The unnoticed heroes of the kitchen are the kitchen cabinets. They store all of your essential dishes, cookware, and pantry essentials, and their style greatly contributes to the overall appeal of your kitchen. Furthermore, they greatly enhance the space's overall aesthetic and atmosphere in addition to providing essential storage space. 

 

However, with so many different designs, materials, and colours available, it might be challenging to choose the best kitchen cabinets. We'll go over key considerations to think about in this post to assist you choose wisely and find the best kitchen cabinets for your home. You will have the knowledge and resources to select the best kitchen cabinets for what you need after reading this guide.

 

Considering Functionality First

Storage and Cabinet Types

Don't undervalue the importance of functioning, although appearances are important. Kitchen cabinets should support your workflow and make the most of your available storage space. Here's what to consider:

Storage Capacity: Try not to put style over storage. Give cabinets with deep drawers and lots of space priority if you have a large collection of cookware. The best kitchen cabinets for storing large pots, pans, and appliances have a minimum depth of two feet.

Cabinet Types: To make the most use of your space, consider a variety of cabinet options. Wall cabinets are ideal for storing mugs, glasses, and spices since they make use of vertical space. For improved cabinet organization, think about adding pull-out drawers or shelves with dividers.

Style, Layout, and Organization

Take a moment to picture your perfect kitchen before delving into costs and materials. What is the desired flow of the layout? How do you see your cabinets being arranged? Your cabinet choices are based on your responses to these questions.

Visualize the Flow: Consider the way you go cooking. Do you long for a large prep area? Do you require special spaces for little gadgets and spices? It's critical to sketch a layout that matches the way you cook.

Optimize Storage: Think about your cooking procedures. Are you a pots and pans collector? Which would you rather have—shallow shelves for dishes or deep drawers for utensils?

Pro Tip

Consider flexibility when planning your cabinet layout. While upper cabinets are great for storing kitchenware that isn't used as much, lower cabinets are great for storing commonly used items.

 

Finding Your Perfect Kitchen Style

Kitchen Theme and Colour

After taking care of functioning, it's time to focus on aesthetics. Your kitchen's appearance and atmosphere will be greatly influenced by the style of your kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen Theme: Cohesion is key. Choose a cabinet style that goes well with the design of your kitchen. For example, lighter-coloured cabinets will make a great contrast if your flooring or countertops are dark. On the other hand, choose traditional-style cabinets for a timeless appearance.

Choosing a cabinet color can be tricky. Here are some tips:

Consider Existing Elements: If you're remodelling, try to make use of your current countertops. Choose colours that work well together or that produce a pleasing contrast.

Lighting is important: Consider how light bounces off your countertops and how it could affect the colour of your cabinets.

Popular Color Combinations: If you lack ideas, there are always tried-and-true colour schemes that complement the majority of kitchens. Dove white and white, blue and white, navy and white, green and white, and cream and grey are a few of them.

Kitchen Cabinet Door Style

The visual style of your kitchen is greatly influenced by the cabinet doors you choose. Cabinet doors have a significant impact on your kitchen's overall design. Here are some popular options to consider:

Aluminum Cabinet Doors: These sleek, contemporary doors may give your kitchen a more modern feel. They are available in gloss, brushed, and matte finishes.

Shaker Cabinet Doors: Shaker doors have a recessed center panel and clean, classic lines. They work well in modern, transitional, and traditional kitchens because of the flexibility they offer.

Melamine Cabinet Doors: Melamine doors are incredibly durable and have a sleek, fashionable appearance, which makes them ideal for busy kitchens.

Hampton Style Doors: White Hampton doors with their coastal vibe create a bright and airy feel. They complement various color schemes and textures.

Sliding Doors: Ideal for compact kitchens, sliding doors save space and add a touch of Scandinavian flair.

Glass Doors: Use glass cabinet doors to showcase your exquisite dishes or glassware.

Pro Tip

To help you narrow down your options, think about the general design of your kitchen. Modern kitchens may have a preference for handleless or flat panel doors, but traditional kitchens are more likely to have raised or shaker panels.

Choosing Durable Materials

You want your kitchen cabinets to last since they are an investment. Here are some popular cabinet materials known for their durability:

Solid Wood: Non-toxic and environmentally safe, solid wood cabinets are a stunning and organic option. While solid wood is more expensive than other materials, it has unmatched beauty and durability. Maple and cherry wood are popular choices. But in time, they might become less sculptural and need more upkeep.

