Cabinets
Custom Built Cabinetry
Within the limits of sound construction, custom cabinets can be made to suit any space or desire. (For instance, an extra-long cabinet without interior partitions to accommodate trays or large pans). Custom cabinetry also lets you incorporate virtually any door style and color into the kitchen. You might have cabinets made to match your home's existing woodwork or architectural details, or opt instead for an "unfitted" look with freestanding or built-in cabinets that mimic furniture.
All cabinets begin as a basic five-sided box
Frameless Cabinetry
All cabinets begin as a basic five-sided box. Simply add doors, and the result is a frameless cabinet. When doors are closed, the structural box is hidden from view.
Face Frame Cabinetry
A framed cabinet is created by surrounding the front of the box with a structure like a flat picture frame, to which doors are attached. Generally, the frame is visible around the doors' perimeter; this style may slightly reduce the cabinet opening.
Paint, stain, or the best of both...
The finish on cabinets has a great visual impact on the kitchen. Paint opens up countless color possibilities. White remains a top choice, although pure tones are losing ground to creamy whites and antique shades. In general, paint is less durable than stain, which can hide nicks and scratches. Stain plays an especially important role in kitchens that open to traditional living spaces. Stained cabinetry can beautifully complement furniture and woodwork in adjoining rooms. Color washes bring the best attributes of paint and stain together. Brilliant hues of green, blue, or red stand out, but let the wood grain shine through. The finishes are resilient and fairly easy to clean.
Cabinet Fronts: 6 Popular Cabinet Styles
Panel- This pared-down look is uniquely versatile: Wood fronts with hardware make it traditional; laminates go contemporary.
Raised Panel- In kitchens that open to adjacent living spaces. This traditional furniture-style look lets rooms intermingle.
Recessed Panel- For an informal look with flair, the curved top panel works. Fronts with square insets evoke early-American simplicity.
Beaded Panel- The message here is country comfort. Recessing the beaded panel into a frame offers a cleaner, more up-to-date look.
Austral Glass - This look can go traditional or modern. However, if what you display behind the glass is not perfectly arranged, neither of the two is a wise choice.
Leaded Panel - Glass fronts require a bit more upkeep, but the depth and beauty they lend is worth it. Built-in lighting offers a dramatic effect.
