No kitchen is complete without cabinets, and like other "big ticket" items such as appliances, cabinetry deserves a fair amount of consideration. Selecting the right kitchen cabinets can significantly impact the room's functionality and aesthetic appeal. With a myriad of options available, navigating the selection process can be a bit daunting. However, we've laid out the basics in this handy guide to help you make the most informed choices when choosing your kitchen cabinets.
Layout
The layout of your kitchen cabinets is crucial for maximizing space and making the most of workflow. Base cabinets, placed under countertops, can be considered the foundation of your kitchen and offer the most room for storage. They provide essential spaces to keep pots, pans, and larger kitchen items while acting as the base for countertops.
Wall cabinets, mounted above countertops, offer additional storage for often smaller items and can be beneficial for display purposes. Generally, a kitchen will have both base and wall cabinets. When designing your layout, consider accessibility, storage needs, and overall aesthetics to strike the perfect balance between form and function. Doing so can help you determine how many of each type of cabinet you may need.
Finish
The finish of your cabinets plays a significant role in defining the style and character of your kitchen. Stained cabinets enhance the natural beauty of wood, providing a classic feel that can be easier to clean, maintain, and refinish if needed. Lacquered cabinets offer a sleek, polished look. They are also easy to clean, making them an excellent choice for modern kitchens. Other types of paint and paint finishes, such as matte, can be beautiful but harder to keep clean, often showing fingerprints. Alternatively, you can stray from the traditional by adding texture. Whether glossy or distressed, it adds depth and visual interest to your cabinets, as well as a contemporary vibe.
Style
Choosing the right cabinet style sets the tone for your kitchen's design aesthetic, but the style you choose shouldn't be exclusive to your kitchen. Generally, it's recommended to match your kitchen cabinet style to the rest of your home's feel, be it traditional, modern, beachy, you name it!
Here are a few examples of common kitchen cabinet styles. Shaker cabinets, with their clean lines and box-shaped design, are a timeless choice that complements various decor styles. Similarly, Mission (craftsman) and raised panel styles are classic options that tend to feel sophisticated yet inviting. For those looking for something unique, louvered cabinets feature horizontal slats that add texture and visual interest while providing great ventilation. Open shelving, a minimalist must, creates an airy, contemporary look while providing easy access to frequently used items.
Materials
The choice of materials influences your kitchen cabinets' durability, quality, and overall cost. Plywood is a popular option for the box part of a cabinet thanks to its strength, stability, and resistance to moisture. Particle board, made from wood particles bonded with adhesive, is a more affordable alternative but may be susceptible to water damage. Solid wood cabinets offer unparalleled beauty and durability, though at a higher price. For the doors or drawers of your cabinets, a combination of materials, such as plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and solid wood, may be used to balance cost, aesthetics, and durability.
Construction
Although it may not receive as much attention as style or finish, the construction method of your cabinets affects both their appearance and functionality. Traditional face frame cabinets feature a frame attached to the front of the cabinet box, providing structural support and a place to hang doors and hardware. Overlay cabinets, offered in full or partial, cover the cabinet box, showing little to no frame for a tighter, pulled-together appearance. Inset cabinets sit flush with the cabinet frame, as the door hangs inside instead of being hung with hardware outside. They have a more furniture-like look. European frameless-style cabinets have no face frame, maximizing interior space and creating a sleek, modern, and luxurious aesthetic.
Cost
Finally, budget considerations will often play a significant role in your cabinet selection process. Preassembled stock cabinets are the most affordable option, offering standard sizes and limited customization. Semi-custom cabinets provide more flexibility in terms of design, size, and finishes, allowing you to personalize your kitchen a little more without totally breaking the bank. Completely custom cabinets offer the ultimate in personalization, tailored to your exact specifications and design preferences – although they come with a higher price tag.
A lot goes into choosing the perfect kitchen cabinets, but fortunately, our skilled professionals can help you create a kitchen that not only meets your functional requirements but also enhances the overall look and feel of your home.
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