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7 Considerations For Your Custom Kitchen Design

Choosing a custom kitchen design isn’t as simple as just gathering a ton of Pinterest kitchen pictures. While all of them might look like your dream kitchen, you still have to customize it to your needs. It’s always a great idea to look at other kitchens to get great ideas. After all, you never really know what’s possible until you step outside of your own kitchen. However, a custom kitchen has to be perfect for you. Take what you love about other kitchens and use the following considerations to create a design you’ll love for years to come.

1. Choosing A Comfortable Cabinet Size

7 Considerations For Your Custom Kitchen DesignOften times, you hear people talking about cabinet sizes in relation to what they can store. This is an important consideration. A custom kitchen design means you can adjust cabinet sizes to best fit your needs. One thing you don’t hear about often is adjusting the size to your height. Yes, you should focus on storage, but if you can’t comfortably use your cabinets, you won’t like your kitchen.

Ensure your cabinets are at a comfortable height. Even if your top cabinets should be easy to reach. You can even have a stool built-in to your kitchen to make it easier to reach things. If you opt for completely custom cabinets, you can get everything you need.

2. Customizing Storage

No kitchen design is complete without custom storage. Standard shelves and drawers aren’t always enough. In fact, most kitchens need customized storage. From built-in organizers to pull-out shelves, there is a way to store almost anything without compromising. Figuring out all the innovative options isn’t always easy, but searching for kitchen storage ideas on Pinterest is a great option. By building storage into the original design, you won’t have to adjust your cabinets after they’re installed.

3. Creating A Work Triangle

You work in your kitchen in a specific way. Most people don’t really think about it. However, experts refer to this as the kitchen work triangle. You’ll want to incorporate this kitchen work triangle into your custom kitchen design. It makes using your kitchen so much easier. The idea is to ensure optimal productivity between your sink, stove and refrigerator. By getting the spacing just right, you never have to move too far nor feel too cramped.

4. Picking The Right Countertop

Home Kitchen Makeover On A BudgetWhile you should definitely consider looks when it comes to your countertop, there’s so much more to it. For instance, do you want a material that’s difficult to clean, even if it looks amazing? What about how difficult it is to maintain, such as adding new seals every year? Another consideration is your budget. Thanks to all the varieties of countertops available, you can pick a budget-friendly option that looks and functions almost like the more expensive options.

5. Customizing With Modern Conveniences

It’s easy to get caught up in the layout and cabinets for your custom kitchen design, but what about customizing your kitchen with modern conveniences. For instance, why not have a fold-down panel that hides all your outlets? Or, what about a charging drawer to keep your phone and tablet protected while you’re using the kitchen? For amazing ideas to create a more functional and innovative kitchen, Victoria Elizabeth Barnes has a great list divided into categories.

6. Budgeting While Getting What You Want

Budgets are important for your custom kitchen design. Before you get too attached to any ideas, set a solid budget. Decide where you will and won’t compromise. For instance, if you’re married to a granite countertop, you might have to compromise when it comes to appliances or flooring. If you’re having custom cabinets built, talk to the builder about your budget to begin with so you can plan together the right custom cabinetry plan for you.

7. Building In Storage For Small Appliances

People are relying more and more on small appliances in their kitchens. All-in-one appliances are even popular now to combine several smaller things into one. However, these all take up valuable counter space. When creating your custom kitchen design, consider how you can build in storage for these specific appliances. You might create a dedicated cabinet with shelves sized for those appliances or have cubbies built into your island to store often used appliances.

Eager to design your custom kitchen? Contact us today to learn how we can help you create the perfect custom cabinets for your new kitchen.

Image: House Method

How To Choose The Best Kitchen Cabinets For Your Needs

A large part of getting the kitchen of your dreams is being able to choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs. Picking the cheapest or quickest available isn’t always the best idea in the long term.

You’ll want to think carefully about how you use your kitchen, what theme you’re going for and how long you want them to last. After all, you probably don’t want to go through a full kitchen remodel every 3-5 years.

By picking the right kitchen cabinets for your needs, your kitchen is easier to use. You’ll spend less time searching for what you need and more time cooking and entertaining.

