Tackling a kitchen renovation is one of the biggest and most expensive home projects you may undertake. The good news is that it’s well worth it. Not only will a new kitchen add functionality and beauty to your home, but it will also increase your home’s value, too. Real Estate Agents say you can recoup 85 to 100 percent of renovation costs when you sell your home. One of the most dramatic updates to your kitchen will be your new cabinetry, so choosing wisely is key.
What to consider when selecting kitchen cabinets
With more options than ever, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you begin your search for the perfect cabinets. Here, we provide some considerations to help you narrow your kitchen cabinet choices, and ultimately select the style that’s just right:
Personal style
While you may know your fashion sense, you could be stuck for an answer if someone asks about your favorite kitchen design look. Is it traditional, modern, rustic, contemporary, or a blend of old and new? What about other aesthetics like Farmhouse, French Country, Industrial, or Scandinavian? Style options for kitchens abound!
To narrow it down, seek out examples of kitchen cabinets that appeal to you. Visit home improvement stores and showrooms, browse home décor magazines and websites, and peruse social media sites like Pinterest and Instagram. After you’ve saved a few examples, you may see a pattern emerge in your selections. That’s a cue for the look you want in your kitchen cupboards.
Durability
The kitchen is the busiest spot in your home, so you’ll want to think about who uses the cabinets and how durable they need to be. Kids can be tough on finishes, while pets pawing at cabinets for treats can cause scratches. Do you run the dishwasher frequently? The humidity generated could have an impact on how long materials last, potentially damaging natural wood and laminated pressboard.
Type of hardware
Decorative hardware – pulls, knobs, latches, and hinges – is like jewellery for your kitchen cabinets. It’s an important finishing touch with considerations on style, material, finish, functionality, and how well they complement other components of the kitchen like the faucet, lighting, and appliances.
Appliance considerations
For some people, appliances are to be used but not seen. They may want the refrigerator and dishwasher covered with panels to match the rest of the kitchen cupboards for a streamlined look. Some newer kitchens are equipped with hydraulic systems that raise countertop appliances like coffee makers or stand mixers, to the countertop with the touch of a button. When you’re done, they go back into hiding.
Upkeep and maintenance
Those painted, trimmed cabinets with beadboard detailing may look nice, but think about what it will take to clean spills, fingerprints, and dust from all those nooks and crannies.
A lower maintenance choice? Dark hardwoods with a visible grain are less likely to show dirt. How often are you prepared to do a full wipe-down of your kitchen cupboards? It’s a question worth pondering before selecting cabinets.