What Is the Best Cabinet Style for My Kitchen? Does It Need to Be Expensive?
Kitchen cabinets add spice to any cooking area. From the traditional look to modern style, there’s a wide array of designs you can choose from. Whether you’re planning to install new ones or renovate existing ones, you need to ensure they’re not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.
Here’s a list of the top cabinet styles you need to know to help you narrow down your search:
1. Shaker Cabinets
These are the most known cabinet door styles you can see in many kitchens these days. They are made up of a flat panel with a five-piece door framing the center like a border. Some shaker cabinets are simple and neat, while others have decorative and detailed edges.
Drawer fronts of shaker cabinets also differ. You can go for slab drawer fronts if you prefer modern designs. On the other hand, five-piece drawer fronts are the most popular choice for transitional kitchen area designs.
Pros:
- They’re less expensive since they’re popular and widely available, like this shaker cabinet door in Colorado.
- They’re versatile and can easily be styled in many ways, such as combining them with a concrete worktop for an industrial look.
- Timeless look
- With a wide array of color choices
- Easy to maintain with a quick wipe-down to keep it polished
Cons:
- They may not fit all home styles.
2. Flat-Front Cabinets/ Slab Doors
Slab doors or flat-front cabinets are solid with no panels or other framings. They’re minimalistic and simple, ideal for modern or contemporary kitchens. Generally, slab doors are made up of a single piece of plywood or MDF, either covered with wood veneer or painted.
The best thing about these cabinet styles is that they can be contemporary, modern, or mid-century. Depending on the cabinet maker and your preference, they can be built in many ways. One of the most recommended cabinet makers, One Source sells slab cabinets in Arizona.
Pros:
- They’re very affordable because of their simplicity, though it depends on the type of wood, hardware, finish applied, and others.
- Easy to clean and wipe down
- They’re a timeless aesthetic, which resists most trends.
- Go well with any hardware you choose (drawer pulls, knobs, etc.)
Cons:
- Prone to warping
- They can look quite stark but easily painted or wood stained.
3. Beadboard Cabinets
These cabinet designs can be quickly recognized by how they look. They’re made by fitting vertical slats into each other to attain a bead-like connection. These slats are from long wood that often has a tongue and groove joinery.
These are normally found in country-style houses, French-style homes, and beach-inspired interiors.
Pros:
- They can be used inside cabinets to add details.
- They’re available in various widths to match your kitchen theme
- Offer an old-world rustic vibe for those after this look
Cons:
- Need careful cleaning because the grooves can easily collect dirt and grease
- They can be expensive, depending on the type of wood used.
4. Glass-Front Cabinets
Some homeowners might stress about utilizing glass fronts on their cabinets, especially on the below-counter ones. However, you can blend them with other styles, such as a flat-front design for an added element in your kitchen.
Pros:
- They have a reflection that helps in a darker kitchen.
- Allow you to display your beautiful ceramics and glassware but keep them protected from dust and dirt
- With lighting, glass-front cabinets help brighten your kitchen while highlighting your displays
- Easily mixed and matched with other cabinet styles
Cons:
- You need to make sure they’re durable for safety.
- Need a two-step process when cleaning (glass and wood)
- Since they show your displays, you need to keep your shelves clean and tidy.
- Costly
5. Plywood Cabinets
Plywood cabinets are not just beautiful but also functional. They have an organic and warm quality, making your kitchen area feel cozy and welcoming.
Pros:
- As opposed to lumber, plywoods won’t shrink, expand, or warp.
- Durable
- Add beauty to your kitchen with its natural pattern
- More affordable than “furniture boards.”
Cons:
- You need to ensure you choose a good quality and durable type of plywood.
Other Things to Consider
The cost is one of the primary considerations in any decision-making, including when purchasing cabinets. However, the prices differ, depending on the finish, quality of wood, style, etc. Moreover, you need to consider practical functions, materials, designs, and others.
Whatever you pick, set a realistic budget and take time to find reputable cabinet makers or manufacturers, such as this cabinet refacing company in CO & AZ. Custom-made is always the best because they are personalized, have a longer shelf life, they’re designed to fit your cooking area, you can select the materials, and with greater quality workmanship.