My thought is solid wood in bathroom is not a great idea. But I have no basis for that. I am switching out all my interior doors to be solid and I was convinced to go with composite vs. solid wood due to warping, etc. I grew up in a 1910 house with solid mahogany doors and they did stick with the seasons so I was inclined to believe my contractor. I went composite for all solid doors. Cabinet doors might be a different matter but for Sure I wouldnt try solid inset doors in the same room as a shower.

Thanks colorfast, good advise. I do plan on getting the cabinets made locally and have been to a couple of shops. I will look for alder. Because I am going with flat panel cabinets, it seems that everyone uses veneers for stability. And there are lots of choices out there for veneers, including exotic woods. I saw a veneer today that was quarter-sawn walnut, lovely warm brown colour and narrow grained, like quarter-sawn oak. I will keep looking, to see all the choices. Has anyone heard of or used a product called eco-wood? It is real wood made into veneers that look like other species of wood, ie mahogany, teak, oak, etc? It looked like a pretty good product, sustainably produced, but it feels strange to buy "fake" wood when I live in British Columbia!

i have always admired ...no, absolutely LOVED your first inspiration photo. it's maddening how lovely that kitchen is! so, yes i think it would look great. i'm wondering about the rest of your appliances. do you plan on a stainless fridge? i've always yearned to see MORE of that kitchen since we can't see the appliances but i suspect the fridge is most likely paneled. i think i'd do a panel instead of ss, especially since you plan on pulling out the cream on the cooktop. i get the whole utility thing, but that kitchen is clearly placing priorities on appearance. not that there's anything wrong with that. did i mention how much i LOVE it?? i'm doing white/cream (whatever!) w/marble counters and a stained island (marble top as well). the floors will be a rich walnut. i'm still trying to figure out if i'd be able to pull something like this off! i'll be watching with baited breath. good luck!

Cabinets have not been made of “solid wood” ever. Someone’s ignorant wood snobbery is getting the better of them. Cabinets have been made of furniture board for over 40 years, and there are still 40 year old furniture board cabinets serving duty with no issues. Any water event that is serious enough to damage furniture board will damage plywood. Solid wood will warp in the presence of humidity swings like a bathroom.