When designing a kitchen or bathroom you may be thinking countertops, tile, or wall colors, but cabinets are arguably the most fundamental part of establishing a fluid space. There are an array of options when it comes to selecting the perfect cabinets for you, but first you must evaluate capacity, design, and details such as upkeep. To breakdown the basics, here are our top tips to maximize storage and achieve a style that fits your home.
1. Choose Your Favorite Door Styles
When it comes to picking your favorite door style, it often helps to consider budget first. Once you have a budget in mind, it’s easier to narrow down which cabinet style within your price range best suits your room. There are a variety of styles and designs to choose from to help accentuate your space in a way that best suits your taste. Here are a few of the most common door styles.
Shaker – These cabinets are popular because they offer a relaxed and casual element to any kitchen style. They showcase simple and functional design with flat-paneled doors, rail frames and natural wood finishes.
Raised Panel – Raised Panel cabinets come in a variety of styles and can compliment many aesthetics. This cabinet style consists of a center portion that is more raised than the outer-portion of the door. They can be used in modern and traditional kitchen designs.
Slab – Slab cabinets, also referred to as flat-panel cabinets, have a simple design and low maintenance appeal. These cabinets typically compliment a more modern or contemporary style. They are often relatively inexpensive and are easy to clean given there are no nooks or crannies to collect dust or spills.
Recessed Panel – Contrary to raised panel cabinets, the center on a recessed panel is slightly depressed. The panels are often made with thinner materials such as veneer, while the rest of the door is still wood. These cabinets often offer a more elegant appearance.
Glass Insert – Typically mixed with solid cabinet doors, glass-front cabinets can be a great way to add some texture to your kitchen. They are generally used as upper-cabinets and can be used to showcase valuable china, vases, cookbooks or decor.
2. Pick a Wood Type and Color
There are many factors to consider when picking a wood type and color for your kitchen. A few are how frequently your kitchen is going to be used, how heavy traffic in your kitchen is going to be, and whether or not children occupy the space. With this in mind, it’s important to research which woods are more durable and easily cleaned. If you have a consistently busy schedule, you may want to pick something that is less likely to need consistent cleaning. If you’re still not sure what best fits your lifestyle and design, ask a professional in the department or your contractor what they recommend.
3. Optimize Functionality
Along with cabinetry there is shelving, drawers, and utilities to consider. The way these details are implemented can not only add character to the space, but can also dictate how much storage space you have. When picking between different features, make a list of the top priorities for your space. If it’s design, open shelving may be an eye-catching feature to implement. If it’s storage space, you may want to include lots of organizational drawers.
4. Utilize the details
Sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest difference in how a room comes together. Picking fixtures, handles, and molding that accentuate and compliment your cabinets is very important to pulling a space together. Simply choosing a different color or handle can make all the difference in how you feel about a cabinet. When choosing your doors, keep in mind how different fixtures could enhance its appearance.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your unique and personalized home, but these tips are helpful for anyone who is trying to make the most cohesive room possible. Once you have the fundamentals of your needs established, it’ll be much easier for you to approach your cabinetry with confidence and ease. Having a clear vision also makes it easier for you to articulate what you want to your contractor, which in turn assists them making your dream kitchen or bathroom a reality.