Consider Your Overall Theme

The first step is to choose your kitchen theme. This will help you choose the best kitchen cabinets to fit your theme. For instance, if you’re thinking of a more rustic theme, you probably won’t want bright white cabinets with an ornate raised door design. You don’t actually need a theme, but pick kitchen cabinets that fit the overall style and look you want. Countertop Epoxy and HGTV have a variety of themes to inspire your own kitchen.

Choose A Door Profile

You want to think about function and style to choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs. A good place to start when it comes to style is choosing a door profile. Do you want a flat slab, recessed miter, raised arch or something else? Odds are, you probably aren’t sure what most of those terms even mean, so the best idea is to take a look at cabinets and take pictures of what you like. This helps you figure out your options and if you’re having custom cabinets built, you can show the builder exactly what you want.

Pick A Wood And Finish

Particleboard might sound like a fabulous idea, mainly because it’s cheaper. However, it’s not so friendly when it comes to wet areas, such as around your sink. This is why if you want your cabinets to last longer, you’ll want to consider a hardwood instead. We’ve created a guide to helping you choose between different types of wood.

Of course, you’ll also want to think about your finish, such as stained, natural or painted. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, paint tends to peel over time, but stain typically soaks in deeper, making it harder to change later.

Think About Unusual Spaces

When you choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs, they should fit your space perfectly. This means cabinets that fit in those odd corners or even around doorways. Instead of just going with the standard kitchen cabinet layout, think about how you could fit cabinets into more unusual spaces to create more storage space.

This even applies to how you use your kitchen. For instance, small custom cabinets around your range hood give you access to the utensils you use to cook with most often. Or, add extra space for moving around by creating a cabinet that folds out into a table and stores the chairs.

Skip One Size Fits All

Pre-fabricated cabinets are great for quick remodels, but they only come in a select few sizes. Your kitchen is unique and isn’t going to feel like yours with one size fits all cabinets. You’re severely limited in how you place the cabinets, how much you store in them, types of organizational features and so much more. Custom gives you the best variety of options as you can get the exact cabinets you need to fit any space or function.

Consider Function As Well

It’s easy to get hung up on the looks. However, to choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs, you have to think about function. For instance, a standard cabinet with one or two shelves might not be the best option for storing numerous cans of food. A cabinet with pull out shelves that can handle heavier weights allows you to pull out the shelves and reach exactly what you need without any hassle.

Picking the perfect kitchen cabinets might seem difficult, but don’t worry. Look at your friends’ and family’s cabinets. Visit a custom cabinet builder to see samples of what’s possible.

When you’re ready to choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs, contact Edgewood Cabinetry. We’ll help you design the right cabinets for your kitchen.

Image: Pixabay

Renovation Tips - Kitchen Cabinets Buying Guide

A large part of renovating your kitchen means buying new cabinets. While you can repair or reface, sometimes it’s time to start from scratch for the look and feel you want.

To better understand what your options are, it’s a good idea to use a kitchen cabinets buying guide. You’ll learn the types of cabinets and what factors to consider before you buy.

From storage options to the color, picking the right cabinets drastically changes your kitchen and makes it perfect for your needs.

Decide On Your Budget

The first thing to consider is your budget. For most people, you’ll want to strike a balance between cost and quality. You have three main options to choose from:

  • Stock – Pre-fabricated cabinets that often use cheaper materials. You can buy and install them quickly, but you’re limited on options. They also may not last as long as custom or semi-custom.
  • Semi-custom – These offer a bit better construction and materials and allow you to customize some features. This gives you a better fit if you have odd spaces or non-conventional measurements in your kitchen.
  • Custom – These offer the most flexibility for customizing the look, feel and function. Plus, they’re made from superior materials. The downside is they do cost more and take longer to make.

We’ve provided a kitchen cabinets buying guide that compares these three types in more detail to give you a better idea of the differences. We’ve also detailed the benefits of going with custom kitchen cabinets.

In most cases, semi-custom and custom are your best options. They’ll last longer and offer you the chance to customize your kitchen. You can save money on both by choosing different types of wood and finishes. Cutting your budget in other areas allows you to buy higher quality cabinets that will last much longer. Some people opt for a mix of cabinet types, such as using custom hardwood around the sink and in odd spaces, while buying stock with custom doors for the rest.

