Flat cabinet doors with minimal styling create a clean-line look. Linear metal pulls nudge these cabinets toward contemporary style.
Framed cabinets have a center stile on which hinges are mounted. Frameless cabinets lack a center stile and typically use concealed hinges.
Empty space above upper cabinets is a design pet peeve, but if you love the look don’t be afraid to fill it in with a decorative molding. This vertical fluted look dresses up demure cabinets.
Colors
A kitchen’s color scheme is a key driver in the overall design. Bold choices can add a pop of drama to an otherwise utilitarian space, while neutrals can ground the overall look and bolster resale value.
A bright, warm shade like a dusty rose or a moss green can enliven a modern wood-and-grain aesthetic. A paler take on these colors, such as a muted sage or a mossy gray, is also a great option for smaller rooms.
A deeper hue can add a rich, moody atmosphere to an open-plan layout. But, if you worry that darker cabinetry may date quickly, opt for a navy shade instead, which can work with many different kitchen aesthetics and is less likely to fall out of style.
Finishes
The finish used on cabinets can affect the overall look of a kitchen and also help protect against everyday wear. Different finishes work better with different types of wood and can enhance or hide the natural grain pattern.
Using a glaze on cabinet doors heightens their detail and can bring out subtle textures that may be hidden with paint or stain. Glaze can also be used to add color and a unique appearance to kitchen cabinets.
Distressing techniques are a great way to give new cabinetry an antique appearance. Techniques like sanding the edges, distressing the paint, or adding dents and gouges to the finish can create the desired effect.
Satin is a finish that has a soft sheen. It is easy to clean and is less likely to show dirt and grime, which makes it ideal for a busy kitchen.
Hardware
Hinges may be small, but they play an important role in a kitchen’s functionality. They’re the mechanism that allows cabinet doors to swing open smoothly and without slamming. They also ensure that all cabinet doors are properly hung and can be easily adjusted in the future.
There are many hinge options to choose from, including concealed euro hinges and wrap hinges. The latter get their name from the fact that they feature one leaf that fastens to the back of the door and a second that wraps around the frame and cabinet. These are a great option for traditional aesthetics and come in a self-closing version to prevent accidental slams.
For drawers, ball-bearing slides and rollers provide a premium feel and can accommodate a range of weights. They also come with soft- and self-closing technology to minimize noise and protect the drawer’s frame. Finally, knobs and pulls can make a dramatic impact on your kitchen’s look and feel.
Storage
The way you organize cabinet storage is one of the biggest ways to customize your kitchen cabinet design. Sort items by type, for instance, and keep lids paired with bases to prevent the obnoxious clanging of Tupperware and other containers. Or install drawer dividers that keep utensils from banging together.
If your cabinets are built with a face-frame, you can mount doors that abut or fit loosely so they don’t touch the frame. Or you can choose a beaded inset door, which conceals the hinges to create a smooth look that’s especially good for painted cabinets.
Don’t waste hard-to-reach corners, which are perfect for installing a lazy Susan contraption that maximizes the space inside the cabinet. You can also add a pull-down shelf for easy access to oversized pots and pans. If you’re DIY-inclined, make a dry erase board and bin for grocery lists and to-do reminders that frees up counter space. Then mount a handy rack that holds cutting boards inside a cabinet door.
