Kitchen cabinets play a huge role in function and aesthetics. With cabinets occupying significant visual space, your kitchen’s layout and design depend heavily on your cabinet choices. Below are five key considerations when selecting kitchen cabinets to make informed decisions.
Take Precise Measurements
Knowing your kitchen’s exact measurements is a crucial first step in selecting the right cabinets. When remodeling your kitchen, avoid simply replicating pictures of kitchens you like — selecting cabinets without measurements is a common mistake.
Unlike decor, cabinets require a customized fit for your kitchen’s unique footprint and layout. Guessing sizes or eyeballing magazine photos leads to ill-fitting cabinets that waste your specific space.
Before finalizing cabinet selections, thoroughly measure every kitchen dimension, including ceiling height, appliance spaces, windows, and doors. Give your designer the measurements so they can create a floor plan optimized for your exact kitchen parameters.
Choose a Style Aligned with Your Vision
Choosing cabinet colors that align with your overall vision sets the aesthetic tone for your kitchen remodel.
Kitchen cabinet styles range from ultra-modern to classic ornate. When deciding on a style, consider your overall kitchen vision. For a sleek, contemporary look, frameless cabinets with handle-less designs create clean sightlines.
For traditional sensibilities, classic raised-panel cabinets with visible frames provide detail. Slim shaker-style cabinets offer a streamlined look. Take inspiration from admired kitchens, but choose cabinet options aligned with your functional and aesthetic kitchen remodels.
Select a Cohesive Color Scheme
Cabinet colors set the tone for your whole kitchen. Neutral white, black, or wood cabinets safely complement elements like backsplashes and appliances. For a bold look, colored cabinets in navy, green, or gray make a strong style statement.
Remember, cabinet colors impact resale value, so avoid overly personalized hues. Also, consider how natural light changes color perception throughout the day. View samples in your kitchen at different times before fully committing.
Incorporate Functional Storage Solutions
Besides style, cabinets provide essential kitchen storage. Semi-custom cabinets offer more size and layout flexibility than stock cabinets for a moderate upcharge over stock products. Make your cabinets functional and stylish with smart organizational design choices tailored to your needs.
For avid cooks, include pull-out racks for spices, pots and pans, and stand mixers to optimize unused corner and vertical spaces. Pull-out organizers make items accessible while maximizing vertical storage space compared to traditional cabinet shelves. To integrate major appliances seamlessly, select cabinets with customized frameworks for refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers.
Prioritize Quality Craftsmanship
Kitchens undergo heavy daily use. Select cabinet materials and hardware built to last, not based on cost alone. Durable solid wood frames resist moisture, while sturdy joins prevent sagging. Quality hinges, glides, and soft-close hardware improve functionality and longevity.
Upgrading to water-resistant finishes helps cabinets maintain their like-new look for years. High-quality cabinets generally provide better long-term value compared to inferior materials requiring frequent replacement.
So, Is Thoughtful Cabinet Design Worth the Investment?
Kitchen cabinet design requires many decisions, including measurements, materials, and styling. Rushing leads to frustrating, costly mistakes that you can only fix through complete remodels.
However, thoughtfully planning cabinet layouts and features provides years of enjoyment from a kitchen tailored to your needs, storage, and preferred aesthetics. Investing time into designing versatile, durable, quality cabinets pays off through enhanced convenience, organization, and visual appeal.
FAQs About Kitchen Cabinet Design
What cabinet countertop materials are best?
Popular options like granite, quartz, laminate, and solid surface each have pros and cons. Granite looks great and resists heat but requires sealing. Quartz offers design options but can stain. Balance visual appeal, durability, and budget.
Should I assemble the cabinets myself or use a professional installation?
Unless highly skilled, opt for professional installation for proper assembly and alignment of cabinet doors and drawers.
How much space should I leave between cabinets and appliances?
Leave 15 to 30 inches of countertop workspace around appliances for convenient access.
What is the most durable cabinet material?
Solid wood is stronger than particle board or plastic laminate. Oak, maple, and hickory are excellent resilient woods.
How long do kitchen cabinets last?
With quality materials and care, expect 10 to 15 years from cabinets. Higher-end cabinets last 15 to 20 years. Signs of aging include sagging, peeling surfaces, and hardware issues.