Consider Construction Quality

No matter what type of kitchen cabinets you choose, always check for construction quality. For instance, if you’re opting for stock, check to see how edges are fastened, how thick the wood is, how easily the doors and drawers open and so on. Some stock cabinets are made fairly well. However, they typically use particleboard or a medium-density fiberboard that doesn’t last for the lifetime of your kitchen.

Even with custom cabinets, enquire about how they’re made. Ask about the materials used. If you visit in person, reputable builders should have samples to look at and pictures of past projects.

Think About Color

The next part of any good kitchen cabinets buying guide is choosing your color. You usually have three main options. Lighter woods, darker woods and painted. For a natural wood look, choose between lighter or darker woods. These are then stained to protect the wood and customize the final finish. Painted can be any wood type, but painted a non-natural wood color, such as red or white.

Painting works well, but be careful about your color combinations so you don’t make your kitchen look too dark or dingy. HGTV offers advice on picking the perfect color based on the theme of your kitchen.

For stained wood, darker woods like mahogany look beautiful, but opt for lighter floors to prevent your entire kitchen from looking too dark. With lighter woods like oak, accentuate with darker elements, like countertops and backsplashes.

Think About Extras

Sometimes, it’s easy to think of kitchen cabinets as just a box, but they can offer so much more. As part of this kitchen cabinets buying guide, stop to consider built-in storage and organization options. For instance, you may want to buy cabinets with slide-out shelves or a Lazy Susan. While you can’t always get these extras with stock, semi-custom offers some additional options. Custom cabinets are still the only option that offers fully customized built-in storage.

Choose One You Can Trust

Finally, no matter what cabinets you choose, always opt for a brand and/or builder you can trust. Beware super cheap brands and cabinetry services. The prices sound great, but do they have a solid reputation and positive reviews? Research brands, stores and services before buying. This ensures you’re getting the best quality for your money. Plus, look for cabinets that come with a warranty. After all, you don’t want to have to renovate out of pocket in a few months if something goes wrong due to poor construction or bad materials.

Interested in renovating your kitchen with custom cabinets? Contact us today with any questions and to find out how we can help.

Image: Fran Hogan

7 Common Mistakes In Kitchen Design And How To Avoid Them

You want the kitchen of your dreams, but some common mistakes in kitchen design could ruin everything. Don’t let this happen to you.

It’s easy to avoid mistakes and create a kitchen you’ll love to use. Whether it’s large or small, the right design can completely transform the space into something perfect for your needs.

The best part about these common mistakes is they have easy solutions as well. If you get it right the first time, you can go years without remodeling and still have a kitchen you enjoy.

1. Limiting Your Space

It’s far too easy to try and cram too much into too small of a space. This is obviously more of an issue for smaller kitchens. Instead of just trying to fit everything and having no room to move, get creative with the kitchen design. For example, skip a dining room table and have a slide-out table under the counter of a small kitchen island. You get extra storage and counter space with the island. Sit a few chairs near the island or even have foldup chairs nearby. Then, slide out the tabletop, grab the chairs and enjoy.

Use simple hacks to make the most of your space. Suddenly, a smaller kitchen has ample space.

2. Using Cheap Materials

Saving money is great, but not if you have to keep replacing broken kitchen cabinets, sagging shelves and water-logged doors. One of the worst mistakes in kitchen design is sacrificing quality to save a little. There are cost-saving options available. However, custom hardwood cabinets will far outlast cheaper pre-fabricated cabinets, meaning you’ll have a kitchen that lasts decades versus 5-10 years. The same goes for cheap fixtures that fall apart in no time, such as sinks and lighting.

3. Using The Wrong Colors

The wrong colors can make your kitchen look much smaller and dreary. Of course, going with a stark white makes your kitchen seem like it’s unusable. Instead, go with a blend of shades. Using a brighter floor and countertop along with darker cabinets works well and vice versa. The idea is to make your kitchen look welcoming.

4. Opting For Too Much Open Shelving

Open shelving is one of the top mistakes in kitchen design. A little goes a long way, but many people make the mistake of getting carried away. If some look good, why not skip cabinets and stick with open shelving? The problem is your kitchen will quickly look cluttered, things fall off the shelves and it’s difficult to keep everything clean. It’s much better to put most of your dishes and cookware in closed cabinets. Leave open shelving for decorative items or a few items you use all the time.

