
Cabinetry could make or break the design scheme of your kitchen. However with so many types and decisions out there, how do you select the best kitchen cupboards? This information will present you the right way to think about issues like materials, shade, and elegance when selecting cupboards to your kitchen.
On this article:
What to Search for In Kitchen Cupboards
So, when it comes time to decide on cupboards to your kitchen, what must you search for? Whereas it’s straightforward to deal with the look of cupboards and never really feel like that you must dig additional, it’s vital to contemplate extra than simply the aesthetics. Each kind and performance are important components when making ready for a kitchen rework undertaking.
Kitchen Cupboard Supplies
Ever because the 1860s, wooden kitchen cupboards have been a staple for dwelling renovations, and plenty of cupboards in the marketplace right this moment are manufactured from wooden, which is available in a wide range of types and finishes. Nevertheless, with advances in materials engineering, different supplies like alloys, chrome steel, glass, and sturdy particleboards could make for contemporary-looking cupboards that supply their very own advantages when it comes to sturdiness and moisture resistance.
In the event you’re searching for a timeless appear and feel, wooden remains to be the most secure wager. From stained pine to lacquered mahogany, your decisions in wooden supplies are virtually limitless.
Customizing Kitchen Cupboards
These days, there are practically limitless choices in the case of customizing the appear and feel of your kitchen cupboards. These embody pantry cupboards, narrow-depth base cupboards, and island trim panels.
Relying in your price range and wishes, you’ll be able to choose a design that provides extra options corresponding to accent lighting, lazy Susans, and ribbed glass doorways. Customizing kitchen cabinetry shouldn’t be solely a wonderful option to profit from out there house but additionally an efficient means so as to add visible enchantment and personalize your kitchen’s model.
Inventory vs. Customized Cupboards – Are They Value It?
Selecting between inventory cabinetry and {custom} cabinetry is not any straightforward job. The value to put in kitchen cupboards is determined by your house renovation price range and way of life wants. Nevertheless, a very powerful issue to contemplate when deciding between inventory or {custom} kitchen cupboards is the standard of what you’re getting to your cash.
In the event you’re searching for a fast resolution that received’t bust your price range, inventory cupboards could also be price contemplating. Usually bought in big-box shops, inventory cupboard costs are typically decrease, but their choice is usually extra restricted when it comes to colours and finishes. In the event you’re searching for an actual match or one thing actually custom-made, these may not be ideally suited.
That’s not the case with semi-custom cupboards, which permit for each kind and performance. They provide a broad vary of options like supplies, colours, and {hardware} choices to suit your way of life wants higher. Semi-custom cupboards are additionally made in units that may be adjusted to accommodate any house or design specs.
Then we come to {custom} cabinetry. Whereas this undoubtedly requires extra upfront funding, you’ll have the reassurance of realizing that it’s constructed particularly for you – typically on-site – and tailor-made to your design plan. Customized cabinetry makes it simpler to create a kitchen that actually displays your character, is straightforward to make use of, and, most significantly, lasts for years to come back. Customized cupboards may also considerably enhance the worth of your property.
Paint vs. Stain – Selecting a End
Upon getting chosen your kitchen cupboards, the following step is to decide on a end that can make them look their greatest. From paint to stain and even laminate veneer, there are a number of several types of finishes out there to go well with any model or choice.
Paint presents clean, modern-looking surfaces that cover mud nicely and create a visually cohesive house. The draw back is that lower-quality paint can simply crack if not maintained correctly, whereas painted surfaces additionally require extra effort and time to restore any nicks or dents.
Stained cupboards provide a conventional look that emphasizes the pure grain of the wooden, making them a preferred alternative for householders searching for a extra traditional model. The draw back is that with out correct upkeep, stained wooden can discolor over time because of publicity to liquids and oils.
Laminate veneer can be an choice out there on some merchandise. It presents quick, environment friendly upgrades by sticking onto cupboard doorways and different surfaces, whether or not they’re wooden or metallic. In addition they provide a shiny, mirror-like look and are straightforward to scrub. Nevertheless, the draw back is that they’ll often begin peeling off across the edges over time because of put on and tear in a high-energy kitchen atmosphere.
Cupboard Door Kinds
One facet of kitchen cabinetry that may have an effect on each its look and performance probably the most is the door model. Varied supplies corresponding to wooden, laminate, veneer, glass, or metallic can be utilized to create a variety of types.
For instance, shaker-style doorways are well-liked decisions for modern kitchens, whereas crown moldings is likely to be what you’re searching for should you favor one thing extra traditional-looking.
