Antique White Raised Panel Kitchen Cabinets

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Cabinets

Last Updated March 25, 2020

Buying kitchen cabinets seems like an easy task. Whether you're replacing those that are already in your kitchen or you're restyling the kitchen totally, you need to consider a style that will look great and function well for a long time. High-quality cabinets can last up to 50 years. That's unlikely though given how often other parts of the kitchen need replacing. The average tap lasts 15 years, most sinks are replaced within 10 years, and the range cooker will need to be changed after 15 years so a full kitchen makeover every 10 to 15 years makes sense for most homeowners.

Resurface and Restore

When considering a new kitchen, it makes sense to give some thought to resurfacing the existing cabinets. Making them look new and making sure they fit into the new d?cor is the cheapest way of updating your tired kitchen but is it worth it? There are some cabinets that you can and probably should restore and there are others that you should break up and throw away. Any water damaged cabinets or cabinets that are hard to access need to go. If the layout, size, and functionality of the cabinets are fine, resurface them.

The cabinets are the first item people see in a kitchen. There are far more of them than anything else and they set the standard. If they're old and worn out, guests will expect the cooker and the sink and every other appliance in the space to match. The cabinet door's style is the most important decision when remodelling a kitchen. Do you go for a modern look like a slab face design or a classic like a recessed square pattern?

Wood Type and Colour

The type of wood your cabinets are made out of and their colour also plays a major part in the kitchen's overall design aesthetic. An ornate dark cherry wood could be right for you if you'd like a rich grain with occasional small pin knots. This type of wood gives a timeless feel. What about a white to cream coloured maple? This hardwood is readily available and easy to work with. You could opt for walnut as that allows you to go for cabinets in a range of colours from creamy white to dark brown.

Function or Form?

Cabinets need both form and function and you have a lot of choices. You could opt for shelves or drawers under your countertop for either practical or aesthetic reasons. What about quietly closing drawers that self-close when one inch from closing? Would that make life a little easier for those people who forget to close drawers and always walk into them? What about the sorts of people who slam their drawers shut? A self-close system could make like a little quieter.

How Organised?

If you're always in the kitchen, then the place has to have your stamp on it. You need things to hand. You need the place laid out to your specifications. You need everything organised so you can reach out and get what you need while you're cooking. What about installing a utensil pantry pull-out need the oven? You could also include a wall message centre within the kitchen's design to help you remain organised. In most homes, a kitchen is both a workspace and a social area for the family to catch up. Your kitchen and its cabinets should reflect that.

McLeay Bective