5. Cabinets/Drawers That Open Into Each Other

Sometimes your kitchen design gets away from you and it’s not until everything is finished that you realize opening doors and drawers is like a strange puzzle. Often times, this happens due to poor measurements or using cheaply built pre-made cabinets that open at weird angles. It also happens when corner cabinets aren’t carefully done and end up not opening without scraping against surrounding cabinets.

6. Restricting Lighting

Your kitchen needs to be one of the most well-lit rooms in your home. It also needs a variety of lighting. However, many kitchen designs make the mistake of restricting lighting. Cabinets may cast large shadows or block light entirely in some areas. Ensure lighting is placed so it lights the entire kitchen. Also, ensure there is ample space for under cabinet lighting around your stove.

7. Not Making It Your Kitchen

Trends are wonderful and give you ideas to update your kitchen, but don’t become a slave to trends or even classics. Incorporate trends if you like them, but don’t just use them to be stylish or for resale value years down the road. Remember, trends change, so you don’t want to be stuck with something that you hate and that’ll be outdated in a few years.

Instead, make your kitchen your own. It’s your space, so make it look like it. Use the colors you like and the design that works best for your needs.

8. Limiting Storage Space

Out of all the mistakes in kitchen design, limiting storage space is the worst. For instance, if you need more space, why only have bottom cabinets? Build cabinets above your counters too. Also, use as much vertical space as possible versus leaving large gaps between the ceiling and cabinets. This is lost storage space. You don’t have to just stick with standard cabinets. Gain more space by having custom cabinets built for your needs, such as more drawers or a tall pantry versus sectioned cabinets in one area. We have some great ideas for making the most of your space.

Kick kitchen design mistakes to the curb and prevent many of them with custom-built kitchen cabinets. Contact Edgewood Cabinetry today to make your dream kitchen come to life.

Colors That Date A Kitchen

Have you ever walked in a kitchen and just thought that it looked old, and not in a trendy vintage way either? If so, the reason could be due to using colors that date a kitchen.

That’s right. The colors you choose to use could be making your kitchen look old, even if it’s newly remodeled.

If you want to avoid this look, there are several colors you might want to think twice about using. This includes on your walls, for appliances and kitchen cabinets.

Anything Temporarily Trendy

Trends come and go, with an emphasis on “go.” Some trends will stand the test of time, but if the latest kitchen remodeling trend is to paint your cabinets fuschia, it’s probably better to skip it. Many colors that a date a kitchen come from trends. As soon as the trend fades away, anyone who sees your kitchen knows exactly how old it is.

That being said, if you absolutely love the trend, even after it’s been over for decades, then keep those colors. After all, it’s your kitchen and if it makes you happy, stick with it.

Stark White

White may not seem like one of the colors that date a kitchen, but it’s actually a color that decreases the value of your home. In fact, experts found it decreased the value of a home by $1,400 because it seemed too difficult to clean.

Of course, this is part of the reason why it dates your kitchen. It goes back to a time when either a parent stayed home and cleaned all day or you had a maid to help out. Now, you want something easier to clean than white. While it can brighten the room, maybe go with an off-white or at least add some type of colorful trim and some wood-tone cabinets to get away from an everything white type of kitchen.

Dark Woods

Dark cherry looks great, but it’s not the best color for your kitchen. Instead of a nice place to cook and eat, it feels more like a dark office. Dark and red-toned woods are best left for furniture, such as a dining room table and chairs, versus all your kitchen cabinets.

If you do want to use darker woods, use them in moderation. Too much makes your entire kitchen look dim and drab.

Pink Hues

Pink hues are definitely among the colors that date a kitchen. In the 1950s, pink dominated when it came to bathrooms, kitchens and even living areas. Sadly, we’re not living in the area of the Pink Ladies anymore. All that pink just makes your kitchen look well over 50 years old.

If you still love pink, you don’t have to give it up. Instead, use it as an accent color. It can be part of a backsplash or a pattern on your walls.

Burnt Umber

If you were around in the 1970s, you may very well have had a burnt umber kitchen. This earthy tone just screams dated and old. Even though retro colors might be reappearing in kitchen appliances, it doesn’t mean your entire kitchen theme needs to use colors from the 60s and 70s. Let’s face it, burnt umber wasn’t even a great color back then.

