The A2Z of Kitchen Cabinetry – Part 2

In the previous article, we discussed about the different styles of kitchen cabinets and the cabinet construction that one needs to be aware of, before entailing the help of a professional cabinet maker.

Continuing from where we left of, we come to the three most important factors that will determine the aesthetic appeal that your kitchen cabinets will bring to the design.

Door Shapes

With lines, moulds and inserts, the cabinet doors will be the visual aspect that will influence all other aspects of your remodel. From traditional to contemporary, cabinet doors can be styled in many different shapes.

Square: Most modern or traditional styled kitchens have cabinetry with square doors. It is like a no-brainer that you cannot go wrong with. You can go frameless with square doors for a clean and contemporary look.
Cathedral: If you have a country styled kitchen or a cottage styled one, then you can opt for a rounded cathedral design for your cabinet doors. With intricate detailing and moulding, it adds a classic look to any kitchen setup.
Slab: As the name suggests, these are a single slab of wood devoid of any panels or accents. These doors are usually used in contemporary or modern kitchen designs.

Inserts

One of the easiest ways to completely change the look of any kitchen cabinetry is to change the inserts. It is possible to change inserts in custom cabinetry. Semi-custom and stock cabinetry may not be as flexible.

Raised Panel: Raised Panels are a traditional and classic design that has been around forever. Yet, it is still a favourite among skilled cabinet makers and is considered to be a hallmark of craftsmanship. The panel itself, stands out from the rest of the door offering it a bevelled look. Raised panels can be curved, cathedral styled or routed.
Recessed Panel: The opposite of a raised panel door, the recessed panel is used to achieve a minimalist but clean finish. It is normally used in country styled kitchens and resembles a photo frame in appearance. Recessed panels can be bead board styled.

Decorative Inserts

Decorative inserts like molding are an easy way to enhance the look of any cabinetry. There are many different styles of molding like crown molding, edge molding, interior crown molding, stacked crown molding and light molding (used to conceal under cabinet lights).

Door Inserts

If panels are not enough, you can change the material of the door insert to add a personalized touch to the kitchen design.

Beaded Board: Use beaded boards to achieve a casual look that works perfectly in all kitchen styled.
Glass: Cabinet doors with glass inserts need no introduction. This timeless design has been used to give the kitchen a clean and airy feel. Your cutlery collection will add to the decorative element.

Finishes

Last but not the least, you can choose the finish of the cabinetry.

Natural: If you have cabinets made of solid wood like oak, then opt for a natural finish that highlights the deep grains of the wood.
Stain: Staining is a great way to add a coat of colour and protection without concealing the natural grains on the wood. There are a variety of finishes to choose from.
Distressed: If you like the classic and aged look of wood, then use distressed treatment to add a vintage charm to your cabinetry.

The A2Z of Kitchen Cabinetry – Part 2

Additional Articles about Kitchen Cabinets: