remodeling
Choosing Kitchen Cabinets
So you’re thinking about updating your kitchen? Whether you are getting into a total remodel or just trying to modernize your space, choosing the right kitchen cabinets is vital. Before your countertops or appliances, people notice your kitchen cabinets. The right ones will not only suit your storage needs and your personal style, but they are a great, and relatively inexpensive, way to update your kitchen.
Custom vs Prefabricated
Custom cabinets are perfect! A remodeling contractor will have them built specifically for your kitchen to maximize storage space and fit your needs. With custom cabinets, you can opt for sliding pullout drawers, soft-close drawers, an appliance garage, cabinet organizers, a custom-built island, or just about anything you could want. They are ideal for large kitchens, where a homeowner wants to take advantage of floor-to-ceiling storage space. They are also necessary for unusual-shaped and/or open-concept kitchens, where there may not be enough wall area for all of your appliances and optimal storage space. And because custom cabinets are built just for you, they are a must-have for people with limited mobility. Things like a wheelchair-accessible kitchen sink, pull-down shelves, lazy susans, built-in cutting boards, pull-out spice racks, and other kitchen organizers can give people with physical disabilities more independence in their home.
The perfect kitchen comes at a cost, though. Custom-built cabinets run nearly ten times more expensive than prefabricated cabinets! So, if you are on a tight budget or just don’t use your kitchen very often prefabricated is the way to go. Aside from the price, prefabricated are quick. They come ready to install so you don’t have to wait for them to be built. They can be easily purchased from home improvement stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Cabinet Styles
There are dozens of types of kitchen cabinets to fit your home’s aesthetic. The wide range of styles varies from ornate with inlaid accents and moldings to bright and simplistic paneling. There are countless options for your kitchen, so we recommend talking with an interior designer and your contractor before deciding on your cabinets, but we will touch on five of the most common styles below.
Traditional
Traditional cabinetry may seem dated to some, but this classic look often goes in and out of style, making it a timeless option. Typically traditional cabinetry is made of dark wood or maple. That being said, traditional cabinets can make your kitchen look grim especially if the room does not have much natural light. The wood is also susceptible to chipping and warping. Luckily, most traditional cabinets can be easily repaired or replaced. The biggest benefit of traditional cabinets is that they provide ample storage. Traditional cabinets tend to look best in homes built before 1940 or in new homes with Victorian or Colonial architecture.
Contemporary
For a more contemporary look, panel cabinetry is a popular option. Panel cabinets are made out of wood or thermofoil (medium-density fiberboard wrapped in a plastic coating). While panel cabinets can come in any color, most people opt for white or light wood. While panel cabinets have grown in popularity, some find them to look clinical. They also do not hold up well around heat sources as the paint or plastic coating will peel over time. They might not last 50 years like other cabinets options, but they do have many benefits. Panel cabinets can easily be cleaned, provide plenty of hidden storage, can be customized to your style, and give your kitchen a bright, fresh look.
Shaker Cabinets
Very similar to panel cabinets are shaker cabinets. Shaker cabinets are by far the most popular type of cabinetry today. Unlike flat, simple panel cabinets, shaker cabinets have an inlaid, concave center to give your kitchen more texture. Shaker cabinets may be painted or left with a natural, light wood look. However, what is becoming increasingly popular is using a tinted stain to give them color while also embracing the natural woodgrain. Like other wood cabinets, they may become chipped or warped over time but most are designed to be very durable as well as stain and water-resistant.
Open Shelves
Open shelving has also become popular in recent years. They can be floating shelves, part of your cabinetry, or even a bookshelf in your kitchen. Some are natural wood, while others add a pop of color to your kitchen. The only thing that really categorizes open shelving is that it is open! If you want everything in the kitchen hidden away, open shelving is not for you. And because they are open, the things you have on the shelf may collect dust. But if you want to showcase your favorite dishes, keep your best cookbook within reach, and embrace an eclectic, contemporary style, open shelving is a great option. They can brighten and open up your kitchen, making them great for smaller kitchens. They are also very affordable and can easily be incorporated with other cabinet styles.
Glass Front
Glass-front cabinets can add class to any kitchen. Similar to open shelving, glass-front cabinets allow you to display fine dishware and display your favorite kitchen items. Because they have glass cabinet doors, they are a cleaner and safer option than open shelving, protecting your belonging from collecting dust or being bumped off a shelf. While the glass will likely need to be cleaned much more often and are more expensive than other cabinets, glass cabinets look amazing in any kitchen. They can easily be combined with almost any other cabinet style for a classy, seamless appearance.
Cabinetry Trends for 2022
Along with other interior design trends for 2022, modern kitchen cabinets will be embracing earth tones and will appeal to functionality and practicality over aesthetics. While these trends do still give your home a fresh look, the goal is to make your kitchen a personalized, welcoming, and relaxing space. So, what’s in style for kitchen cabinets?
- Soft Green Paint
- Baby Blue Paint
- Greyscale Stained Wood
- Natural Woodgrain
- Open Shelving
- Glass Front
