How to Choose the Right Cabinets for your Kitchen
Choosing the right cabinets for your new kitchen can be overwhelming, with so many styles, colors, and materials to choose from. The choice of modern vs. traditional styles will impact the lasting value and impression your kitchen makes. As cabinets are one of the first details people notice in your kitchen, you want to make the right impression and impact.
Criteria to consider when selecting cabinet options
There are four key criteria to keep in mind when selecting your kitchen cabinets.
- Kitchen style: Consider your home’s overall style. Is it classic and elegant, minimalistic and modern, or some other style? When your home has a style used predominantly throughout the house, consider carrying that through to your kitchen. A sense of continuity helps for a seamless transition from room to room.
- Kitchen layout: is your kitchen U-shaped, L-shaped, or some other configuration? Consider how different styles may look in your layout. Your kitchen designer will be able to provide input as to which styles will look best in your layout.
- Price: As with all elements of your kitchen remodel project, cabinets come in a wide range of prices. Take into account how much you’re willing to spend, the trade-offs of cost and durability, and any potential re-sale activity in coming years. You may be able to quickly eliminate options on either end of the pricing spectrum, then evaluate trade-offs for cabinets in the middle price range.
- Style and finish: Aesthetics are a key element of any design process. You’ll see your new cabinets every day, so want to be sure to select styles and finishes you like best, and which will look best in your new kitchen.
Types of cabinets
There are two types of cabinets, frameless and faceframe.
Frameless cabinets are essentially a box with an open front, where the front edges are finished or covered. Hinges are mounted to the cabinet interior, and hidden from view when cabinet doors are closed. Frameless cabinets may be called Euro, European, or Euro-style cabinets.
Faceframe cabinets incorporate a frame that is attached to the front (or “face”) of the case. Hinges mount to the faceframe, and may be visible when cabinet doors are closed..
Types of cabinet and door production methods
Three types of cabinet production approaches allow you to choose cabinets that fit your style and budget.
- In-stock: Stock cabinets are usually the most economical option, as they are constructed in larger quantities using a consistent process not requiring customization. Additionally,, in-stock cabinets usually ship faster, possibly within weeks of purchase.
- Semi-custom: With semi-custom cabinets and doors, you have more customization options available, including door style and stain or color options. This customization does lead to a higher price. Since these cabinets are not purchased as-is, additional time is required for customization. With semi-custom cabinets and doors, you’ll have some control over the additional cost, based on features and customization options chosen.
- Custom: Custom cabinets and doors are built to order, so the options are limitless when it comes to size, design, color, and finish. Time to build these items will take longer than in-stock or semi-custom alternatives and the price will be higher.
Learn more about how your choice of cabinet door style and color sets the tone for your kitchen space in our blog here.
Frontier Kitchens has developed an excellent reputation in our community as a reputable, creative, and professional source for kitchen design. Our solid relationships with vendors and suppliers of high-quality cabinets and doors allow our experienced kitchen designers to create your dream kitchen.When you’re ready to meet our kitchen designers and learn how they can help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams, contact us or drop by our showroom.
