When remodelling a kitchen, one of the most daunting tasks is choosing the right cabinets, as you can easily get stuck trying to decide whether it’s better to opt for glamorous or traditional designs. With all the many materials and designs available on the market, the dilemma only intensifies. Not to mention that picking cabinetry isn’t only about aesthetics but also about functionality determining the workflow of your kitchen.
That being said, you can’t really make mistakes when selecting cabinets for your kitchen. But don’t worry – we’re here to guide you in the process of choosing the ideal kitchen cabinet that will fit perfectly into your space.
Visualise your ideal kitchen
Before hiring an interior designer, create an idea in your mind of how you’d want your kitchen to look like. Consider its layout and organisation: how would the drawers and shelves be arranged? Let’s say you want to store many bottles with spices. In this case, having a rack inside your drawer or cabinet can be helpful.
Since your cabinets are the kitchen’s most noticeable design element, paying attention to them is essential. When choosing suitable cabinets, consider the style of the kitchen. Some types of kitchen cabinets are ideal for traditional kitchens, while others are explicitly designed for modern kitchens. But there are also cabinets that look great in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Your kitchen design will also determine the cabinets’ essential features, such as colour, so it makes sense to take the time to consider it.
Set a budget
When figuring out which cabinet style is best for your kitchen, factoring in your budget is crucial. Whether you’re into modern or traditional designs, getting your budget right should be one of your main priorities, especially since cabinets tend to be quite expensive. According to kitchen designers, cabinets can take up 50% of the overall budget allocated to kitchen remodelling. Therefore, you’ll want to determine how much you can afford to spend and choose cabinetry accordingly.
When budgeting for kitchen cabinets, you’ll want to choose between semi-custom cabinets, custom cabinets, or stock cabinets. Generally, custom cabinets are more expensive than the other two options, but that’s because they are tailor-made, thus offering you the exact style, colour and design you envisioned for your kitchen. Another consideration is whether you prefer base door cabinets or drawer cabinets. The latter option allows you to make the most of your kitchen space by organising it better, but it can be considerably more expensive than the former. Although kitchen cabinets are known for being the costliest element in the kitchen, this doesn’t always have to be the case – at least not if you shop smart for your kitchen remodelling. If you research carefully, you’ll find cheap kitchen units of high quality and available in different styles and colours. You don’t have to break the bank on your kitchen renovation – if you find a reliable kitchen cabinet manufacturer, you will get the best bang for your buck.
Consider both aesthetics and function
Cabinets should be functional, but at the same time, they should add value to your kitchen. After all, they are the first thing guests notice when visiting you, so understandably, you’ll want them to look great. Do you prefer having drawers under the countertops instead of the shelves? Or would you rather invest in cabinetry with pull-out shelving?
Once you get a clear idea of your preferred style, you can customise it by incorporating textured glass fronts or glass doors to showcase your dishes. While some homeowners pay more attention to cabinets’ appearance than function, you don’t want to overlook the latter. After all, cabinets are mainly designed for storage, so it’s essential to decide what items you want to store in them and ensure they fit your lifestyle.
Pick the right colour scheme
Choosing the style of your kitchen cabinets is one thing, but selecting the right shades is a whole different story and can feel quite like a mystery. But it doesn’t have to be so challenging. Begin by considering the orientation of your kitchen and how much light enters the room. In a north-facing kitchen, some colours, such as cool blues, aren’t suitable, as they can make the space feel stark and cold. Instead, you should opt for warmer tones like yellow, which can brighten the space.
The best kitchen colour combinations create a sense of joy – since you won’t change this room very often, it’s essential to go with colours that will provide a comfortable feel. When choosing kitchen cabinets, consider the other colours in the kitchen – the goal is to opt for hues that marry together, making the space feel stylish, spacious and warm. Avoid creating a kitchen with only one colour, as it not only lacks dimension but can also feel dull.
Select the suitable hardware
Cabinet hardware is another essential consideration, as it plays a major role in ensuring the kitchen is stylish and elegant. Cabinet hardware, like drawer pulls, door handles and knobs, are a vital element in the cooking hub, so you want to make the right choice when it comes to them.
However, there are many colours, styles, and finishes available, so you may have a difficult time deciding. As a general rule, consider the style of your kitchen when selecting hardware.
For instance, if you have a modern kitchen, it makes sense to opt for hardware with a more contemporary look. On the other hand, if your kitchen has a traditional design, it’s a good idea to avoid hidden pulls or any other hardware that is too contemporary.
Don’t forget about the finish
Lastly, the cabinetry’s finish will significantly impact the overall appearance of your kitchen, so carefully consider this aspect, especially when it comes to colour. Ideally, you will want to opt for bright grey-coloured cabinets, as they do a better job of hiding dirt.
If you want to go for a natural look in your kitchen, opt for a solid wood finish. Decide what works best for you, and just stick to that choice – after all, it’s your kitchen, so you get the freedom to design it the way you want.
Choosing the right kitchen cabinets can feel overwhelming for any homeowner, but we hope these tips will guide you to make the right choice, designing an enjoyable space for years to come.
