Duralab Corporation {More on Metal Cabinets}

Yesterday in the comments (on this post) I wondered where I was going with my metal cabinet interest. I asked the question: It isn’t too High School locker room/chemistry class, is it?
Upon further research, I learned that Ms. Martha (no last name necessary) has installed metal kitchen cabinets into her NYC apartment kitchen! Apartment Therapy says that they are from the Duralab Corporation, best known for their 40 years of Experience in the laboratory furniture manufacturing business. Go figure.

Martha has set the tone on what “good taste” in America is. She has taught us a level of perfection that we should aspire to. Does the fact that she endorses metal cabinetry in her own home change your thoughts about these cabinets? Tell me, what do you think?

Posted by Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo / Design and Dream Decorating and Good Find and Nesting and Uncategorized

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21 Responses to “Duralab Corporation {More on Metal Cabinets}”

  1. Lifeispichey on 14 Jan 2010 at 11:59 am

    I’m not going with Martha on this one. If I metal cabinetry in my kitchen I would feel as if I am back in the restaurant business as a server rushing to make sure orders get out to the customers on time. Also, it doesn’t make the kitchen very warm or welcoming (IMO). But it’s Martha so if anyone can do it and pull it off, leave it to the professional.

  2. Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo on 14 Jan 2010 at 12:46 pm

    @lifeispichey Thanks for chiming in on this. I can’t decide what I think.. I can’t stand stainless.

    I do however LOVE the idea of integrated appliances. I like that “this is not a kitchen” feel that less pronounced appliances give you.

    Jury is still out for me. However, I did take note… Yesterday and today I blogged about metal cabinets – and I am one for one on blog un-subscriptions (yesterday and today)

    Interesting people don’t agree with your taste on one thing and they click “unsubscribe” – I can’t help but take it personally. OR perhaps I’ve taken my personal blog in an unsavory direction!? I do not know…

  3. The Hip Hostess on 14 Jan 2010 at 1:11 pm

    Despite the fact that Martha thinks they’re pretty cool, I could not bring myself to incorporate metal cabinets in my kitchen. Think for some people, and some lifestyles they may be quite appropriate, but they are definitely not my cup of tea. But I did enjoy the photos, thanks for keeping us in the know!

  4. Suzanne@threepeats on 14 Jan 2010 at 1:13 pm

    Sorry, I’m having trouble with these too. Instead of reminding me of a restaurant though…I’m brought back to days in the school gymnasium locker room! Also, how do you keep these all finger-print free?

  5. Lisa on 14 Jan 2010 at 1:16 pm

    I love this idea. Fell in love with it from the moment I saw it. Love Martha and her style, creativity, and overall boldness in setting trends. However, this type of cabintry requires much maintenance.

    BTW: I love your blog. And folks should “Agree” that it’s okay to disagree on some “things” sometimes. I for one thinks it keeps the balance in the natural order of things!

  6. Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo on 14 Jan 2010 at 1:30 pm

    Suzanne @threepeats + Lisa, thanks for commenting – we must remember that Martha doesn’t use this kitchen full time. It’s her City “crashpad” -right?

    I bet she also pays people to keep it dust and fingerprint free. This is very much a matter of her willingness to achieve perfection at the highest level, no?

    As for cleaning products, I have used Dirtex, which works well but is difficult to find. I have also tried to use “stainless steel magic” but have found the overspray a pain in the neck to clean up. Also, once one fingerprint appears, you must re-do because a simple polish doesn’t work.

    The @cheesefiend on twitter tells me there are some sort of wipe she uses on her stainless and will tweet it to me once she double checks the name. I will be sure to comment here with her suggestion. :)

    As always @thehiphostess, I appreciate you commenting again, you’re so sweet to check in nearly everyday!
    xxabcd

  7. Camberley on 14 Jan 2010 at 1:46 pm

    I still love the metal cabinets. They’re my cup of tea. However, they definitely don’t go with everyone’s design preferences.

    Go Martha!

    ~C

  8. Olivia on 14 Jan 2010 at 1:54 pm

    I don’t hate them, but I don’t really love them either. I don’t think I’d ever have metal cabinets just because they don’t look as homey as wood…it’s almost like you’re in a hospital or something…plus, keeping them clean could be a nightmare!

  9. Lifeispichey on 14 Jan 2010 at 2:09 pm

    @Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo I think un-subscribing is a bit much. If you don’t like/agree with something, don’t comment. Oh well, your true fans/readers are staying around! I enjoy your blog and can’t wait to get my own house to experiment with the lovely things I’ve seen on here!

    @Suzanne@threepeats and @Olivia I didn’t even think about the cleaning aspect. Another strike against them!

    Unlike Ms. Martha, most of us only have ONE kitchen. I would spend more time cleaning than I would cooking!

  10. Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo on 14 Jan 2010 at 2:19 pm

    @lifeispichey

    Like I said in a quick P.S. yesterday… I had the Black powder coated steel Viking in our last apartment. I absolutely LOVED the surface of it. It was so easy to clean. Far easier than the white wood cabinets that showed dust, oil, and every fingerprint.

    I think I could be sold on the St. Charles that I posted yesterday – for that very reason.

    I must say however, I prefer the Duralab look – makes me wonder though if I am simply attracted to the way the photos are styled?

    Hmnnnnnn….

    I would never, ever, EVER consider plain stainless again. Yicko with the fingerprints!

  11. ABC Dragoo on 14 Jan 2010 at 3:16 pm

    @cheesefiend says her favorite cleaner is Hope’s Perfect Stainless Wet Wipes – got em at BB&B! (She has an entire kitchen of stainless!) This is a photo of the product she swears by http://tweetphoto.com/8714399

  12. catherine on 14 Jan 2010 at 5:08 pm

    I love the metal cabinets (powder-coated ones) even before I knew Martha liked them ;)

  13. episcovol on 14 Jan 2010 at 5:21 pm

    I happen to LIKE metal cabinets, just not stainless steel ones. But then again, I’m more of a retro-decor kind of gal.
    Like I LOVE LOVE LOVE the first one here :)

    http://crackediceandchrome.com/?p=707

    and here’s another one where the appliances and cabinets are arranged for a mondrian sort of effect. FUN!

    http://retrorenovation.com/2008/01/30/a-retro-mondrian-kitchen-for-anne-and-gary/

    But you have to like “retro.”

  14. Fiore fresco on 14 Jan 2010 at 6:21 pm

    I’ve been in love with all of the salvaged school lockers that proliferate at the Seattle salvage stores, but I just can’t get my husband on board. As a former science teacher, you’d think I’d the chem classroom look at home, but I really love it. Love the picture of Martha…jumping on board with the industrial trend, and still supporting the overall trend from ’97 :) .

  15. HighGlossBlue on 14 Jan 2010 at 6:37 pm

    The matte stainless provides a beautiful contrast to Martha’s milky white dishes. While it might not work everywhere {what does}, metal cabinets sure do work for Martha!!

  16. clermontdesign on 15 Jan 2010 at 8:19 am

    I would do metal counters anytime. A stainless backsplash, oh yeah! A cabinet here and there, mixed with nice wood cabinetry, ok. But going all the way with metal cabinets, I don’t think so. It feels unpersonal and cold…And where I live, you want to warm up your place for the loooong and VERY cold winters.

  17. ABC Dragoo on 17 Jan 2010 at 9:33 am

    Check it out: Head over Heels picked up a post from Apartment Therapy about Metal Cabinets … They’re actually reclaimed lockers! http://completelytotallymadly.blogspot.com/2010/01/now-why-didnt-i-think-of-that.html

    The original post from Apartment Therapy: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/kitchen/locker-pantry-schoolinspired-storage-in-the-kitchen–105682

  18. nkp on 17 Jan 2010 at 11:59 am

    Hi Amy Beth! How funny, I was just coming over here to check out your posts after responding to your comment on the metal cabinets. If you check back on my blog, I mentioned Martha’s cabinets that I saw years ago in one of her decorating books. I’m pretty certain her daughter had these in one of her homes as well and I think Martha has used them in her craft room too. In green, I think. Anyway, what a coincidence that you post the very kitchen that I was remembering. As you may have guessed by now, I love this look. I agree, it can come off as a tad clinical. But I think that can easily be remedied with some warm wood accents and a little color thrown into the mix.

    We actually have a large stainless steel unit in our basement “kitchen.” It is a one piece counter with a seamless sink built into it, a short stainless backsplash, and two levels of shelves below. We ordered it from a restaurant supply company and I love it’s free standing, slightly industrial appearance. The room itself is painted a robin’s egg blue and also includes a dark wood armoire which houses a small fridge and all of our bar ware. I think the contrast of the all stainless and the warm, rich wood is fantastic.

    Long story short, I love your posts and can’t imagine someone unsubscribing in disagreement. Silly and immature. If I were you, I wouldn’t think twice about it. And as for subscribing, I’m so glad your comment led me here. I can’t wait to explore your lovely place.

    -nelya

  19. ABC Dragoo on 17 Jan 2010 at 12:52 pm

    Nelya,

    From what I understand, all those painted cabinets she has (you know, in that greenish-tan color) are all metal. I learned the picture I posted is actually from her last NYC apartment. This photo is about 10 years old!

    However, I hear that she goes for the metal with each renovation/new kitchen she does.

    *This tidbit came from @goodwithstyle on Twitter. She worked with her from about 2000-2004.*
    Thanks for chiming in!
    xxABCD

  20. Gerry on 14 Feb 2010 at 11:13 am

    I personally installed that kitchen for Martha back in 1996 or maybe 1995 cant remember. Anyone interested. Call me @ 347-219-9252. We provide both stainless steel and powder coated metal cabinets. Remember we do laboratories too.

  21. ABCDragoo on 15 Feb 2010 at 11:43 am

    Gerry, that is great to know – Thanks!

    I knew you do indeed design laboratories… I just doubt anyone reading this blog is in the market for one! ;) I will totally follow your updates, I am glad to see you’re on Twitter.

    Thanks for commenting.
    ABCD

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