Styles and Finishes

Your Kitchen Remodel: Beyond Countertops

Your countertops are undoubtedly key to creating an efficient, active kitchen space. But cabinetry—serving as the silent yet essential organizers of your kitchen—plays an equally vital role. Kitchen cabinets help keep your space functional and clutter-free, all while enhancing the visual appeal of the room. Choosing the perfect cabinet style and finish that aligns with both your needs and taste is essential to achieving a harmonious kitchen design.

Choosing the Best Cabinets for Your Kitchen

Balancing style and functionality is critical when selecting kitchen cabinets. Poor cabinet choices can disrupt both the look and efficiency of your kitchen, making it difficult to organize or even access items. Cabinets also represent a significant investment, so selecting wisely can save on future replacement costs. Here’s a guide to key factors to consider:

Door Styles

The cabinet door style dramatically affects the aesthetic and space of your cabinets. At its core, cabinet construction can be categorized into two main styles:

1. Framed Cabinets
   Common in the U.S., framed cabinets have a front face frame (about 1½ inches wide) to which the doors attach. This style, often likened to a picture frame, provides extra durability and suits all door styles except the Katana, which is exclusively frameless.

2. Frameless Cabinets
   Popular in Europe and the U.K., frameless cabinets have doors attached directly to the box sides. This design maximizes internal space and requires full-overlay doors that cover the entire box, delivering a sleek, minimalist look.

   Additional door style options include:

   • Shaker: A four-piece frame with a central flat panel, available with arches or flat sides.
   • Louvered: Horizontal wooden slats offering a rustic, window-like look.
   • Flat: Minimalist and trendy, often crafted from wood or laminate, making it budget-friendly.
   • Inset: Doors fit inside the box frame with exposed hinges, requiring precise measurements and offering a high-end look.
   • Distressed: Cabinets with an antique or “worn” appearance, achieved by various finishing techniques, adding charm to rustic kitchens.

Cabinet Construction

The materials you choose are as important as the style. Here are some options beyond traditional wood:

• Thermofoil: Affordable and durable, thermofoil cabinets are made from MDF with a heat-bonded plastic coating. They’re ideal for busy households and contemporary kitchens.
• Stainless Steel: Durable and sleek, stainless steel suits modern kitchens but can show fingerprints. A brushed finish can help minimize smudges.
• Lacquered: Multiple coats of lacquer applied over wood create a high-gloss finish that’s scratch-resistant and durable.
• TSS (Thermo Structured Surfaces): Durable particle board coated with melamine resins to simulate wood, suitable for traditional and modern kitchens alike.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve chosen the cabinets, the final details are what truly customize your kitchen:

1. Hardware

   • Hinges: Opt for adjustable hinges for flexibility; soft-close hinges can prevent accidental slams.
   • Drawer Guides: Choose high-quality guides that allow full extension, ensuring easy access and durability.
   • Special Hardware: Accessories like pull-outs, pull-downs, and lazy Susans optimize storage by making contents easily accessible.
   • Knobs and Pulls: These are both functional and decorative, tying together your kitchen’s overall design.

2. Millwork
   Millwork includes finishing elements that add character and polish to cabinetry, such as crown molding, toe kicks, and scribe rails. Crown molding caps off the top of your cabinets, valances complete the bottom, and toe kicks protect the cabinet base from scuff marks. These elements ensure that your cabinetry feels finished and tailored to your space.

Selecting the Right Cabinets

Investing in high-quality, functional cabinetry is essential for a kitchen that’s both stylish and organized. Each detail, from construction to hardware, plays a role in the overall appearance and usability of your kitchen. By considering these factors, you can create a kitchen that’s as beautiful as it is practical. Whether your style leans towards the sleek lines of frameless cabinets or the timeless charm of distressed finishes, the right choice of cabinets will elevate your kitchen experience.