“When it comes to a kitchen remodel, cabinets are an important consideration in terms of design and function because of the power they hold in making a statement within the space,” said Danni Maddison, a Sales Design Consultant with Callen in Muskego. “From the type of material to operation, storage space, and color, each aspect of a kitchen cabinet will express a different look and feel, contributing to a custom kitchen environment for you and your family.”
The last few years has seen an increase in demand for the use of natural materials in the home, which in terms of kitchen cabinetry, includes a rise in popularity in wood cabinets. “Natural wood cabinets offer a beautiful and unique aesthetic that adds warmth to the heart of the home as well as offers the versatility to complement nearly every type of kitchen design,” said Danni. Popular types of wood used in the construction of kitchen cabinets include oak, pine, cherry, maple, and hickory. Moreover, wood can always be painted or stained to match any desired hue. “Not to mention, because wood is a natural material, it’s also considered a healthy home material as it is not typically treated with harmful chemicals or toxins,” she said. While other chemically treated materials within a home can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which negatively affect your home’s indoor air quality and even your health, natural materials greatly reduce, if not virtually eliminate, your exposure to VOCs within a home.
Another kitchen cabinetry trend that’s gaining traction involves cabinets that operate using a push-open technique instead of a handle. “The concept behind cabinets without handles is to create a truly streamlined space,” Danni said. “It’s a statement on minimalism, but it also helps focus your attention on the details of the cabinets themselves.” Alternatively, homeowners that simply can’t do without handles, yet still desire to achieve a sleek kitchen design, can opt for recessed handles. As for the color of the recessed handles, it’s recommended to choose one that is in direct contrast with the cabinets for added intrigue and improved aesthetic appeal.
A major concern for homeowners with regards to their kitchens is storage space, which is more than understandable given the sheer volume of various food items, kitchen appliances, and utensils commonly stored in this space. More specifically, many homeowners prefer hidden storage, which aims to keep everything organized inside kitchen cabinets with custom storage solutions, while outwardly displaying clean lines to not interfere with the kitchen’s flow. “In other words, think pull-out pantry systems and deeper and wider cabinets and drawers that can accommodate bulky pots and pans,” said Danni. “For those that choose to fully embrace the concept of minimalism, paneled appliances, which elegantly and discreetly camouflage large appliances, such as the refrigerator or dishwasher, are becoming more commonplace. Since the panels match the rest of the kitchen’s cabinetry, your appliances flawlessly blend into the rest of your kitchen, creating a truly seamless look.”
White kitchen cabinetry is timeless, so it continues to be a strong staple in today’s kitchen designs, primarily due to the versatility of the color. In fact, white is compatible with all kitchen styles, from traditional and farmhouse to transitional and contemporary, and everything in between. Plus, white symbolizes cleanliness and peace and works well to keep the space bright and cheerful. “White cabinets also provide the perfect backdrop for layering on colors,” Danni said. “For instance, any bold colors you choose to incorporate into the cabinet handles, countertops, or backsplash, will really pop against solid white cabinets.” What’s more, white cabinets will help add value to a home when it comes time to sell the property, as prospective homebuyers tend to hold white kitchen cabinetry in high regard.
“Other colors that are highly favored for kitchen cabinets include greens or blues of varying intensity,” said Danni. “For example, light moss, which is a pale, earthy shade of green, adds softness and comfort to the space, while darker shades of green, such as emerald, are considered luxe and striking.” Green is also best suited for brass and tan-colored accents. “As for blue, bold shades like deep teals, are quickly becoming sought-after colors for kitchen cabinets,” she said. “Bold blues are dramatic and, depending on your design preferences, can either be the focal point of the room when surrounded by lighter tones in walls and countertops, or function as a neutral when surrounded by analogous tones.” Additionally, lighter shades of blue are also on-trend, particularly the vintage blue color that is synonymous with 1950s kitchen design.
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, you’ll want to ensure that you give each aspect of kitchen cabinetry design, including the material, operation, storage space, and color, the care and attention necessary to make an informed decision. “Your final decisions should accurately reflect not only your personal taste and style as well as compliment the rest of your home, but also serve the unique needs of you and your family,” said Danni.
To discuss your kitchen cabinets and start the process of a kitchen remodel, Call Callen today.
