Walk into your kitchen and you probably know where everything is, from the everyday dishes to the flatware used only on special occasions. Each cabinet is part of a symphony, playing a role in your organized, inviting space. When it’s time for a remodel, you want the new kitchen cabinets to fit seamlessly with your design and with the way you use the space. So, how to choose styles and colors for kitchen cabinets?
Your cabinets will have a big impact on the entire room. In fact, cabinetry is one of the most important aspects of a kitchen remodel. Not only does it provide practical elements to the space, but it enhances whatever design theme you select.
You should put a lot of thought into the style and color of the cabinets you plan to install. Take a look at any cabinet shop, and you’ll be surprised at all of the options which are available. It can be overwhelming when you have so many alternatives. Ensure you’re happy with your choice for the long term and think about how to add value if you decide to sell your home.
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CONSIDER YOUR STYLE OPTIONS FOR KITCHEN CABINETS
When considering the kitchen cabinet doors, think about what style you prefer. It should fit in with the overall design theme you have for the room.
Follow these tips when choosing your favorite style:
- Think through the entire design of the kitchen
- Select your cabinets first, before making other decisions
- Consider how much lighting is in the room, both artificial and natural light
- Factor in the size of the kitchen
DOOR STYLE
You’ll want to think about whether you want a flat cabinet door, inset or Shaker-style. You may select some of your cabinets to have glass doors to show off special glassware or to make the room look bigger and brighter.
Not all doors must swing open in a kitchen. They can flip up or be pocket doors. You may want to add a special corner door for improved function.
The Shaker style consists of a flat panel surrounded by a frame. The lines are clean and simple, making it ideal for modern kitchens. However, the design is stylish enough to fit in with more traditional themes. Let the color impact the decision as to whether you’re striving for a contemporary or classic look.
Flat doors are just one smooth panel for a minimalistic approach. The design is ideal for a contemporary kitchen, and you can select from various woods to create a unique image. This option is also one of the most budget-friendly choices because of its simplicity.
The inset style of door is more expensive, but it lends a modern, sophisticated look because of the exposed hinges. The door rests inside the cabinet, which means it must allow expansion of the wood for an accurate fit.
You can give your cabinets an old-world feel with distressed fronts. The paint looks aged as if the wood has been in use for many years. Beadboard is another option which is ideal for a cottage design or to create a beachy feel to your kitchen.
CONSIDER YOUR COLOR OPTIONS FOR KITCHEN CABINET IDEAS
When it comes to the color of your kitchen cabinets, the sky is the limit. You can paint them, stain them or leave them their natural shade. The color you select should reflect the overall design as well as the function and lighting of the space. Here are some general tips to think about:
- If your kitchen is small, lighter tones of wood make it feel bigger
- White is a classic shade that rarely goes out of style
- Consider the countertop as part of your decision, whether it should contrast or complement the wood
- If you want brightly colored cabinets, keep the rest of the room neutral
- Consider the appliances and the floor
- Don’t forget about the backsplash when choosing cabinet colors
MIX AND MATCH
A modern trend which has become popular is to choose one color for upper cabinets and another for lower cabinets. A classic look is white and black, which creates a clean, stylish kitchen without too many fussy elements.
like the natural wood look, you don’t need to paint. However, you’ll want to decide between all the shades available, which range from dark ebony to light pine. There’s the sophisticated look of mahogany or cherry, the traditional style of walnut or pine or the country image which comes from oak.
Important tip: Make sure your design and color go together to create a cohesive theme for your kitchen. An oak cabinet may look better in a traditional home or a country space while red painted doors would probably be more modern.
Gray is a popular and versatile color choice for kitchens today to create a contemporary look that is welcoming. The blue-grays bring a cool tone to a space while yellowish gray offers warmth.
CONSIDER THE ATMOSPHERE
When you take some time to look at the available samples of kitchen cabinets for sale, think about the feeling you want the room to convey. Is it the place where you spend most of your time, cooking fabulous meals for your family? Is it the room where everyone gathers when you entertain? Do you want it to be relaxing, a place to unwind after a stressful day at work as you grab a bite to eat?
Whether the kitchen is the heart of your home with the hustle and bustle of everyone coming and going or a quiet place to unwind as you linger over dinner, your design should convey the right emotion. The cabinets you choose will be one of the most important aspects of your design and potentially the focal point of the room. Don’t underestimate the importance of your decision and make it fit your lifestyle as well as your budget.
