Tom, the cabinet maker; Mark, the building contractor; John, my husband and I met at our Tennessee home to discuss kitchen cabinets. The outside walls and roof are on our new construction in the hills of Tennessee, and the framing crew is working on our back deck. We yell above the pounding nail guns, saws and shouts to hear one another. Tom's friendly, accommodating personality put me at ease during the planning session. He only carries a pencil and a 5x7 pad of paper to capture the dimensions and overall design--without a computer or fancy graphic aides. As we introduce ourselves, I mention that we live on the same street as his cabinet shop.
Jade, the Corgi 💖
“Yeah, I shor do, “ Tom says with a gentle smile and a strong local accent. “I thought you look’ familiar.”
“I haven’t walked past your shop since Jade passed away several months ago.”
“Well, I’m sorry ta hear that. I ‘member your doggie barkin’ at me, then comin’ over for a pet,” Tom reminisces with a shy smile.
“Jade could be a stinker sometimes, but I miss her.”
We waded through more pleasantries and then got down to business.
I’ve planned a unique design for the kitchen island in our open living area. The island needs to be more than a box with a top to stand out. I’m nervous about expressing my plan clearly. Will Tom and Mark envision my ideas? My nervousness disappeared as Tom asked targeted questions and gave valuable suggestions. I see the wheels turn in Tom and Mark’s minds as they discuss the logistics for the island.
After making all the decisions about the kitchen cabinets, we walk to Tom’s car to see the sample cabinet stain. Sweat drips down my temples from standing in the sweltering August Tennessee sun, so I step into a shady spot. A light but refreshing breeze picks up, moving the humid air over me like a fluffed bedcover instead of squeezing my lungs. The heat doesn't seem to bother the men, but all their foreheads are beaded with sweat.
Cherry Wood Cabinet
The cabinet sample shines with rich red-brown color, a little darker than I thought I wanted. The more I look at it, the color grows on me. The woodgrain pattern is stunning and met with John’s approval. I compared the cabinet sample to the flooring samples, and the color combinations work beautifully together.
We talk about other things unrelated to building a home. Tom's father, Elmer, brought him up in the woodworking cabinetry trade. He's been doing business for thirty years locally.
“I keep workin’, though not as hard as in years gone past, ‘cause I love meetin’ people and makin’ beautiful cabinets,” Tom said, adding that he and Mark attended the same school. They are proud artisans with a high degree of integrity in their work and relationships. They remark sadly on the grim future of the trades.
"No one wants to learn a trade, enny more. It's a dyin' art," Tom shook his head woefully. We all agree, silently wondering what would happen to all the craft maker's knowledge that would be lost when men like Mark and Tom passed away.
Looking at John and me, Tom said, "You-uns is good people." The genuine compliment from a southern gentleman to two northerners warmed my heart.
Tennessee produces gentle, proud, unassuming people that work hard and love their own and are kind to transplants who have fallen in love with their mountains and their culture.
The cabinet color is stunning! I adore real wood. The new white cabinet trend will never be my style.
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