Hard Maple Storm

The color

Hard Maple Storm is a dark wood stain with a satin sheen, applied to hard maple. It reads like wet slate warmed with brown: deep, slightly gray, with the fine grain visible rather than buried.

In north light, the gray comes forward and the cabinets sit close to charcoal. In south light, the brown opens up and the grain lifts. Under warm LEDs, around 2700K, the surface leans toward dark chocolate.

What to pair it with

Choose counters with some air in them: honed Carrara, a warm-white quartz, or pale limestone.

Unlacquered brass and aged bronze pick up the warm undertone. Brushed nickel stays cooler and closer to the gray. For floors, wide-plank white oak in a natural finish is the easy answer. Avoid red-leaning woods, which fight the stain.

Where it fits

It suits prewar co-ops and brownstone kitchens, where a dark run of cabinets can anchor a narrow room. On Long Island, it settles into Colonials and shingle-style houses with painted trim.

Fifth Avenue and Riverside lean traditional. Vanderbilt keeps things quiet and modern, and Clinton Wide sits between. See TKG Inset and door styles.

Care and durability

Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry right away. Mild soap is enough. Skip abrasive cleaners and ammonia, and don't let water stand at the base of doors.

Satin hides fingerprints better than gloss, but dark stains show dust, so wipe regularly. Grain varies from door to door. Browse more finishes or request a sample.