About Custom Kitchen Cabinets

 

Custom kitchen cabinets have evolved. No longer are cabinets simple wooden or plastic cupboards attached to your kitchen walls. Kitchen cabinets take up a large proportion of space within your kitchen and so should receive the appropriate consideration. They are available in an array of materials, designs, shapes and sizes. As consumers look for any way to utilize space, cabinets have had to adapt to provide the customer with the convenience that they demand.

As kitchen design trends have become more liberal, homeowners are following their individual tastes rather than the specific trends identified through design magazines. A kitchen remodel, unlike a new pair of shoes, is likely to last for years to come. For this reason it is important to choose a kitchen cabinets design which incorporates your own personal taste rather than the‚ “flavor of the month”. Often overlooked as a design feature, cabinets take up a significant portion of any kitchen remodeling project. An article from Better Homes and Garden (www.bhg.com) confirmed that “In the average kitchen remodeling, cabinets generally comprise 40% of the budget”. No single item in a new kitchen costs as much as cabinetry or contributes as much to the overall look. With so much being invested into your kitchen cabinets there is much to consider.
What are you looking for?

 

 

Color
 

Your kitchen cabinets will set the tone for the whole room. Cabinets take up a very high proportion of space within the kitchen therefore the color you choose is key to tying the whole look together. Using the wrong color or material for your cabinets will have a very noticeable effect on the finished product. The same general rules of color and texture apply to kitchen cabinets design. Cool and light colors will act to expand the size of your kitchen whereas darker and warmer colors will shrink the size of a space. A good suggestion for kitchen cabinet color choice is to stick with something relatively neutral. Replacing kitchen cabinets is much more expensive than changing the color of paint on the walls.

 

The right material for your kitchen cabinets design
 

Cabinet materials have changed as trends have developed. Wood is the traditional choice and still remains very popular as identified by a survey conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (www.nkba.org). They show that wood-finished cabinets make up 80 percent of all cabinet purchases. This figure is huge and shows that despite the move toward contemporary design, the traditional kitchen style is still very much ‘alive’.

 

Three of the most popular choices for cabinet materials are covered below;

 

Wood Cabinet
 

Wood can be used to reproduce many looks. The type of wood and finish you choose will shape the style of your kitchen. If deciding to go for wooden cabinets, thorough investigation is recommended into what type of wood with compliment your desired look. By using a different finish or varnish wood can be transformed.

 

Plastic Laminate Cabinet
 

This material is available in a range of colors and textures and so a very attractive choice. It can be used to achieve a smooth sleek look. Plastic laminate is a durable material and easy to keep clean which means it is ideal for the family home. The only drawback with this material is that it can be prone to chip if it is not cared for properly.

 

Stainless Steel Cabinet
 

Stainless Steel can be introduced into the kitchen to give the room a contemporary feel. Stainless steel particularly has seen a growth in popularity because of its modern edge and defined look. As a material it is eco-friendly, durable and recyclable. The main disadvantage with stainless steel is that it can show up fingerprints and scratches quite easily and therefore is not as practical for a family setting as some of the other materials may be.

 

Function
 

When making the decision of what color and style of cabinets to adopt, it can become easy to overlook the actual functionality of your cabinet needs. This element is very important if you intend to utilize your kitchen space. Cabinets are now designed with the homeowners need for convenience in mind. Cleaver storage can transform your kitchen into a space that really works for you. A good idea before settling on a cabinet choice is to walk through the everyday tasks that you complete in your kitchen. By doing this you can note where and what type of storage would be most useful to make the most of your space.

Cabinets are now available to store pots, pans, trash cans and kitchen appliances as well as food and kitchen utensils. Every inch of space is being utilized by fitting cabinets of differing shapes and sizes, designed for very specific needs. Kitchen clutter can now be a thing of the past.

 

Final Choice
 

To have a successful kitchen remodeling experience it is important to balance cost, style and function in order to achieve your desired look. It is commonly suggested that the investment in your kitchen should represent 10-20 percent of the market value on your house. Investing in your kitchen will pay dividends in the future when you go to resell your property. Considering that homeowners are spending even more time in the kitchen, it is important to really invest in this valuable asset. Kitchen cabinets are the prime feature in most kitchens and therefore the homeowner must carefully consider the style and color used. By investing a little time in this decision, you can be sure to achieve a result which combines aesthetics, function and style that will give you enjoyment for many years to come.