Choosing new kitchen cabinets is one of the most important decisions when remodeling your kitchen. The right cabinets can transform the look and function of your kitchen. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the factors to consider when selecting kitchen cabinets, from style and layout to materials and quality. Follow our expert advice to end up with your dream kitchen.
Introduction
Kitchen cabinets set the tone for your entire kitchen. They account for a significant portion of your budget and make a huge impact visually. With so many options for styles, colors, materials and configurations, choosing cabinets can feel overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need to know to select the perfect cabinets for your kitchen, lifestyle and budget. We’ll discuss cabinet types, door styles, finishes, materials, organization and layout options. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions so you end up with a high-functioning, beautiful kitchen you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Cabinet Styles
The style of your cabinets lays the foundation for your kitchen’s aesthetics. Consider the overall look you want before zeroing in on door styles and finishes. Here are some of the most popular cabinet styles:
Traditional
Traditional styled cabinets have simple slab doors and drawer fronts along with visible hinges. Many feature decorative carved accents and crown molding for elegance. The traditional look fits well in formal kitchens and works with any home architecture style.
Contemporary
Contemporary or modern kitchen cabinets embrace sleek, straight lines and a minimalist vibe. Doors have flat recessed or flat paneled detailing. Handles are integrated or barely visible. These ultra-modern cabinets work well for urban lofts and modern homes.
Rustic
Rustic cabinets have visible wood grains and distressing for a timeworn appearance. Knots, dents and color variations give rustic cabinets character. This welcoming, informal style pairs nicely with craftsman or farmhouse decors.
Transitional
Transitional style strikes a balance between traditional and contemporary elements. Clean lines and neutral finishes keep things modern yet simple. The versatile transitional look fits any kitchen, from old home to new construction.
Shaker
Shaker cabinets are a cabinet style unto themselves. They have flat recessed door fronts with a square frame around the edges. The result is a clean, understated look that works equally well in modern and traditional kitchens.
Once you decide on a style, you can narrow down your door, finish and hardware options accordingly. Keep the overall look in mind as you explore the details below.
Cabinet Door Styles
Cabinet doors make a huge impact on the look and feel of your kitchen. Select door styles that match your preferred cabinet style above. Here are some top options:
Slab Doors
Slab cabinet doors have a flat, smooth surface without any indentations. The simple clean lines provide a minimalist contemporary vibe. Slab doors work well for painted cabinets and modern styles.
Raised Panel Doors
These traditional doors have a center panel that sits higher than the frame around it. The depth and shadow lines provide dimension and architectural interest. Raised panel doors suit traditional, rustic and many transitional kitchens.
Recessed Panel Doors
Here, the center door panel is set back, creating depth without shadow lines. It’s a bit more streamlined than traditional raised panel doors. Recessed panel doors work with nearly any kitchen style.
Glass Doors
Glass front cabinet doors maintain visibility while protecting your treasured dishware. Glass-front cabinets lend a delicate, open feel. Use them above the sink or on accent cabinets to showcase beautiful items.
Cabinet Finishes
The finish you choose impacts the overall look, durability and pricing of your cabinets. Consider these popular options:
Painted
Painted finishes are ideal for contemporary and modern cabinet styles. The sleek, uniform surface pairs well with metal hardware. Go with white for a crisp look or accent colors to make a statement.
Stained
Staining allows the natural wood grain and texture to show through while adding rich color. It’s ideal for traditional cabinets in wood species like oak, walnut and hickory. Darker stains feel dramatic and cozy.
Glazed
Glazing involves applying a translucent coat over stained cabinets to create more dimension. The extra layer highlights the depth of recessed panels and sculpted details. Glazing looks beautiful on intricate traditional cabinetry.
Distressed
Distressing mimics the worn, weathered look of antique furniture. Special techniques are used to simulate peeling paint, dents, gouges and finish wear. The rustic charm of distressed cabinets complements farmhouse and cottage style kitchens.
Cabinet Materials
Cabinetry comes in a range of materials, each with different visual and functional characteristics. Consider how you use your kitchen, your lifestyle and your budget when choosing materials.
Wood
Hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry and hickory bring natural beauty to kitchens. Solid wood cabinets are very durable. However, humidity can cause swelling and warping. Plywood boxes with hardwood veneers offer stability.
Thermofoil
With thermofoil, a plastic film gets adhered to a stable wood substrate using heat and pressure. The result resists scratches, moisture and warping. Thermofoil is budget-friendly and works well in contemporary designs.
