Cabinetry: Kitchen Remodel Series Pt.1
Whoohoo! You’re about to embark on a kitchen remodel, or maybe you’re just exploring the idea. Either way, cabinetry is a great place to start since it’s the most substantial investment you’ll make in your kitchen. While cabinets are primarily a functional element, they go far beyond storage solutions & organization and really set the tone for your entire space. They influence the overall character of your kitchen and act as a foundation for the entire design.
From your choice of door style, finishes, hardware and organizational features, each decision contributes to the overall investment. Not only does well designed cabinetry enhance your day-to-day living, but it also increases the value of your home, making it a decision that will impact you for years to come. We have designed A LOT of kitchens over the years, and we’re excited to share with you all that you need to know about cabinetry before embarking on the exciting adventure of a kitchen remodel!
cabinetry 101
MATERIAL
While solid wood cabinets can be appealing, they’re heavy and can easily be affected by heat and humidity causing them to bow and crack. This is why we typically use and recommend medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or high-density fiberboard (HDF) which both offer a smooth surface that can be painted or covered with a wood veneer. Also, glass-front cabinets can introduce a touch of sophistication, while open shelving creates an open and airy feel. Ultimately, the interplay of cabinet styles and materials allows homeowners to craft a kitchen that aligns with their individual tastes and lifestyle preferences.
CUSTOM VS. SEMI CUSTOM
Custom cabinets are tailored to the homeowner's exact specifications, allowing for complete creative freedom in design, materials, and finishes. This option is ideal for those seeking a truly unique and personalized kitchen.
Semi-custom cabinets provide a balance between customization and affordability. They offer a range of design choices, such as cabinet sizes, styles, and finish options that are usually more durable. Bonus they typically also have better warranties!
FRAMED VS. FRAMELESS
Framed and frameless kitchen cabinets are two distinct styles that offer unique design and functional differences. Framed cabinets feature a traditional look with a solid frame around the cabinet doors, providing extra stability and a sense of classic craftsmanship. They often incorporate decorative detailing and can accommodate inset doors. On the other hand, frameless cabinets, also known as European-style cabinets, offer a more contemporary aesthetic with sleek lines and a full-overlay door design that covers the entire front of the cabinet. This style maximizes interior storage space and facilitates easy access. While framed cabinets lend themselves well to traditional and transitional kitchens, frameless cabinets are popular in modern and minimalist designs.
OVERLAY OPTIONS
With a full overlay, most of the frame is covered by the doors and drawers.
With partial overlay, part of the frame is exposed.
An inset overlay occurs when the door is flush with the frame.
HOW DO I CHOOSE?
Ultimately, these choices depend on your priorities in terms of design specificity, budget, lifestyle, and project schedule. Working with a Designer can help you figure out exactly which option is best for you!
door style
Kitchen cabinet styles and material options offer a wide range of choices to cater to diverse design preferences and functional needs. Traditional cabinet styles often feature raised panel doors, ornate detailing, and a timeless charm that adds elegance to any kitchen. On the other hand, modern cabinet designs embrace sleek lines, minimalistic hardware, and a focus on simplicity for a contemporary look. Transitional cabinets blend elements of both styles, striking a balance between classic and modern aesthetics.
There are three main cabinet door styles but once you add in all the possibilities of colors, woods, trim etc. then your options shoot up to the hundreds, if not thousands. That’s a lot. Which means it’s totally normal to be a little overwhelmed when trying to decide. The great news is that if you know what overall style you’re going for, you can easily narrow down your options. Here’s a little cheat sheet to make your selection process a little easier!
STYLE
Shaker - Modern, Transitional, Farmhouse,
Flat Panel- Modern, Contemporary, Mid-Century
Raised Panel - Traditional, Transitional
should i paint, refinish or replace?
There are several reasons that you might decide to refinish or paint your cabinets instead of replace them. It’s a great way to save on costs! We totally support this and have had projects turn out beautifully going this route. However, if you choose this option, here’s a few things to consider.
We highly recommend hiring a professional. Painting cabinets is very time consuming since all cabinet doors need to be completely removed, cleaned, sanded and painted then reinstalled.
They are more likely to chip, crack & scuff, so they may need to be refinished or repainted every few years.
Based on the finish, not all cabinets can be repainted. Your Designer can help you determine if this is possible.
Thanks for reading! We hope you've found valuable inspiration & insights that will help you in your next kitchen remodel. Make sure to stay tuned as we expand upon this series and share details on all the other exciting elements of kitchen remodels including backsplash, counters, lighting and more!
STEP INTO OUR DESIGN STUDIO
If you’re looking for specific advice about your space, give us a call for an in-person or virtual consultation.
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