HERE ARE THE 8 MOST POPULAR STYLES OF KITCHEN CABINETSEUGENE CHRINIAN

HERE ARE THE 8 MOST POPULAR STYLES OF KITCHEN CABINETS

When it comes time for a kitchen redesign, there are many different elements that you must consider. New hardware, paint colors, appliances, flooring, and countertops all can help breathe new life into the space. And of course, there’s the kitchen’s most important feature: the cabinets. Available in a wide range of materials, stains, shades, and shapes, cabinetry is at the heart of every kitchen design scheme.

Read on to learn about eight of the most popular cabinet styles that you can use in your kitchen:

LOUVERED

The louvered cabinet style borrows influence from the look of shuttered windows, with rows of slats adorning the entire front. Though they are one of the more expensive options when it comes to cabinetry, they offer a unique design aesthetic that’s difficult to match. You can customize the horizontal slats on these cabinet surfaces to make them as thin or as thick as you’d like. If you want to create an airier feel in your kitchen, consider purchasing louvered doors, which you can open and close like window blinds.

RUSTIC

There are countless ways to bring the coziness and warmth of the rustic style into your kitchen, and several types of cabinets fit into this aesthetic. For a truly rustic look, you can create cabinetry out of reclaimed wood. The weather-worn appearance and beautiful shades in the wood will help bring depth and charm to your kitchen. Other rustic wood choices include knotty pine, which features knots and irregularities in the surface of the wood for a textured, natural look. Alternatively, you could opt for whitewashed cabinets for a bright, inviting country kitchen aesthetic. For an easy, cheap DIY solution, transform your existing cabinetry by simply brushing them with white glaze.

SHAKER

Another of the most popular cabinet styles is the Shaker, a timeless look that dates back to the religious movement of the same name founded in England in the 1700s. Simple and practical, Shaker cabinets feature doors with a single flat panel recessed inside a thick rectangular frame that consists of four attached pieces. The sharp geometric lines and humble appearance of Shaker cabinets make them extremely flexible when it comes to the design of the rest of the kitchen. Whether you decide to paint them or leave them in a natural wood finish, they can complement virtually any style of décor.

OPEN FRONT

Another style that is increasing in popularity is the open-faced cabinet. These are characterized by a simple frame surrounding an otherwise exposed face, which allows you to see the contents within. While you can leave the cabinets fully open for a look that resembles shelving, consider adding glass panels—either clear or glazed—for a more refined look. You can also take a more adventurous route and cover the exposed face with textured chicken wire, if you’re going for a rustic or country style.

FURNITURE STYLE

Following the influence of early 20th century European-style homes, many homeowners are turning to furniture for design inspiration for their cabinetry. Lending a more traditional aesthetic, furniture-style cabinets may feature details like crown molding or turned feet, and include built-in bookcases and other custom features. A common example of the style is the cabinet panel refrigerator, where the appliance’s doors are covered with panels to blend in with the rest of the cabinetry. For a more daring look, you can take actual pieces of freestanding furniture and use them as kitchen cabinets.

DISTRESSED

In a vintage-inspired home, you can continue the aesthetic in the kitchen by refinishing your cabinets in a distressed style. The best part about this type of cabinet is that you can purchase them ready-made from the store or take your existing cabinets and transform them yourself. Buff, sand, and scrape away layers of paint, then re-paint and repeat the sanding process to mimic the appearance of natural wear and tear. You can also treat your cabinets with a milk wash for an antique look.

FLAT PANEL

If you favor a modern or contemporary style, flat panel cabinetry may be the way to go. This style foregoes ornamentation in favor of a more minimalist appearance. As implied by the name, flat panel cabinets do not feature the recessed spaces, slats, carvings, or framing that are typical of other types. Instead, they have only a single hard surface, typically made of wood or laminate. Finish the look with sleek metal handles to amplify the modern aesthetic, or select cabinets designed to function without handles for a truly minimalist look.

TRADITIONAL

Traditional cabinetry still remains the most popular choice among homeowners across North America. It is best known for its intricate detailing and timeless embellishments, such as crown molding. Another common feature that distinguishes traditional cabinets is the raised panel door, which includes a middle panel that is seemingly carved out of the outer frame. Alternatively, you can try cabinet doors in the arched cathedral style. A more elaborate choice, this type has a recessed panel with a sweeping arch at the top.