Metal
Metal kitchen cabinets lend an edgy, industrial vibe with their high-gloss finishes. Stainless steel and powder coated options resist moisture and stand up to heavy use. Metal works well for accent cabinets with glass doors.
Laminate
Laminate fuses decorative paper with resin for a budget-friendly alternative to pricier options. Today’s laminates mimic wood grains and stone textures convincingly while resisting scratches, spills and moisture.
Specialty Storage Solutions
Carefully chosen storage solutions make your kitchen more efficient and user-friendly. Consider these specialty cabinetry options:
Pull-Out Pantries
Pull-out pantries on rollers provide easy access to deep cabinet interiors. Designate them for cookware, baking supplies or breakfast foods to keep items organized.
Appliance Garages
Hide small appliances like stand mixers inside dedicated rollout cabinet garages. Keep counters clear while keeping tools handy.
Wastebasket Cabinetry
Add a slide-out wastebasket cabinet for concealed, convenient trash and recycling. No more unsightly bins occupying prime real estate under sink.
Cutlery Dividers
Designate a drawer just for utensils. Custom dividers keep flatware neatly organized and tangle-free.
Tiered Drawers
Multi-level drawers accommodate a range of servingware heights. Keep lids near pots and pans near skillets for grab-and-go cooking convenience.
Layout Considerations
Thoughtful cabinet configuration results in optimal workflow and storage capacity. Use these tips to guide your layout:
- Place base cabinets with deep drawers near cooking surfaces for easy access to pots, pans and tools.
- Locate wall cabinets above the sink, range and island for storage of glasses, dishes and seasonings within arm’s reach.
- Include a bank of full-height pantry cabinets for food staples, small appliances and overflow dishware.
- Incorporate specialty pull-outs like spice racks, tray dividers and lazy susans to optimize corner cabinets and blind spots.
- Leave adequate clearance next to the fridge, ovens and dishwasher for door access.
- Allow for proper ventilation around the range with minimum clearance rules.
- Map out traffic zones to ensure aisles are unobstructed.
Quality Considerations
Focus on quality fittings and finishes to increase durability:
- Look for plywood box construction, full-extension drawers, adjustable shelves andDoor hinges rated for years of use.
- Opt for concealed, soft-closing hinges and drawers to prevent slamming and fingerprints.
- Seek out water-resistant finishes that stand up to moisture, heat and household chemicals.
- Verify cabinets are KCMA certified to meet kitchen cabinetry industry standards for quality and safety.
Investing in well-made cabinets yields years of worry-free use and visual appeal.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Cabinet Partner
Selecting the ideal kitchen cabinet provider ensures a smooth process from design to installation:
- Look for an experienced local company familiar with regional codes and trends.
- Seek out responsive, communicative professionals who listen and offer guidance.
- Verify they handle the entire process in-house including design, production and installation.
- Ask about lead times and stock availability to avoid unexpected delays.
- Review example kitchens in your preferred style to confirm workmanship matches expectations.
The right cabinet partner helps bring your dream kitchen to life efficiently and affordably.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a cabinet style?
Consider your home’s architecture and your own personal style preferences. Also think about the look you want – traditional, modern, rustic, etc. Select cabinets that align with the overall aesthetic.
What is the most popular cabinet style?
Shaker style cabinets consistently rank among the most popular. Their simple design with flat recessed door fronts fits any kitchen style from farmhouse to contemporary.
What factors affect the cost of kitchen cabinets?
The main factors impacting cost include: materials, construction quality, door style complexity, finish options and special storage fittings. Labor and installation costs also vary.
Should I order cabinets online or buy local?
Buying local allows you to see product quality first-hand. Local companies also handle design, delivery and professional installation. Convenience often outweighs small savings from online ordering.
What cabinet finish is most durable?
The most durable finishes include thermofoil, metal and polyurethane-coated paints/stains. Thermally fused laminate and melamine finishes also offer good scratch and moisture resistance.
How are stock and custom cabinets different?
Stock cabinets come in preset sizes and configurations. Custom cabinets are built to your unique specifications. Custom costs more but optimizes use of space with tailored fit.
Conclusion
Selecting new kitchen cabinets is an exciting process full of possibility. Focusing on your style, storage needs and quality considerations ensures you end up with a beautiful, functional result. Take inspiration from photos but choose options suited to how you cook and live. With some thoughtful planning guided by this overview, you can bring your ideal kitchen vision to life.
