Cabinets Made Your Way – An Interview With Stacy Garcia

Can you imagine a kitchen without cabinets?  How would we function without cabinetmakers?  As a designer I live by the concept all cabinetmakers are not created equal, my preference are only for those who know the word “yes.”   Today I’d like to introduce you Stacy Garcia of  to Garcia Cabinetmakers from Huntington Beach, CA.   Garcia Cabinetmakers has been in the business of saying “yes” to their clients for over 34 years.

Stacy, how did you get started in the business of cabinetmaking?

My husband discovered his passion for woodworking in high school shop class.  Michael and I met freshman year at UCLA and knew what our family business would be!  He is a cabinet and millwork contractor & a general contractor in the state of California.  We opened Garcia Cabinetmakers in 1978 – as soon as Michael was licensed.

What trends do you are see today in terms of cabinetry? Kitchens – Most of our clients seem to be wanting painted cabinet finishes with stained wood island cabinetry.  We see an increase in mixing countertop materials and textural backsplashes.   This picture is a perfect example!  Countertops are honed granite, Walnut and marble with a textural backsplash creating a space which visually exciting to be in.

Bathrooms – The furniture look is big with our custom cabinet clients wanting something that does not look off the shelf.

As a cabinetmaker, what does Garcia Cabinetmakers bring to the table other companies cannot?

When you hire Garcia Cabinetmakers to fabricate your cabinetry you are hiring Michael and Stacy Garcia – a team that has been successfully bringing clients dreams to reality for thirty-four years. We are very good communicators and spend the time necessary on each project to do it right. We know the questions to ask and the details needed to help each client get what they want.

What are the advantages to the consumer of having someone design and make cabinets to their specifications vs. buying semi-custom or ready-made cabinets?

Custom cabinetry allows us to dial in every detail.  We are not limited to preset sizes or shapes. The designer is limited only by their imagination! We are very good at replicating a look for clients.

What are some of the most useful features you design into your cabinetry your customers love in either the kitchen or bath?Blind corner storage units like this favorite of mine from Kessebohmer are very useful.  They also offer a wow factor most clients love.

You also love to cook , what would you design into your dream kitchen?

My current kitchen, which came with the house, has pretty standard appliances – a dishwasher (which I would upgrade), double ovens with convection, a built-in microwave and a gas cooktop. My dream kitchen also includes a warming drawer, a steam oven and a built-in coffee system.

Not that you don’t love what you do but, if you had to choose a completely different career, what might it be?

I can’t imagine doing anything different! I created this career and am very happy.

For more information on how to turn your cabinet dreams into a reality visit Garcia Cabinetmakers.