The workhorse in your kitchen isn’t the stove, the fridge, or the countertop. It’s the cabinetry. By far, it’s the largest furniture system in the house, responsible for housing, organizing, and hiding—or displaying—all of the kitchen paraphernalia: pots and pans, utensils, machines, plates, cups, and glasses. And on top of all that, it has to look good, too.
When it’s time to plan for new cabinets, there’s a lot to consider. One of the most important decisions is whether to buy stock cabinets or go the custom route. Let’s take a look at some key factors to keep in mind when choosing cabinets for your new kitchen.
More Choices Than Ever Before
Over the past 30 years, homes have increased in size by an average of nearly 40%. According to an ABC News report, the average American home in 2005 measured 2,349 square feet, up from 1,695 square feet in 1974. Kitchens have played a significant role in this growth, nearly doubling in size to an average of 300 square feet. As homes have become larger, the kitchen has replaced the hearth as the true heart of the home.
Manufacturers of kitchen cabinetry, appliances, and hardware have responded to this trend by offering thousands of new products, features, and styles to meet the demand for the new “uber-kitchen.” Home product mega-retailers also dedicate vast amounts of space within their stores to showcase kitchen cabinets, counters, and appliances. These displays provide homeowners with unparalleled options for colors, materials, styles, and features.
When we remodeled our California rambler, we’d often grab a large coffee and spend two hours strolling up and down the aisles of our local home goods store, gathering ideas. Overwhelmed and somewhat frazzled, we’d head to our local wine bar to compare notes in a more relaxed setting. Over the course of two months, we gathered all the information we needed to make our final decisions. My advice? Do your research and explore what’s available before committing to a “cabinet-level” decision!
Alternatively, a trusted cabinet maker and installer can often guide you through the process in one or two consultations. They can offer suggestions for storage and display solutions you may not have considered. Many will also prepare a formal sketch or computer illustration of your finished kitchen to help you visualize the final look. While you do pay for this service in the price, many find it worth the investment to have a professional guiding the process.
Think Outside the Box
Perhaps it’s the most overused cliché, but in this case, I mean thinking outside the “box”—the cabinet itself. Consider the “face” of your cabinets. Remember, you’ll be seeing this “face” for many years, so it’s important to be fully satisfied with your choice. While bold colors may be trendy today, they may grow tiresome as fashion evolves.
One of the most popular trends in kitchen cabinets is “resurfacing.” This approach involves keeping the boxes in place but updating the exteriors by painting, staining, or veneering the surfaces and replacing the doors and drawer fronts. Since the doors and drawers largely determine the style (Country, Urban Chic, Mediterranean, etc.), swapping these out can give your kitchen a fresh look without the expense and disruption of a full replacement.
I’ve undertaken two kitchen cabinet resurfacing projects and was thrilled with the results. The first was a pre-war apartment in New York with old birch plywood cabinets. As I stripped away the layers of paint and varnish, I discovered premium, clear, matched veneers that had aged beautifully. I decided to showcase that rich wood tone by finishing the cabinets with clear varnish. To add a modern twist, I painted the boxes glossy black. The contrast was striking, yet the overall effect was warm and inviting.
The second project was a California rambler featuring some of the cheapest cabinets imaginable, stained a depressing dark brown. After addressing some structural issues, I sanded them down, painted them matte white (to hide fingerprints and scuffs), and replaced the pulls. I also swapped a few door fronts with clear glass panels and removed a wall between the kitchen and dining room. Glass-paneled doors at the back of the cabinets allowed natural light to flow between the rooms, transforming the space.
In both cases, I had more time than money, so doing the work myself was the most viable option. I did hire a professional to create the glass doors, refitting some of the old ones and recreating matching doors for the backs. It was money well spent, as these skills were beyond my own expertise! There are plenty of specialists, cabinet makers, and companies that can reface or resurface tired old cabinets, usually in just a few days. Keep in mind that kitchen renovations can be particularly stressful when the kitchen is out of commission. A professional crew can significantly reduce the downtime, which is a crucial consideration in any home improvement project.
When You’ve Decided to Replace
There’s much to recommend modern cabinetry. The quality, style, and functionality of today’s kitchen cabinets are far superior to those of years past. These new styles are designed with modern living in mind, offering thoughtful features for appliances, utensils, wine racks, and more. Once you’ve chosen the look, feel, and layout of your new cabinet suite, the next decision is whether to go with stock cabinets or enlist the help of a professional for a custom installation.
Although there are numerous stock cabinet options available, not all kitchens or spaces are standard-sized, which can lead to awkward “gaps” in your layout. A custom cabinet builder, however, can create cabinets tailored to any space.
One current trend in cabinetry is to blend stock and custom pieces to create a more affordable yet customized kitchen. For example, the cabinetmaker might build custom boxes for unusual spaces but use stock doors, which are far less expensive than custom doors. I’ve also seen stock glass-front doors retrofitted with stained glass or old, wavy glass—an excellent way to achieve a one-of-a-kind look.
Lastly, keep in mind that a professional will know how to measure, size, and install your cabinets to perfection. When comparing prices, remember to consider the quality of the work and how it aligns with your own skills. Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way where my skills end and where a professional is necessary. When it comes to kitchen cabinets, I’ll stick to sanding, staining, and painting!
