Are you working on the design of your kitchen in your new home? Or perhaps planning a remodeling of your outdated kitchen space? Make sure you have a clear picture of the cabinetry you want to get installed before you plan other things.
As one of the main features of your kitchen, your cabinetry must grab attention. There are different styles, designs, and types of cabinets. You are sure to have a tough time making the right choice. This decision must be based on the overall design of your kitchen. These are the types you can choose from:
Base Kitchen Cabinets
Base kitchen cabinets are placed on the floor and generally support the countertop. You can even do a neat job of placing the sink within the base cabinet. These cabinets are designed for versatility. You can put in drawers, shelf space, pull-outs, and more. In other words, base cabinets are the bedrock of your kitchen design.
In many cases, it also defines and gives shape to the floor layout. They will cost you more because they are multipurpose and serve several functions. You can place everything, from cutlery, crockery, utensils and many other daily use items, in base cabinets.
Photo by Daniel M Swain, Architect
Invest less in the designing part of base cabinets during your kitchen renovation because they don’t come in the direct line of view. Focus on improving the utility aspect of base cabinets.
Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets are mounted on the wall using sturdy brackets or screws. Because they are directly in the view, they should be the most decorative part of your kitchen. It is common to extend wall cabinets to the ceiling or have an additional line of cabinets of the same design and finish. This space can be used as storage for less frequently used items. The design can be made more attractive by using glass inserts on the shutters. Some creative lighting in the cabinet can also help you enhance the look of your kitchen without having to spend too much.
Pantry or Tall Cabinets
Tall kitchen cabinets are not a new concept, but they are making their way back into kitchen designing ideas because of their flexibility. They can be of any size and have high utility value because you can put away almost everything in them. Your bulky and tough-to-manage items can also be stowed away in tall cabinets. With these cabinets, you will never run out of storage space for kitchen items. Even your bulky items can easily go in.
Shaker Cabinets
Shaker-style cabinets are commonly seen in many kitchens nowadays. They are made up of five pieces of flat panel. Four pieces are used for creating a frame. The flat center panel is the fifth piece. Shaker cabinets are simple and classy and can easily slip into any contemporary or traditional design style. They are generally made of high-quality wood and have sturdy construction.
Photo by Andrea Swan – Swan Architecture
Slab or Flat-Panel Cabinets
Slab or flat-panel Cabinets are for those who want an additional style element for their kitchen designing project. They are minimalist in design but can be customized to create sharp lines or subtle curves on the panel. A vital feature of this type of cabinet is the lack of frames. They are solid slabs, and that’s where they get their name.
Photo by Gaia Construction Inc.
Thermofoil
Thermofoil cabinets are commonly used for low-budget kitchens that still need a high element of stye. They are made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF). They are wrapped in a special plastic coating, baked under extreme heat, and sealed. Thermofoil cabinets are mass-produced and available in solid colors, including wood imitation. They are inexpensive and hence extremely popular. These cabinets require little maintenance, but they are not as sturdy or durable as other types of kitchen cabinets discussed here. Because they do not have high heat resistance, you cannot use them near heat sources in the kitchen.
Photo by Gilmans Kitchens and Baths
Custom Cabinets
If none of these cabinets meets your needs and expectations, you can call in an expert designer and create custom cabinets. Personalized kitchen cabinets can be costly because they come with minute detailing of all your storage necessities.
Photo by Mascheroni Construction
The more you research, the more options you will find for designing your cabinets. You should consult an expert to get a better idea of what type will work best for your kitchen based on your requirements, space, and budget.
