Because of their multiple functions and everyday use, kitchen cabinets must combine a series of elements such as durability, design, and ease of use. While it may not seem like a big deal, when you are faced with the multitude of models, shapes, and materials available, your choice will increase in difficulty. But never fear! We are here to help you find the perfect kitchen cabinets for your home.
Thinking about a big kitchen renovation? Start with cabinets first. Why? Because the cabinets you select are the largest cost and will have a strong impact on the overall value of the property when the time comes to sell.
This is why we always advise homeowners to consider the practical aspects first, and only afterward think about the design, which should be a good fit with the rest of the kitchen furniture. So, to make things a bit easier, we put together an in-depth guide that can help you choose the perfect cabinets, from a Realtor’s point of view.
Pin Down the Practical Aspects
Before you start browsing gorgeous kitchens online and buying tons of home remodeling magazines, it’s best to analyze your current situation.
For this, ask questions such as:
- Why do you want new cabinets?
- What’s wrong with the old ones?
- How much storage space do you need in your cabinets?
- Do you need better organization in your new cabinets?
As you answer these questions (and others on a similar note), you’ll start to understand more about the type of cabinets you need. Even more, you’ll learn if you truly need new cabinets or if you’re just looking for a new look.
If it’s the latter, the job will be easier and will make a smaller dent on your budget since it’s easy to get a fresh look on kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or new doors. However, if you are in need of new cabinets, continue reading.
Plan Your Perfect Kitchen Cabinets
Today’s cabinets can take all sorts of shapes and sizes, and their inner structure can be thoroughly designed. For instance, a pots and pans pullout is a fantastic idea for easy access to your favorite cookware, while a utensil pantry pullout can help free up space on the counter.
So, before anything else make sure you have a clearly charted workflow that will make your job, as the main cook, easier.
Build Quality & Materials
The offer is extremely varied and it’s easy to find the perfect kitchen cabinets for almost any budget. However, if you want to use them for a long time, it’s best to pay attention to the materials used and the quality of the construction.
Choosing the Right Materials
Most cabinets are made from solid wood and wood-like versions and metal. The wood-like versions include particle board, melamine, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and are usually on the cheap side. However, they are not very durable and don’t have a long life, especially in a heavily-used kitchen.
If you want to go with an industrial design, stainless steel cabinets may be a better choice. Nowadays, there are lots of attractive designs for metal cabinets, and you can even use a combination of wood and metal that looks astonishing.
The best option for kitchen cabinets is solid wood because it is very durable, it looks amazing and is easy to paint when you want to give your kitchen a fresh look. It’s also the best option if you plan on selling the house in the following years.
Build Quality
Most cabinets are built using one of two styles: framed or frameless. As you probably already know, framed designs have a noticeable frame that surrounds the door and provides a more traditional look. On the other hand, frameless designs don’t have this feature and employ a more modern style.
Besides this, you should also pay attention to the structural braces (which can be plastic, metal, or wood) and the joinery methods (hot glue, woodworking techniques, staples, or nails). Each of these will have a word to say in your cabinet’s durability.
Hardware
Here we’re talking about drawer slides, shelf mounting brackets, handles, pulls, knobs, and more. These are important for the overall use of your cabinets and can improve the experience of working in the kitchen.
Each of these elements can vary in quality and overall aspect, so make sure to select the ones that fit your budget and needs.
Design
Once you’ve dealt with the functionality-related aspects, it’s time to choose the design of your future cabinets. This step is very personal. It’s important that the material, style, and color should fit harmoniously with the rest of the kitchen.
While it may be tempting to select a design and color that’s trendy, we recommend going with a modern look that uses classic elements. This way, your cabinets will be in style for years to come.
Wrap Up
Whether you want to live in your current home forever, or you plan on selling at some point in the future, it’s always wise to make choices on a long-term basis. That’s why, when it comes to selecting the perfect kitchen cabinets, we will always recommend durable materials and timeless designs.
Nicole Andrews is the marketing manager for Euro Marble in Sydney, Australia. With a background in interior design, she enjoys writing about the latest industry trends. In her spare time, she walks her dog Rusco down at Bondi Beach.
