How to Select the Perfect Kitchen Cabinets

Deciding to renovate your kitchen is a big decision, and it’s just the first of many you will face as you say goodbye to your existing space and hello to your beautiful dream kitchen.

One of the next big choices: selecting new kitchen cabinets. There are many factors that go into making a decision you will be happy with for years to come -- so spend some time considering the options now, and your final decision will be a breeze.

Here’s what to consider when selecting kitchen cabinets:

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#1: Price

This is often the most important factor to homeowners and is a great way to hone in on your vision. How much you are willing to spend is determined by your overall budget, of course, but there’s another factor-- your plans for the future. Ask yourself:

• How long do I plan to stay in this home, and when was the last time this kitchen was remodeled? The longer you plan on staying in your home and the older the kitchen, the higher the chances that you will want to replace the cabinets with a high-quality options. However, if you’re remodeling but know you plan to move within five years, perhaps you don’t want cabinets to be a big-ticket item. Or, if you want to change the kitchen to better suit your long-term needs, but know that the cabinets are only a few years old, it might be possible to salvage them.

• Do I plan to raise a family in this home? Kids increase both the need for durability and the chances of dings, dents and crayon marks, so you will want to make a choice that feels comfortable for your family.

• Do I plan to spend the rest of my life here? If you’re not worried about selling your home, you can make your cabinets as unique to you as you’d like, and you don’t need to consider whether a future home buyer will appreciate your quirky taste.

#2: Color and Door Style

The possibilities are plenty, which is why many people struggle with this decision. To help you narrow it down, think about your general style. Ask yourself:

• Do I prefer simple, clean lines or more elaborate, ornate details? Answer this question, then stick to the cabinet styles that match your choice-- you can eliminate many styles this way!

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• Is this the first thing I’m selecting? If you’ve already got your heart set on a certain set of hardware or a beautiful slab of granite, it makes sense to plan the kitchen cabinet color and style around that instead of vice versa. It’s okay to first choose other items you love and let the cabinets become functional pieces that fade into the background.

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• How much color do you want in your kitchen? We find that people generally fall into one of three categories: they want neutrals, they love bold color, or they love the color but are afraid of making a choice that’s “too much.” Our best advice is to always go with your natural instinct, because a beautiful kitchen can be created with one color or many, and to keep in mind that choosing a kitchen cabinet color is a fairly permanent decision. Color can be worked in to paint and accessories if you’re afraid to go color crazy with the cabinets-- but if you aren’t hesitant, colorful cabinets can make a big impact.

#3: Manufacturer

When you’re choosing a cabinet manufacturer, it helps to visit showrooms and talk to your designer-- there’s nothing that quite replicates the in-person experience of touching a cabinet sample and the years of experience a designer has working with various brands.

At The Kitchen Company, we recommend Wood-Mode, Crystal and Medallion Cabinetry. They’ve met our high standards and stand the test of time. As you consider these or other manufacturers, inquire about:

• Price. Cabinets have different price points, and it’s not always quality that sets them apart. Some cabinets are cheaper because there are fewer options regarding size, decoration and customization.

The Kitchen Company Showroom

• Ability to customize. If your kitchen requires something unique (or you simply want something out of the ordinary!), make sure you’ve clarified whether or not the manufacturer does custom work. Most cabinetry lines offer at least five door styles (i.e., shaker, flat panel), but lines do differ in the type of customization they offer (i.e., can the shaker cabinet option be made in the stain color of the flat panel option?).

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• Manufacturing location. Cabinets are often made in China and shipped to the U.S., while others are made here with parts from overseas, and still, others are 100% made in the U.S.A. Most websites won’t tell you exactly how the cabinets are sourced, but a good designer will be able to tell you, especially if it’s important to your renovation.

• Ordering process. If you haven’t selected a designer already, research the companies that sell the cabinet brand you want to select, and make sure you feel comfortable with their designers.

Co-owner/Designer Gail Bolling and our Installers

• Designer’s preference. If you don’t have a particular preference, get your designer’s recommendation. Your designer’s favorite brand is usually one they have worked with often and that has proven to be flexible, high quality and trustworthy. This means they spend less time working with the limitations of the cabinetry company and more time creating your dream kitchen.

When you know what to consider, choosing the right kitchen cabinets can be a simple decision. If you’re still not sure exactly what best fits your style, make an appointment for a consultation with one of our talented designers.