Designing kitchen cabinetry is a complex and multifaceted process that requires precision measurement. It also involves making functional decisions about the storage, space and flow of work in the kitchen.
The cabinets are the most visible aspect of the kitchen, and they need to look stylish yet timeless. It is essential to consider the right type of door and hardware for your cabinets.
Framed or Frameless
Framed kitchen cabinets are crafted by manufacturers who use rails and stiles to form a frame on the front of the cabinet box. These cabinets are popular in the United States, but frameless options are also becoming increasingly popular.
Frameless cabinets are a great choice for kitchens that have small spaces or where storage is a concern. Because there is no frame, the cabinet boxes are larger and can hold more items.
Framed cabinets can be designed with an “inset” look, where the doors and drawers sit completely within the frame, or as a full overlay design, where the door covers the entire frame for a sleek and clean appearance. They can also be embellished with other elements to add interest and give them a unique design style.
Door Style
Cabinet doors play a significant role in the design of your kitchen. They secure the contents of your cabinets and add a decorative detail that can tie together all of your other design elements.
There are a few popular door styles to choose from for your new kitchen. These include framed, frameless, and slab.
A classic style that never goes out of fashion is raised panel, which features a central door panel that’s slightly raised from the base of the wood. It’s a timeless look that looks great with just about any decor.
You can also go for a more contemporary look with recessed panels, which feature doors that are deliberately higher than the center of the door to give it a slightly more squared-off appearance. These doors are a favorite in modern kitchens, especially when paired with sleek materials and sharp lines.
Wood Type
A classic material, wood cabinets have a warm and elegant appearance that enhances your kitchen’s ambiance. Additionally, they can boost your home’s resale value.
The most common types of wood used to make cabinetry include oak, cherry, hickory, maple, and yellow birch. These varieties offer different colors, grain patterns, and staining capabilities.
Some of the more durable and versatile wood types are hickory, ebony, walnut, and mahogany. These woods are easy to refinish with paint or stain and are less costly than more exotic varieties.
Paint or Stain
If you’re looking to update the look of your kitchen, a fresh coat of paint or stain can make a big difference. This simple home improvement can completely change the look and feel of a room, and it’s one of the lowest-cost ways to remodel.
Staining your cabinets is a more traditional option than painting, and it brings out the natural grain of the wood to create a classic design. It’s also more durable than paint, and it can last 20 to 30 years.
Before you begin painting or staining your kitchen cabinets, make sure to sand down the surface. This will help your paint or stain stick better to the wood and prevent drips.
Hardware
Cabinet hardware is a very important aspect of your kitchen design. It not only makes your cabinets accessible but also adds a touch of class to your kitchen’s overall look.
Choosing the right knobs and pulls can be a challenge but it is well worth the effort. The type and style of hardware you choose should complement your other key design elements.
If you are looking for a more modern and sleek look, textured knobs could be the perfect choice. They are available in a wide range of finishes, which can easily complement your other kitchen design components.