Plywood: Plywood is a common and affordable choice because of its reputation for strength and stability. Due to the cross-grain pattern of the thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together, it is less likely to warp than solid wood. You can paint or stain plywood cabinets to achieve the look you want.

MDF: This engineered wood product offers a smooth, uniform surface that's ideal for painted cabinets. It's also relatively affordable and resistant to warping. However, MDF can be heavier than plywood and may not be as durable in high-moisture environments.

Thermofoil: This budget-friendly option involves applying a vinyl film to a substrate material like MDF. Thermofoil cabinets are available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, making them a versatile choice. However, they may not be as durable as other materials and can chip or peel over time.

Laminate: Laminate is a technique that involves attaching a synthetic material to a substrate, similar to thermofoil. The qualities of laminate cabinets are their affordability, resilience to stains and moisture, and durability.  However, they may not have the same high-end look as solid wood or painted cabinets.

Stainless Steel: Corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, and extreme durability characterize stainless steel cabinets. They look fantastic in an industrial or modern kitchen design.

Pro Tips

Durability is key in a kitchen environment. Wherever possible, opt for solid wood or high-quality plywood for areas exposed to moisture, like near the sink.

 

Additional Considerations 

By taking material, style, and functionality into account, you'll be well-equipped to select the best kitchen cabinets for your needs. Remember, kitchen cabinets are a significant investment, so prioritize functionality and durability while infusing your style to create a kitchen that's both beautiful and efficient.

Although the fundamentals of selecting kitchen cabinets have been discussed, homeowners who wish to improve the look of their kitchen will always find other factors to take into account. Here are a few other things to consider:

Spicing Up Your Cabinets

Hardware:  Cabinet hardware,  including knobs, pulls, and hinges,  might seem like minor details, but they can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your cabinets.  Choose hardware that complements your cabinet style and door design. For example, modern cabinets would look great with sleek, brushed nickel handles, while historic types would be enhanced with classic cup pulls. Think about practicality as well; choose gadgets that is comfortable to hold and operate.

Soft-Close Mechanisms: Soft-close doors and drawers are a great improvement. They also make the kitchen seem more upscale and tranquil by preventing slamming.

Cabinet Liners: Consider lining your drawers and shelves with a wipeable material for easy cleaning and to protect your cabinets from spills and scratches.

Lighting Magic: When working on worktops, under-cabinet lighting enhances visibility and adds a touch of beauty.

Interior Organizers: Utilize drawer dividers, pull-out shelves, and Lazy Susans to maximize storage space and make it easier to find what you need.

Warranty: A good warranty provides peace of mind. Choose cabinets with a warranty that covers manufacturing defects and ensures long-lasting quality.

Pro Tip

Don't underestimate the power of hardware! It's the jewelry in your cabinets, that adds a touch of personality and completes the overall look.

 

Kitchen Cabinet Costs and Installation

Kitchen cabinets are a significant investment, and the price can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the following:

Materials: Solid wood cabinets are generally the most expensive, followed by plywood and MDF. Thermofoil and laminate cabinets are the most budget-friendly options.

Construction: Frameless cabinets tend to be more expensive due to the precise joinery required. Inset cabinets also carry a higher price tag compared to traditional face frames or overlay styles.

Customization: Custom cabinets built to your exact specifications will cost more than pre-made or semi-custom cabinets.

Retailer: Compared to home improvement merchants, high-end kitchen design showrooms usually mark up their cabinets more.

Pro Tip

For the budget-conscious homeowner, RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets are an option. These cabinets are shipped flat-packed and require assembly on-site. While RTA cabinets can save you money, keep in mind that they typically only come in a limited number of styles and finishes. Additionally, you'll need to factor in the cost of tools and the time commitment for assembly.

Choosing the best kitchen cabinets is an exciting step in creating your dream kitchen. Kitchen cabinets are a focal point and a significant investment in your home.  By prioritizing functionality,  durability,  and aesthetics, and by considering the additional factors outlined above,  you can create a kitchen that not only looks stunning but also caters to your cooking style and brings joy to your home for years to come.