Tuscan Colors

If you’ve ever dined at an Olive Garden, you know this look. It’s filled with colors that date a kitchen. Odd shades of off-white and cream, darker browns and even hints of green show that your kitchen hasn’t had a makeover in a long time. While you can pull off a Tuscan theme, it’s not easy. In the end, it looks more cheesy than anything else.

Rules To Remember

First of all, remember it’s your kitchen and as long as you’re happy with the style and colors, that’s all that matters. However, if you want to avoid a dated look, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as:

  • Stick with more neutral, natural tones for the overall color
  • Leave bright, bold colors for accents
  • Don’t do anything just because it’s trendy
  • Stick with colors you’ll enjoy for years

Also, try to go with timeless colors, such as lighter shades of brown and gray. Yellow is also a popular color that gives a timeless feel.

Interested in remodeling your kitchen and giving it a fresh, yet timeless look? Start by contacting Edgewood Cabinetry today!

Image: Oleksandr Kurchev

stock cabinets for less

stock cabinets for less

Custom Made Kitchen SinksCustom sinks

The kitchen is the most pivotal aspect to most when buying or building a house. It is here that food is prepared, hobbies are developed and families spend a lot of time together. All of the different options for all of the different parts of a kitchen can make merely designing one a struggle in itself. Sometimes you may know exactly what you want and have specific design ideas, but you have no idea which contractor will do the best job for the best price. Moreover, remodeling your kitchen gives you endless options for customization. Companies such as Edgewood Cabinetry are your go to pros in kitchen remodeling. They have a deep knowledge of all the aspects of home construction, designs and finishes. This allows them to provide valuable and practical suggestions to help you along the way.

When doing kitchen remodeling, one of the first things most people look to replace is the sink. If you’re not careful both about the type of sink and quality instillation of it. it may cause flooding or bad smells from mold and mildew, which may lead to long term health issues. Furthermore, a crusty build up can form around kitchen sink faucets giving your sink a nasty look, even if it is dirty.

Here are a few guidelines you should keep in mind when deciding what to do with your kitchen when remodeling

Material

A kitchen sink can be made from many different types of materials. It is very possible to have a custom-made kitchen sink. Some of the more common materials used to make kitchen sinks are:

Stainless steel. This kind of sink fits into any kitchen design making it a very popular choice. It is extremely durable, isn’t very noisy, and is super easy to clean. This is a good option for most people if they aren’t sure what they want.

Porcelain. These sinks are beautiful and they have nearly unlimited color choices. They are best fit for traditionally styled kitchens, but with all of the color options you can work them in anywhere easily! However, they can easily chip or scuff so they do need to be well taken care of. Repairing isn’t really an option so you have to keep it in tip top shape.

Composite. Composite sinks are expensive because they are resistant to chips, scratches and water marks. They are very easy to take care of, you get what you pay for. They may not be the most attractive, but they do the job and will likely last as long as your home!

-Cast iron. These sinks are durable and come in a variety of colors. Furthermore, they are less noisy than other sinks and just plain look cool! They can act as a centerpiece for your entire kitchen.

Configuration

In the past, two-bowl sinks were the logical choice for a sink, one for washing and another for rinsing. However, today most homes come with dish washers so a two-bowl sink is unnecessary. This means you have more space and options to do what you really want to with your sink.

A single kitchen sink basin gives a streamlined look in your kitchen. It is attractive and versatile for your everyday kitchen needs. It keeps things nice and simple.

Two-basin kitchen sinks are still very much an option! They can be of equal or different sizes depending on your preference. Plus washing your own dishes will save you money if you’re into that!

A Three-basin kitchen sink has the two big sink bowls for dish washing and a smaller bowl in the middle for food preparation. This would be more handy if you’re the type of person that cooks a lot, or hosts a lot of events. People tend to not go for the three basin option unless they NEED it.

Style

There are different ways to style your kitchen sink, here are some tips and tricks:

The farmhouse sink is beautiful. It makes a statement and if it works in the theme of your home, its just great. If it doesn’t really fit the theme, you may want to go another way.

Self-rimming sinks are durable.

Undermount sinks create a seamless look from countertop to sink.

Integrated quartz sinks offer a unique and seamless look.

-Prep sinks are utilitarian island sinks.

Your destination for custom kitchen cabinets and design ideas is Edgewood Cabinetry!