Framed vs. Frameless vs. Inset vs. Overlay
Are you confused as to which kind of cupboard look it’s best to select? Typically it’s arduous to inform the distinction between framed, frameless, inset, and overlay kitchen cupboards.
Framed cupboards are extra conventional in model, with a floor space that’s bigger than the doorways, in order that they require a further body. That is typically ¾-inch vast by 1½ inches thick and offers these cupboards a timeless look whereas nonetheless permitting them flexibility when design schemes change. Their thicker frames assist present stability and are budget-friendly – however they are often tough to put in in oddly formed areas.
Frameless cupboards, however, come and not using a body altogether. This makes set up simpler and extra environment friendly because you don’t want as many supplies when creating them. Nevertheless, frameless cabinetry requires superior craftsmanship, which typically means greater labor prices. They have an inclination to have a extra trendy look in comparison with their framed cousins and provide quick access, particularly for nook items, because of their lack of doorways which can look nice in sure settings.
Inset and overlay cupboards work properly with framed or frameless designs, relying on the house out there. Inset is when the cupboard doorways are put in contained in the body of the cabinetry, whereas overlay is when they’re positioned outdoors the body.
Moldings
Moldings are the right option to give your cupboards a delicate, enticing end in addition to present one other dimension of visible curiosity to create an total cohesive look.
Crown molding is often used between the highest of the cupboard and the ceiling or wall. Such a molding might are available in one piece or a number of smaller ones that must be nailed collectively.
Gentle rail molding is usually used between the underside of the higher cupboard and the highest of the decrease cupboards for a traditional look. Baseboard or quarter-round moldings can also be used simply above the plinth to create a bigger, strong look should you favor.
Pulls & Knobs
Choosing the proper handles, knobs, and pulls to your kitchen cupboards is a good way to make it possible for they completely match the general theme of your house. It’s not nearly aesthetics but additionally practicality in the case of on a regular basis use.
There are fairly just a few totally different choices out there right here. From brass, copper, nickel, and extra, every materials works nicely in sure environments, so it’s vital that you just get this half proper. Knobs have a smaller profile than handles and often value much less, making them nice for creating the phantasm of house in your kitchen.
Nevertheless, pulls, notably these made out of metallic, are designed to create a press release. Whether or not you’re searching for one thing to boost plain cabinetry or just searching for to carry a little bit of your appeal, pulls provide a straightforward resolution.
Cabinets & Drawers
Time to get all the way down to the nitty-gritty gadgets in your kitchen cupboards: cabinets and drawers.
You need to make it possible for no matter materials you select to your cabinets, be it wooden or different supplies like plywood, is sturdy sufficient in order that it might assist heavy weights with out warping over time. The scale of the shelf will even matter: you don’t need it too skinny or too vast.
Drawers are simply as vital, if no more so, because of their prolonged use. Splurge on dovetail joints right here, as these stable wooden items match collectively like a puzzle, offering superior assist with none want for metallic instruments or connectors. If attainable, go for side-mounted drawer slides with soft-close performance so that you just by no means have to fret about slamming drawers once more.
10 Kitchen Cupboard Kinds and Developments
What was a sensible alternative for storing dishes, glasses, meals, and utensils within the kitchen is now a method assertion. Listed here are a number of the hottest tendencies in the case of deciding on your cupboards.
1. Conventional Wooden
For individuals who favor a timeless traditional, nothing beats the look of conventional wooden cupboards. This model works greatest in a heat, inviting kitchen and might create the right showcase for all of your heirloom cookware.
In the event you’re trying so as to add a contact of sophistication, go for crown molding particulars or dazzling {hardware} to make it really feel extra upscale. With wooden cupboards, you additionally get the bonus of including your individual character to them with stains and finishes.
2. White Cabinetry
White kitchen cupboards stay the best choice for householders in the case of creating a chic search for your kitchen. Whether or not you go for a contemporary or conventional design, white cabinetry can provide the clean canvas essential to create an area that’s shiny, ethereal, and welcoming. Plus, its clear strains make it simpler to match with any accent colours you might have within the room.
3. Combined Supplies
Mixing supplies is usually a good option to create added depth and texture in your kitchen with cupboards. Think about combining wooden, glass, metallic, and stone when deciding on your cabinetry for a singular look that has loads of visible enchantment.
Darker shades corresponding to indigo blue or black additionally pair nicely with gentle pastel hues like pink and yellow to offer additional dimension as a substitute of relying solely on white tones.
