CABINETRY

Top Trends for Custom Kitchens: CABINETRY

When planning your new kitchen, potentially the biggest element of the project is selecting and designing your kitchen cabinets. 

Because cabinetry is such a huge part of your overall budget, it is important that you do your research; look into the latest trends and options available to you. 

Cabinets are one investment that are sure to PAY OFF if done right; well-built cabinetry and a smart layout make your kitchen a space that is efficient and enjoyable. It also makes your home more desirable for resale. 

Designing your kitchen to fit with your individual needs as a homeowner can be a fun and exciting process.  With all the options available, it can seem overwhelming and difficult to know where to start with your design. 

 

Below we have outlined some of the TOP TRENDS to consider when building your custom kitchen.

The decision to eliminate endless rows of cabinetry can be an interesting design element, as it can help illuminate other elements of the home design that would otherwise be hidden or unnoticed, such as POSTS and BEAMS, WINDOWS, TILE WORK and other features.

 

SIMPLIFIED DESIGN

An interesting trend to consider in today’s kitchens is the reduction of the number of cabinets in a custom design. 

Breaking years of tradition, where more was considered better, some kitchen designs have taken out the long rows of cabinetry and have opted for more minimalist design choices, such as simple, open shelving and hanging pot racks.  This can create a simpler, more casual look in your kitchen space.  Another option would be to eliminate cabinet storage and create additional storage by bringing in an armoire or stepback cupboard in another part of the kitchen.

 

COLOUR AND TEXTURE

Aesthetic choices are vast in the world of custom kitchen cabinetry.  Homeowners aren’t limited by colour or style; you can choose your desired hues, from light glazes and stains to solid colour and shade options. 

There are many surface options to create beautiful colours and textures in your kitchen.  Depending on your taste, you can create a space that is clean and modern, Green or eco-friendly, country farmhouse chic, traditional, or a more ornate, Old-World style.

When thinking about texture, look for interesting wood grains and surfaces to add visual interest in your kitchen.  Unique wood grains can add a big punch of texture to your design. 

There are also a variety of cabinet designs to choose from, including FLAT PANEL, RECESSED PANE, BEVELLED EDGE, BEADBOARD, ARCHED, SHAKED, and RAISED PANEL.

Cabinet choices may be weighed for their environmental impact as well.  GREEN cabinetry may use sustainable wood species or be built of boards made from pressed byproduct materials.  Some manufacturers strive to build cabinets with non-toxic materials and adhesives to help maintain healthy indoor air quality.

 

THE BENEFITS OF AN ISLAND

Islands have been growing in popularity for years.  And it’s easy to see why; they make sense from both a design and a practical standpoint. 

From a design point of view, an island has the potential to dramatically alter the look of a space.  It serves as an axis around which the action of a kitchen is centered.  It allows for experimentation in colour and texture; the island can become a focal-point of the kitchen.  Adding a raised bar, making room for additional seating, choosing a different countertop than the rest of the kitchen, or using different colours and surfaces can allow an island to stand out in your kitchen space.

From a more practical standpoint, an island is an incredible addition in any kitchen.  It can provide tons of additional storage and it can be used for food preparation, serving, and even casual dining.  It can also house dishwashers or even be the location of your kitchen sink

 

SMART STORAGE

Cabinets have undergone a major evolution in the last few years.  In the past, kitchen cabinets were much simpler; they were basically just rows of boxes with shelves, hidden behind solid doors.

Cabinet makers now boast hundreds of smart storage ideas and details to improve your kitchen design, increasing efficiency and practicality in your home. 

Some examples of these details include PULL-OUT DISH DRAWERS, SLIDE-OUT CUTLERY DRAWERS, and VERTICAL COOKIE SHEET AND TRAY RACKS.

Also very popular choices today are: SOFT-CLOSE HARDWARE, SPICE STORAGE RACKS and ELABORATE LAZY SUSAN or PANTRY DESIGNS. 

Recycling has also been simplified by creating cabinets with built-in sorting bins.

In addition to these, cabinet makers have recognized that today’s homeowner does much more in the kitchen besides cook.  New on the cabinet market are COMPUTER/LAPTOP STATIONS, TV STANDS, DESK UNITS WITH FILING SYSTEMS, and SPECIALTY STORAGE for all the latest electronic gear.

 

RETRO IS IN!

Even with all the latest technologies and smart storage innovations, homeowners still want their kitchen to have a "warm" feel.  Many people are still drawn to old-fashioned ideas of kitchen design, such as classic details and finishes.

Pantries are resurging on the scene, with many homeowners drawn to the nostalgia and practicality of a pantry. 

Butler’s pantries are popular in that they provide a place to store china and crystal close to the dining area.  They also allow for a little extra “sparkle” in the design – clear glass and frosted glass can be used to highlight these particular storage cabinets. 

In terms of details, older designs such as CORBELS, CARVED LEGS and TURNED FEET, and ELABORATE MOULDINGS or BASEBOARDS are helping create a more unique, old-world design.  Some custom-built new cabinets can achieve the look of reclaimed antique furniture pieces.

 

 

You may also be interested in the following:

Kitchen Galleries; Check out Distinct Build's collection of kitchens.

Contemporary Kitchen Renovation; An East Hill home in Vernon gets a major kitchen renovation.