Ready to start creating your own kitchen sink? Start by contacting us today to learn more. Call at (919) 339-7300!

Remodeling Your Kitchen

Before you start cutting or demolishing anything your kitchen, it’s important to think things through carefully.

Once you start remodeling your kitchen, it’s hard to just stop and go back to what you had before. Plan out what you want before you do anything else.

Think about what type of kitchen you’ll be happy with years from now. After all, most people don’t want to go through a kitchen remodel often.

Consider Trends, But Design For You

Trends are great, but every trend isn’t for you or your kitchen. The problem with kitchen trends is sometimes they go out of style. Ultimately, remodeling your kitchen should be about you, your home and what you want from your kitchen. If it means skipping the trends, that’s okay. You’re the one using the kitchen, so plan with your needs in mind.

Cabinets Are The Most Important Feature

Cabinets are often a focal point for kitchens, but they also get pushed to the side when it comes to a remodeling. After buying all new appliances, changing the floors, expanding the size of kitchen and other tasks, there’s not enough budget left for high-quality cabinets.

You usually choose between plywood or particleboard cabinets. The first is more expensive, but lasts longer. The second is cheaper, but can break down over time and is much more sensitive to moisture. Ensure your budget has room for long lasting cabinets. Consider custom cabinetry for a solution that’s unique to your kitchen.

Think Realistically

Maybe you’re absolutely in love with the open shelving trend. It does make the room look more open, but think realistically. The more open shelving you have, the more often you have to clean all the objects on those shelves. When remodeling your kitchen, think about how you really use it. If it’s not a feature that’s beneficial to you, skip it. Save your budget for what’s most important.

Look At What You Already Have

When you’re trying to figure out the right layout, number and size of cabinets, counter space and height, look at what you already have. How many pots and pans do you need to store? What small appliances do you wish you could hide out of sight? What organizational features have you always wish you had? Looking at what you have and what problems your current kitchen has is a great start to figuring out your remodel.

What Appliances Do You Need

Remodeling your kitchen doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. It’s far too easy to kill a budget simply by buying all new appliances. If your oven is still fairly new, does it really need replacing? Is it worth buying that trendy new smart fridge right now, or could it wait? You’ll design your kitchen around your appliances too, so consider the possibility that you might soon have something smaller or larger.

Ease Of Use

You’re under no obligation to keep your kitchen’s current layout. Of course, if it works for you, keep it similar. No matter what, think about ease of use before your remodel. For instance, if you’re working with a small space, is an island actually beneficial or more of a hindrance?

As you plan, think of how you want to move, which appliances and gadgets you use most, how many people might be in your kitchen at once and other ways you use your kitchen. If it’s not easy to use, it’s not right for you.

Space Available

No matter what your dream kitchen looks like, you’re still limited by the space you have available. Of course, you may be able to steal some room from adjoining rooms. Even if you can’t gain extra room, the way you arrange cabinets and appliances help give you additional space and the illusion of a much larger kitchen.

Budget

Finally, consider your budget when remodeling your kitchen. If it’s going to cost more than your home to remodel, you might be going overboard. Set a realistic budget and plan your remodel based around that. It’ll also keep you from immediately being drawn to all the trends and most expensive appliances.

Don’t forget to compare your options for custom cabinetry during your kitchen remodel. See how our kitchen cabinet expertise help bring your kitchen vision to life.

Image: George Pastushok

Kitchen Cabinetry Trends

If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen in 2018, you might want to consider the latest kitchen cabinetry trends.

With a wide range of trends to choose from, it’s easy to get the perfect kitchen to match your style and personality. Of course, the most important thing to remember is to always go with a style that you’ll love for years to come.

From keeping things hidden to gorgeous accessories, 2018 is full of trends to make your kitchen a one of a kind masterpiece.

Multi-Color Designs

Usually, you see kitchen cabinets in a single color. One of the more quirky kitchen cabinetry trends of 2018 is multi-color designs. For instance, you might go with a sea green and burgundy color scheme where inner door panels are one color and the rest of the cabinet the other.

Some kitchens feature the design where only the island is a different color. Others only use a varying color on the baseboards and trim. If you’re struggling to find the right color combo, This Old House has some inspiring combos to consider.