4. Retro Look
Retro-style kitchens are having a significant second because of glossy cabinetry and impartial tones set off by shiny, vibrant hues.
Assume navy blue cupboards with gold {hardware} and pops of pink or inexperienced accents as an homage to previous kitchen types with a contemporary twist for right this moment’s tendencies. Whereas the cabinets might seem like they’re from the nice previous days, relaxation assured that you would be able to all the time replace their perform with trendy design advances like soft-close drawers and cupboards.
5. Open Shelving
Open shelving is a good way to offer your kitchen an ethereal vibe, in addition to provide up additional storage for all of the belongings you don’t need to be hidden away inside cumbersome cabinets. Glass-front cabinetry helps hold gadgets dust-free whereas offering unequalled show capabilities, particularly in the case of showcasing on a regular basis dishes, ginger jars, and different collectibles.
Alternately, conventional wood cabinets lined with wooden can carry heat and texture to your kitchen whereas making storage a breeze.
6. Blue Accents
Darker shades of blue are good for creating an inviting but trendy look within the kitchen. Navy cabinetry or partitions may be set off with lighter accents like white counter tops and gold {hardware}, which assist hold the house feeling shiny however nonetheless have an effect.
In fact, should you don’t need to commit full-on to this hue, you’ll be able to follow having only one function wall executed within the shade and even go for blue home equipment as a substitute.
7. Flooring-to-Ceiling Cabinetry
When there isn’t a whole lot of wall house in your kitchen, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry is a good way to maximise out there storage and add visible enchantment with minimal effort. This model works greatest when all the cupboards match.
8. Two-Tone Cupboards
This traditional two-tone model has been in existence for years, however it’s lately come again with a vengeance, making it a great pattern for contemporary kitchens this yr.
Whether or not your house leans extra towards conventional or modern design, pairing higher and base wood cupboards in numerous stains, from beiges and browns to greys and blues, can add visible curiosity and dimension to any kitchen.
9. Cupboard Handles
Don’t neglect about your {hardware} in the case of sprucing up your cupboards! Drawer handles and knobs are a number of the best methods to change up their look with out having an enormous renovation undertaking in your arms.
In the event you favor a traditional model, choosing timeless brass or bronze {hardware} is all the time a protected wager. Nevertheless, should you like one thing with a bit extra bling, go for ornate choices in metallic tones or glowing crystals.
10. Hidden Home equipment
Disguise your home equipment behind matching cupboard doorways for a extra streamlined look should you’re not set on getting a {custom} built-in fridge or oven from the get-go. Not solely is that this a good way to maintain your kitchen trying polished, however it might additionally assist lower your expenses in the long term by using what you have already got with out having to spend additional on new purchases.
Plus, it helps make the house look extra spacious with out compromising on storage or entry to important cooking instruments.
FAQ About Selecting Kitchen Cupboards
Kitchen cupboards are one of the vital components in a kitchen, as they outline each its model and performance. They supply ample storage for gadgets that will in any other case litter counter tops and islands and assist carry an total look of cohesion to your cooking house.
All of it comes down to private choice, price range, and way of life wants. It’s best to think about not simply the look of cupboards but additionally the supplies they’re constructed from, which might make all of the distinction between budget-breaking {custom} builds, inexpensive inventory fashions, and semi-custom designs.
Be sure to couple your chosen materials with a high-quality end that received’t fade or crack over time, corresponding to paint or stain.
Wall cupboards are typically between 12 and 24 inches deep, relying in your kitchen model and the kitchen countertop depth. Kitchen cupboard depth ought to all the time be thought-about when designing any kitchen house, as a deeper variant will typically require extra space throughout the width of a wall or island.
Last Ideas
Choosing out kitchen cupboards is a job that may take a while. Earlier than you already know it, you’ll be knee-deep in several types of cabinetry, supplies, finishes, and sizes.
From semi-custom to completely {custom} designs, weighing your choices when deciding on the best cupboards to your particular wants will assist make it possible for no matter design plan or price range you take into consideration works nicely with what’s out there.
Now that you already know what’s required to your subsequent dwelling renovation undertaking, go forth and discover the right kitchen cupboards match to your life, then rent knowledgeable contractor to put in them appropriately and safely.
Most important Photograph Credit score: Pexels




Adrian Nita
Adrian is a former marine navigation officer turned author with greater than 3 years of expertise within the discipline. He loves writing about something and the whole lot however focuses on masking sensible know-how and gardening. When he isn’t writing, Adrian enjoys spending time along with his household and associates or mountain climbing within the nice open air.