Choose the Best Kitchen Cabinet Style for Your Space
Is your kitchen in need of an update? Outdated cabinets can make your kitchen look drab and feel disorganized. The good news is that installing new kitchen cabinets can completely transform the heart of your home. With so many options to choose from, it's important to select the best cabinet style for your space and lifestyle.
Whether you opt for stock, semi-custom, or full custom cabinets, your new kitchen storage solution should fit within your budget while offering the look you love. Carefully considering factors like construction, storage solutions, and your overall design will help you create a kitchen you'll enjoy for years to come.
Cabinet Construction Determines Quality and Style
The construction of your new kitchen cabinets impacts both quality and aesthetic style. Consider key elements like cabinet boxes, doors, and materials to get the look and durability you need.
Framed vs Frameless Cabinet Construction
Framed cabinets have a sturdy face frame surrounding the box or case. The doors attach directly to the front frame. Frameless cabinet boxes rely on thicker cabinet sides and provide a more streamlined, contemporary look. Frameless cabinets also offer slightly more usable interior space.
Frameless cabinets tend to cost less than framed and work well with modern, sleek kitchen styles. Framed cabinets provide a more traditional look, with the thick frame enabling long-lasting durability.
Popular Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles
Along with the case or box construction, the style of your cabinet doors makes a significant impact on the overall aesthetic. Consider the following popular options:
- Shaker - A versatile and timeless recessed center panel design.
- Slab - A simple, clean flat panel look for contemporary flair.
- Glass Front - Glass inset doors or fronts create an open and decorative look.
- Recessed Panel - A classic inset or raised center panel provides a traditional charm.
Shaker and recessed panel styles have a more timeworn, traditional appearance. Slab and glass front doors provide a streamlined, modern look. The door material and finish will also affect the overall style.
Kitchen Cabinet Materials
Wood species like oak, maple, and hickory give an attractive visible grain pattern. durable, moisture-resistant laminate provides an affordable option. While solid wood offers the finest quality, wood veneer over plywood or composite wood is an attractive mid-range choice. The finishes you choose, from natural wood stains to painted colors, also impact the final look and durability.
Smart Storage Solutions Increase Functionality
Kitchen cabinet storage solutions make the most of your available space, while pull-outs and specialized storage increase efficiency. Consider incorporating the following:
Pull-Out Drawers and Shelving
Cabinets that fully extend provide easy access to items in the back that might otherwise get buried. Roll-out trays, adjustable shelves, and corner lazy susans make a kitchen more user-friendly.
However, weight capacity limits the items that pull-outs can hold. High-quality hardware with smooth gliding mechanisms will provide years of trouble-free use.
Appliance Garages Discretely Tuck Away Kitchen Clutter
Hide small appliances like mixers and coffee makers behind specially designed cabinet doors. Just be sure to measure the appliance size to find an adequately sized garage. Allow for ventilation as well if needed.
Lazy Susans Enhance Corner Storage
Dead corner space becomes more accessible with lazy susan turntables. Full-circle or C-shaped lazy susans spin to bring items forward within reach. Custom sizing, tiers, and trays allow maximizing of every inch.
Picking the Perfect Cabinets for Your Space
From budget considerations to design style, keep these tips in mind as you shop for your ideal kitchen cabinets:
Set a Realistic Kitchen Cabinet Budget
Stock cabinets offer the lowest prices, while semi-custom provides mid-range affordability. For the highest quality construction and customization, expect to invest more on tailor-made cabinets.
Evaluate Your Current Kitchen Layout
Take measurements to find cabinets to fit your current kitchen footprint, or consider adjustments to storage or appliances to get the most usable space.
Whether contemporary or traditional, your cabinetry should coordinate with your home's overall aesthetic. Stylish kitchens that match the rest of the home can help boost resale value as well.
With an endless array of options, choosing new kitchen cabinets may seem overwhelming initially. Keeping your needs, budget, and style preferences in mind will help you select cabinetry that makes your kitchen both beautiful and highly functional for years to come.