More Than Shelves

Why stop at just shelves behind your cabinet doors? Instead, consider pull-out drawers, spice racks, dish organizers and anything else you desire. The idea is to use your cabinets to better organize your kitchen and keep your counters clutter free. Sometimes, you’ll need more than shelves to accomplish this.

Neutral Tones

Neutral tones is actually an on-going trend, but it’s one that’s still popular going into 2018. Instead of traditional wood tone colors, neutral tones help brighten a kitchen and make it look larger. It’s the perfect trend for smaller kitchens that want to give the illusion of more space. White, gray and other light colors are always great choices.

Hidden Appliances

It’s hard to imagine walking into a kitchen and not immediately having your eyes drawn to the refrigerator. However, one of the biggest kitchen cabinetry trends of 2018 is going to hidden appliances. Smaller appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers will have dedicated cabinets. Your microwave and refrigerator will be hidden behind special doors designed to blend into your cabinets.

For a cleaner look and to confuse your guests, it’s a trend you’ll definitely want to consider. It’s even better if you also have a refrigerator that tends to collect fingerprints.

Display Cases

You don’t have to add in a china cabinet to display your best crystal or cute kitchen collectibles. Instead, try a new trend. Turn a few cabinets into display cases. Instead of standard doors, use glass paneled doors to provide a window to the cabinet. For taller kitchens, you could even consider having a row of small display cabinets that line the top. A little back lighting adds a classy effect and makes your kitchen both functional and decorative.

Reaching The Ceiling

How often do you wish you had more cabinet space? If you’re like most people and answered yes, you’ll love this next trend. Instead of large trim around the tops of your cabinets or just empty space that gets filled with odds and ends and dust, take your cabinets all the way to the ceiling.

You’ll usually gain a least an inch or two of extra space. While it might not sound like much, you’d be surprised at how much more you’ll be able to fit in. Plus, you won’t have to dust the empty space any more.

Shelves Versus Cabinets

One of the more unique kitchen cabinetry trends of 2018 is free-standing shelving. For items you use often, you might consider having open shelving in place of some cabinets. The shelves could be used just for displaying cute things you’ve collected or the plates and pots you use every single day. You could even place them next to a window and use the shelves to hold pots of fresh herbs. This is a highly versatile trend you could use for any number of things.

You don’t have to give up traditional cabinets though. Even replacing just a slim vertical cabinet with shelves gives you plenty of new ways to organize your kitchen.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is starting to appear more and more on kitchen counters. Unlike granite, quartz isn’t porous, which means anything you spill on your cabinet isn’t going to become a life-long resident of your counter. It’s only recently that quartz has been designed to give the same kind of flair to your kitchen as granite.

With counters that are easier to keep clean, it’s the ideal trend to try during your next remodel. Keep an eye out for increasingly more quartz designs.

Smarter Storage

The trend towards smarter storage is a welcome one. Instead of just having a bunch of cabinets with shelves, turn your cabinets into organizational tools that work for you. For instance, have drawers with built-in dividers versus buying plastic dividers later. Replace a cabinet with a wine cabinet. Have small racks built into the doors for storing pot lids, spices and cooking utensils.

Be creative. The more ways you can customize your cabinets to keep your kitchen and counters clutter-free, the better.

Furniture Meets Cabinets

If you’ve always thought kitchen cabinets seemed kind of plain, you’ll be amazed at some of the kitchen cabinetry trends that are spicing up the design. For instance, islands are getting carved feet, much like elegant chairs. An open shelving area might have a decorative arch to add some flair. Gorgeous carved moldings make standard cabinet trim just seem boring.

When you start thinking of your cabinets more like furniture, it’s easy to see unique ways to accessorize them. It’ll also add some elegance to your kitchen.

Turn Dining Into Storage

Kitchens are becoming more open and including dining areas. Why not embrace this latest trend and turn your dining area into extra cabinet storage? Yes, instead of an open table, you have more of a kitchen island style table. The island sinks in to provide space for chairs or stools.

To avoid anyone getting a leg caught on a handle, use recessed handles within the doors. This is a great place to store smaller appliances you don’t use often or bulkier cookware. When designed right, no one even has to know they’re sitting at cabinets. You need a table anyway, so combine table and cabinets to save space.

Considering using any of these kitchen cabinetry trends in your new kitchen? Contact us to find out the best ways to implement these in your home.

Image: Aaron Huber