Nothing reflects the style of a kitchen more than the cabinets. Whether modern and sleek or traditional and ornate, the cabinet style defines the feel of the kitchen. Materials, shapes and colors all blend into the final design aesthetic. We’ve assembled some design ideas and a few key considerations to help make your new kitchen choices easier.
Choices, Choices, Choices
As recently as 20 years ago, cabinet doors were exclusively wood, raised panel doors with exposed hinges. Today, kitchen cabinet faces come in a range of materials, shapes and constructions. Stained fronts reveal the grain of the wood and can be either contemporary or traditional, depending on the wood and stain color choices. Painted fronts can also be flexible in their styling, depending on the shapes and other design elements.
Contemporary kitchens often have flat fronts and face-frame doors with no visible hinges. Euro-style, or frameless, cabinets are very contemporary and can expand usable cabinet space by dispensing with the frame of the cabinet itself. More traditional kitchens include Shaker style, mitered or arched cabinet doors. Country style doors often have rustic appearances with distressed or knotty, closed-grain wood.
Glass doors or open shelves are increasingly common in new kitchen designs as well. Both choices can be either contemporary or traditional, depending on the detailing of the wood framing or shelf construction.
Cabinet Selection Considerations
The number of available cabinet options allows homeowners to create a unique kitchen experience in their home. It’s important to start with a plan in mind, however. Here are a few things to consider:
- How big is your kitchen? Smaller kitchens may benefit from euro-style or face-frame doors.
- How much light do you have? Glass-front cabinets can add to a light, airy feeling in the kitchen.
- Do you want to see your dishes? If you want to showcase your fine china and glassware and can manage the clutter of everyday cooking, glass fronts may be for you.
- Is cleaning your thing? If not, stained, exposed-grain fronts may be a good choice. They show fingerprints and stains less quickly than painted surfaces.
Whatever your style, we can help you choose the best cabinets for your new kitchen. Our in-house millwork team can create the perfect new storage and display options. Ask our design team to help you find the perfect design for your home.