to craigslist

I'm not sure what a soft-close pocket door is, but we had one installed in a bathroom a few months ago (Johnson hardware to frame/hang it) and just basic common door hardware (there are some handsome ones but they seem to get $$$ quick). It seems to be working very well and we use it more than expected. Purchasing the hardware online -- I selected a thing that pulls out of the end so you can stick your finger through and pull the door closed; also had a round latch mechanism (instead of knob) to lock the door -- couldn't tell from information provided online that the thing that comes out to latch the door locked, also pops out to provide something to pull the door shut with as well. Good luck with yours!