Updating or replacing kitchen cabinets is an effective way to give any kitchen a facelift. However, there’s a lot of decisions that need to be made when it comes to your new kitchen cabinets.
Totally New, or a New Face?
Do you need totally new custom kitchen cabinets, or would simply updating the doors and fronts of drawers do? There are two ways to update your cabinets without actually getting new cabinets. The first is refacing the cabinets, which means taking the doors off, taking the fronts of the drawers off, and replacing them with new materials. For many people who like the structure and layout of their cabinets, this is a good way to quickly achieve a new look in the kitchen without actually having to do any demolition.
Another way to give your cabinets an updated look quickly is to paint or refinish the cabinets. In this approach, of course, the shape and overall look of the cabinets are retained, but they’re given a new cosmetic look. This is a great option if it’s just a matter of having dark and wanting light or vice versa.
Custom or Stock?
If you decide to get new cabinets, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll get custom cabinetry or stock cabinetry. Custom cabinetry is built to your specifications, so if you have a kitchen that doesn’t have average measurements, custom may be the way to go. Custom cabinets are also good if you have plenty of qualities you want present in the cabinets that may not be standard, such as special features that relate to your cooking. Stock cabinetry is cabinetry that you buy at the store that is built to common specifications. Stock cabinetry will work in most kitchens, but it is not custom-built to your specs, so your kitchen has to be the right shape and size for this to work. In terms of budget, stock is more affordable than custom.
Style
What type of style are you looking to achieve in the kitchen? Cabinets are one of the most overwhelming visual aspects of a kitchen, so it’s important to remember that the cabinets you choose will largely determine the overall look and feel of the kitchen. Do want a modern and sleek European kitchen? Or warm and traditional cabinets? Knowing what you want to go for in the kitchen and in the rest of the home will help you make the best decisions when picking out the style of your new cabinets.
Hardware
The hardware you choose for your cabinets will also work to determine the overall look and feel of the kitchen. What types of pulls do you want? What types of knobs, handles, and finishes? It’s important to create a look that is seamless in the kitchen, so choosing ultra modern cabinets and traditional hardware might be a no-no. If you have questions about what types of hardware would pair best with a particular set of cabinets, consult a designer at the kitchen showroom you’re shopping at. They should be able to help.