Remodeling your kitchen–the heart of your home–comes with a lot of decisions you need to make. Among the most important for the look, feel, and functionality of the kitchen is what type of cabinets you choose. Kitchen cabinets generally make up the single largest expense in your Virginia, DC area, or Maryland kitchen remodel. They also make the most visual impact. Making selections is a daunting task, but we are here to help. Read on for some information to assist you in determining which kitchen cabinets are right for you.
What’s the Difference Between Framed and Frameless Cabinets?
Framed kitchen cabinets have a face frame on the front of the cabinet box, where the cabinet door is attached. This type of cabinet has a more traditional look, and the way the cabinet is built makes it a sturdy and solid piece of furniture. Framed cabinets lose a little storage space but choosing cabinets with no center stile can compensate for the loss.
Inset cabinets are one type of framed cabinet–you’ve probably seen pictures of this design on Pinterest and home decorating shows. With inset cabinets, the cabinet door sits flush with the box, making a smooth surface. You must use hardware to open the cabinet door as there’s no edge to grab hold of. Inset cabinets are very on-trend, sleek, and contemporary. They tend to be a little more expensive because of the necessity of making sure each door sits perfectly in its box.
Frameless cabinets don’t have a face frame. Instead, the cabinet door attaches directly to the box. When the door is closed, the cabinet box is fully covered. Frameless cabinets come in many styles and designs and fit in well with everything from a minimal, contemporary kitchen to a traditional kitchen, to a farmhouse-style kitchen. They’re versatile and allow you to get the maximum use out of every inch of cabinet space.
What Cabinet Material is Best for Me?
Solid Wood
Wood cabinets are beautiful, eco-friendly, and long-lasting. They bring warmth to your kitchen. They’re durable and won’t warp or bend under heavy loads. Solid wood cabinets are on the higher end of the price spectrum. With many varieties of wood available, you’re sure to be able to find a depth and color that fits your aesthetic.
Ash is light and cool, great for more modern homes.
Walnut is dark and makes a dramatic statement, especially with great accent lighting. Its color mellows with age.
Oak is gaining popularity again. The grain is gorgeous and prominent, and it comes in many shades.
Beech is a more subtle choice–you get the warmth and natural look of the wood with a less noticeable grain pattern.
Maple is a great choice for a more natural wood look.
Cherry is a luxurious, popular choice for both fine furniture and fine cabinets. It’s elegant and has a rich, smooth color.
Plywood
A mid-range option in terms of both price and durability, plywood cabinets are a reliable choice. Plywood is made from multiple thin layers of wood glued together to make sheets that range in thickness. For cabinets, generally 15mm or thicker makes for sturdy and strong boxes and shelves that can support the weight they need to support. Plywood can be stained, sealed, or painted to achieve almost any look you want.
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
A fairly common option for kitchen cabinets, MDF allows you to achieve a smooth, flawless finish. It is water- and mold-resistant, and comes in countless colors and styles. MDF is dense and strong, although heat can cause it to warp. It’s one of the most affordable types of kitchen cabinets available.
Stainless Steel
An uncommon option in residential kitchens, stainless steel brings an industrial vibe to your kitchen that you may love. It’s durable and long-lasting, easy to clean, and unique. These cabinets tend to be pricer than other options, but if you love the look, stainless steel cabinets might be perfect for you.
Should I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets?
Painted cabinets are on the rise! A very popular look, painted cabinets allow you limitless color options. They’re easy to maintain and fit in with any aesthetic. And if you change your mind about the color a few years down the road, painted cabinets can always be repainted. Consider the following on-trend color choices:
White, for a classic look that can lean contemporary or traditional. White cabinets never go out of style.
Cream, for a softer, warmer feel.
Gray, especially a light gray, will look both modern and classic.
Jewel tones like rich blue or green give you a showstopping focal point.
Black, for a dramatic, moody vibe.
What Door Style Should I Choose?
Shaker Doors
The most popular cabinet door style, shaker doors are flat with flat trim around the perimeter of the door. They usually have one panel but can also have two or three for a unique, classy look. Shaker doors go with any style: minimal, traditional, contemporary, modern farmhouse, and more.
Slab or Flat Panels
This ultra-modern cabinet door is made of one single, smooth piece of material (wood, plywood, or MDF). It provides the perfect backdrop for decorative hardware, allowing the door pulls to take center stage. It can also be used with no hardware for a sleek look. It’s easy to clean, minimal, and modern. Use wood or paint colors to warm up the look if you desire.
Recessed Center Panels
The simple design and clean lines of this type of cabinet door make it good for smaller kitchens or ones where attention is meant to be drawn to another feature–the island or stove, for example. Similar to shaker doors, recessed center panels are simple and classic.
Raised Panel Cabinets
Ideal for the kitchen that leans toward a traditional aesthetic, raised panel cabinets are more ornate and take up more visual space than other types. They make the cabinets look like furniture and are gorgeous in a large kitchen.
Beadboard Cabinet Fronts
Perfect for a lovely modern farmhouse or cottagecore look, beadboard cabinet fronts are on-trend. They are traditionally white, but can also be stained or painted. Consider using a color such as green or blue for a twist on a classic look.
Open Shelving
While you may not want to completely remove all your upper cabinets and replace them with open shelving, using a few open shelves can add a lot of visual interest and character to your kitchen. Stacks of matching or coordinating dishes, wine glasses, or glass canisters of pasta, rice, and beans placed on open shelves give texture and a homey feel to your kitchen.
Glass Front/Display Cabinets
If open shelves aren’t for you, consider adding some glass front cabinets to your kitchen. They open up and lighten the space visually and allow you to display precious possessions, family heirlooms, fun collections, or colorful cookbooks. You can have lights installed inside the cabinets to highlight your displays and add a soft ambiance to your kitchen.
Where Do I Start?
At BOLT Builders, we want your kitchen to look and function its best so it can be a warm and welcoming place for you, your family, and your friends. We believe that remodeling your kitchen can help you enjoy your home more. Choosing the right cabinets is one step in the process of transforming your kitchen to make it the place of your dreams. Ready to get started? Contact us today–we’re here to help answer any questions you have and to put our attention to detail, excellence in craftsmanship, and great design ideas to work for you.ront/Display Cabinets
If open shelves aren’t for you, consider adding some glass front cabinets to your kitchen. They open up and lighten the space visually and allow you to display precious possessions, family heirlooms, fun collections, or colorful cookbooks. You can have lights installed inside the cabinets to highlight your displays and add a soft ambiance to your kitchen.
Where Do I Start?
At BOLT Builders, we want your kitchen to look and function its best so it can be a warm and welcoming place for you, your family, and your friends. We believe that remodeling your kitchen can help you enjoy your home more. Choosing the right cabinets is one step in the process of transforming your kitchen to make it the place of your dreams. Ready to get started? Contact us today–we’re here to help answer any questions you have and to put our attention to detail, excellence in craftsmanship, and great design ideas to work for you.