Almost 8 million people remodel their kitchens each year, and most choose to replace their old outdated cabinets with a modern style that fits their home and aesthetic better.
Cabinets are typically the most expensive part of a kitchen, but they can also bring the most value to a remodel, along with updated countertops. Kitchen Cabinets are the largest aspect of a remodel and many other materials and decisions can be made to complement cabinets, once the selection has been made. We have put together a brief guide on designing kitchen cabinets to help those struggling to decide on a cabinet style. Here are some tips on how to choose a cabinet style that works for your design and remodeling project, and a few things to consider along the way.
Choose A Style You Love
Cabinets are invested in making your kitchen look and feel incredible. It’s worth taking the time to research all your options and what style would fit best in your kitchen to complement the rest of your materials and appliances prior to making a final decision and purchase.
There a variety of different options for kitchen cabinets, including different:
- Wood Types
- Wood Grains
- Colors
- Hinge Types
- Warranties
- Price Points
- Cabinet Panels
- Cabinet Door Styles
It’s good to determine upfront if cabinet door style, color, or any other options are important factors for your cabinets and your overall kitchen design. Many people may know that they what a certain color cabinet and faucets, but in practice, the two don’t mesh or they aren’t sure of exactly which option to go with. These decisions will help you narrow your cabinet options and provide direction towards completing your kitchen remodel.
Cabinet Door Styles
There are many different kinds of cabinet doors, but the most popular are:
- Full Overlay– These doors and drawers align to completely cover the cabinet face, providing a flat front similar to the appearance of inset cabinets and are a popular cabinet choice.
- Partial Overlay– These more traditional cabinets are generally the least expensive option available. The door sits on the cabinet face, leaving a 1” gap between the doors.
- Inset– Inset doors are set into the cabinet frame and provide a custom, smooth appearance. The doors, drawers, and frames are all flush when closed but may cost more than other styles.
Door Panels
In addition, there are many options to choose from for door panel styles. Each cabinet maker has unique options based on their design and production but generally boasts similar features. These can range from panels that are beaded, flat, raised, or even cabinet panels with applied molding and intricate designs.
Although it’s difficult to know exactly what your kitchen will look like with a certain cabinet type, your designer should be able to create a customized 3D design to illustrate the general effect of the remodel and walk you through cabinet selections. Pinterest and other planning boards can be extremely useful for visualizing the space as well.
Cabinet Colors
Cabinet colors usually come in a different light and dark wood shades, as well as matte colors, and custom shades. Customization generally costs more but really gives a unique flair to your kitchen cabinets. From matte black to dazzling white and every shade in between, there are more options than you can imagine for cabinet color. Dark wood or mahogany cabinets can make your kitchen look stylish and classic but can also darken the room if you don’t have proper lighting to offset them. Light-colored woods, such as oak and maple, can make your kitchen seem brighter and more spacious. White cabinets have a modern, clean look but some find them too sterile.
Ultimately the choice is yours, but it can’t hurt to get some assistance if you’re unsure of exactly which shade to select. Overwhelming options may prove difficult if you don’t have a clear vision for your kitchen remodel, so don’t be afraid to turn to a designer for expert advice. They have experience helping individuals narrow down their choices and know what styles look best with different features or themed kitchens.
Storage
In terms of storage, cabinets are the primary place for all your dishes, pots and pans, cutlery, and other miscellaneous goods in your kitchen–apart from a pantry. One size does not always fit all when it comes to storage. If you have many kitchen appliances, consider custom inserts or large drawers in cabinets to make pots and pans, spices, cutlery, appliances, and other items more visible and accessible.
A kitchen island with additional cabinets can add more storage and food preparation space. Many modern kitchens incorporate a traditional wall of cabinets with an island or shelving on another wall to provide extra space and increase kitchen appeal. Built-in open storage systems like wine racks, china displays, and contrast shelving showcase your items to add visual appeal and increase functional space. Personalize your storage with custom build-ins or inserts that can be removed or changed around the provide optimal placement for your needs.
Quality
Not all cabinets and kitchen materials are made the same. Kitchen cabinets are an investment in your remodeling project to make space look better and serve your family’s needs. Cabinets that have been shown to withstand heat, humidity, and liquids without succumbing to blistering, discoloration, or other damage will stand the test of time.
Look for signs of quality wood cabinets, such as:
- A certification from the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer’s Association
- Select a business that is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
- Members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
Although your cabinets should reflect quality and durability, it can’t hurt to pick up a cabinet repair kit, should you accidentally damage a cabinet with a ding or scrape, or experience extra wear and tear on the hinges–which is all too common with smaller children.
Dissuade Damage
Cabinets need to hold up to years of wear and tear, including exposure to humidity, fluctuating temperatures, cooking in proximity to them, and survive spills–including everything from food stains to cleaning products with differing PH levels.
Common sources of damage and discoloration include:
- Dings and scratches
- Liquid spills such as ketchup, lemon, or lime juices
- Food mess and staining
- Excessive temperature changes (extreme heat or cold)
- Water or steam damage from cooking or leaks
Look for cabinets that have been tested and will survive exposure to damaging items or have a warranty to cover any damage incurred during regular use–especially white and other light-colored cabinets. Because cabinet hinges and drawer slide systems tend to wear out first, your cabinet or remodeling company may include these under warranty or offer replacement parts. It may also be a good idea to keep a couple of extra of these parts since they are inexpensive and easy to replace, as opposed to the entire cabinet.
Consider Donating
Many home remodeling projects simply throw out old cabinet materials and supplies but donating or keeping some items may be a better option.
Donate old cabinets and hardware to places like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores, which offer a great price on repurposed materials for DIY builders, home improvement and building projects, and those looking for older home goods that are still in good condition. By donating your old cabinets and other materials, you are recycling, reducing waste, and giving someone else a chance to appreciate your old cabinets as you get ready to enjoy your upgraded kitchen.
Go Cabinet Shopping
The only way to know for sure is to view cabinets and talk to an expert. If you’re ready for modern cabinets to breathe new life into your kitchen, contact Prime Custom for a personalized 3D design and cabinet estimate. We offer a variety of high-quality kitchen cabinets in different woods, door panels, and cabinet types to fit any kitchen design you have in mind. Stop by our showroom today to view cabinet styles and spark inspiration for your kitchen remodeling project!
Maybe you need to get a loan from a bank, local credit union, or online lenders before kitchen remodeling or home improvement. Here you can see home improvement loan options you can choose.